Kamiyubetsu Onsen (かみゆうべつ温泉)

Introduction: The Floral Sanctuary and Thermal Heart of the Okhotsk Tulip Kingdom

Nestled in the vast, fertile plains of Yubetsu Town, overlooking the cold blue expanse of the Sea of Okhotsk, lies Kamiyubetsu Onsen (かみゆうべつ温泉). Known by its flagship facility “Tulip-no-yu,” this hot spring is a destination defined by the changing seasons—most famously by the 1.2 million tulips that transform the adjacent park into a kaleidoscopic sea of color every May. For the international traveler, Kamiyubetsu Onsen offers a profound encounter with Hokkaido’s agricultural grandeur. It is a place where you can soak in mineral-rich “Beauty Waters,” breathe in the scent of millions of flowers, and witness the resilient “Pioneer Spirit” of a town that turned a rugged northern frontier into a world-class botanical paradise. Whether you are a photography enthusiast chasing the spring bloom or a road-tripper seeking a deep saline soak after exploring the Oromon Line, Kamiyubetsu provides a warm, restorative embrace in the heart of the Okhotsk region.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Floral Mist” and Saline Warmth

The water at Kamiyubetsu Onsen is a high-quality Sodium-Chloride / Bicarbonate Spring. It is pumped from a depth of over 1,000 meters and is used in its most natural form (Gensen Kakenagashi). The water is clear but has a notably slippery, “silk-like” texture on the skin. The bicarbonate content acts as a natural exfoliant, gently removing old keratin to reveal smoother skin—earning it the reputation of “Bijin-no-yu” (Beauty Water). The chloride content ensures that your body core stays intensely warm for hours after your soak, which is vital during the chilly Okhotsk spring nights. The facility features a variety of tubs, including a “Herbal Medicinal Bath” that often uses local botanicals, and a spacious outdoor Rotenburo where the crisp northern air provides a refreshing balance to the hot mineral water.

Top Recommended Stay & Bases

• Kamiyubetsu Onsen Tulip-no-yu (チューリップの湯): The primary wellness and lodging hub. It offers modern, clean rooms and a restaurant that serves local Yubetsu seafood. It is the best place to stay for early-morning access to the Tulip Park for sunrise photography.
• Engaru Town Hotels: Located 15 minutes away, Engaru offers more urban hotel options and is a convenient base for those arriving by JR train.
• Lakeside Saroma Guesthouses: Located 20 minutes east, several guesthouses overlooking Lake Saroma offer a mix of sunset views and onsen proximity.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Tulips and Horizons

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park: Directly adjacent to the onsen. From early May to early June, over 200 varieties of tulips bloom here. It features a Dutch-style windmill and is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Hokkaido.
Engaru Gan-iwa (Rock of the Prayer): A massive 100-meter high rock formation that looms over the nearby town of Engaru. A short hike to the top provides a panoramic view of the entire Okhotsk interior.
Lake Saroma: Japan’s third-largest lake, famous for its world-class scallops and stunning sunsets. A 20-minute drive from the onsen brings you to the western shores of the lake.

Local Gastronomy: The Bounty of Sea and Field

Yubetsu is a hub for both high-end seafood and high-quality dairy.
Yubetsu Scallops & Oysters: The cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk produce some of the largest and sweetest shellfish in the world. Try the “Scallop Steak” at the onsen restaurant.
Yubetsu Beef: Locally raised cattle known for their tenderness and rich flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Yubetsu is a major producer of Onions and Potatoes.
For Vegans: At the onsen restaurant, request the “Vegetable Curry” (specify “No Meat Dashi”) or local Soba. The nearby Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki) sells fresh, ready-to-eat corn in the summer which is naturally 100% vegan. We also recommend trying the local Soymilk Soft Serve if available during the tulip season.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Yubetsu” comes from the Ainu word “Yu-pe-t”, meaning “hot spring river.” This proves that the indigenous Ainu people were aware of the geothermal activity here long before modern settlement. Kamiyubetsu was developed by the “Tonton” (Pioneer Soldiers) in the Meiji era, who faced brutal winters to establish the tulip industry. The town chose the tulip as its symbol because the flower’s resilience matches the spirit of the pioneers. The onsen was developed to provide a place of rest for the community and to welcome visitors to this “Dutch enclave of the North.”

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Tulip-no-yu is a municipal facility and is generally welcoming to international guests. Small tattoos are fine; for larger pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local elderly residents.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The staff are used to tourists from the nearby Monbetsu and Shiretoko areas.
• Cash & Payments: The facility accepts major credit cards for room stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local tulip stalls are cash-only (JPY).
• Seasonality: May is the peak season. Accommodation will be booked months in advance, and the onsen can be crowded on weekends. Visit on a weekday for a more peaceful experience.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Kamiyubetsu Onsen launched a “Tulip Terrace Breakfast” program, where overnight guests can enjoy a gourmet meal on a deck overlooking the flower fields. For the 2026 season, the onsen is upgrading its sauna to include a “Chilled Water Plunge” that uses the snowmelt waters of the Engaru hills.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water is alkaline and slippery, walk carefully on the tiled floors. When visiting the Tulip Park, never step into the flower rows to avoid damaging the bulbs. Finally, respect the quiet of the rural town; Yubetsu is a farming community where the nights are very peaceful, so keep noise levels down in the outdoor baths after 9:00 PM.