Kitami Onsen (北見温泉)

Introduction: The Gentle “Pon-yu” Sanctuary of the Kitami Basin

Located on the outskirts of Kitami City—the sunniest city in Hokkaido and the undisputed “Onion Capital” of Japan—lies the quiet and therapeutic Kitami Onsen (北見温泉). Known affectionately by locals as “Pon-yu” (meaning “small hot water” in a mix of Ainu and Japanese), this hot spring area is a cherished community secret. Unlike the large-scale resorts of Sounkyo or Akan, Kitami Onsen offers an unpretentious, rural atmosphere where the focus is entirely on the quality of the water and the genuine warmth of Okhotsk hospitality. For the international traveler, Kitami Onsen serves as a perfect cultural bridge: it provides a high-quality thermal recovery after exploring the “Mint Trail” of Kitami or indulging in the city’s legendary Yakiniku (BBQ) culture. It is a place of rolling hills, blue skies, and waters so gentle they are nicknamed the “Water of Baby Skin.”

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Silk and Frog” Legacy

The water at Kitami Onsen is a Weak Alkaline Simple Spring. It is characterized by its absolute clarity and its distinctively “thick” or slippery feel—a sign of its skin-beautifying properties. The alkaline nature of the spring acts as a natural cleanser, emulsifying skin oils and gently exfoliating dead skin cells. This is why local women have called it “Pon-yu” for generations, referring to the way it makes the skin feel as soft as a child’s. A unique cultural quirk of this onsen is its mascot: the **Frog**. The name “Pon-yu” sounds similar to the sound of a frog jumping into water, and you will find many frog statues and motifs throughout the facility, symbolizing the “jump” in health and vitality you receive from the water.

Top Recommended Stay: Kitami Onsen Pon-yu Hotel

• Kitami Onsen Pon-yu Hotel (北見温泉ポン湯ホテル): This is the heart of the area’s wellness. It is a humble, nostalgic Japanese inn that offers a home-away-from-home experience. The rooms are clean, traditional tatami spaces. The dining hall is a major draw, serving “Kitami Onion” themed dishes and fresh seafood from the nearby Okhotsk Sea. It is a favorite for budget-conscious international travelers who want an authentic, non-touristy Hokkaido stay.
• City Center Hotels: For those who prefer a modern urban stay, hotels like Dormy Inn Kitami or Comfort Hotel Kitami are located 15 minutes away, allowing for an easy day-trip to the onsen after a night of local Yakiniku.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Mint and Yakiniku

Kitami Mint Memorial Museum: Kitami once produced 70% of the world’s peppermint. This museum is a fascinating look at the industrial history of the region and is highly Instagrammable with its mint-green buildings and fragrant gardens.
Kitami Yakiniku District: Kitami has the highest concentration of Yakiniku restaurants per capita in Japan. After your onsen, heading to the city for charcoal-grilled “Salami” or “Offal” is the definitive local ritual.
Wakamatsu Nature Park: Located near the onsen, this park offers beautiful walking trails and a ski hill in winter, providing a great year-round outdoor experience.

Local Gastronomy: The Onion and Mint Empire

Kitami’s food is bold, fresh, and surprisingly aromatic.
Kitami Onion Soup: Kitami produces the best onions in Japan. The local onion soup is incredibly sweet and served at almost every restaurant in the area.
Kitami Salt-Yakiniku: The local style of BBQ emphasizes high-quality salt and pepper over heavy sauces, allowing the flavor of the Hokkaido beef to shine.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Kitami is a leader in Onion and Legume production.
For Vegans: Try the local Onion Tempura (specify no egg) and the wide variety of Bean Dishes (Kitami is famous for white kidney beans). At the onsen hotel, you can request an “All-Vegetable Nabe” (Hot Pot) if you notify them in advance. The local “Mint Tea” is also a refreshing 100% vegan treat.

Cultural & Historical Context

The history of Kitami Onsen is tied to the “Hakka” (Peppermint) boom of the early 20th century. While the city grew wealthy through international mint trade, the onsen served as the vital recovery spot for the workers and farmers of the basin. The name “Pon-yu” is a reminder of the region’s Ainu roots, where even the smallest water source was recognized for its spiritual and physical healing powers. Today, the onsen stands as a symbol of Kitami’s “sunny” disposition—welcoming, bright, and deeply relaxing.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Pon-yu Hotel is a local community hub. Small tattoos are generally ignored; for large pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended. If you are staying at a city hotel, you can visit the onsen during the early afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) when it is least crowded.
• Language Support: Minimal English is spoken at the rural onsen facility. However, the city center has excellent English maps and many Yakiniku shops have bilingual menus. Have a translation app ready for the onsen restaurant.
• Cash & Payments: The onsen day-trip entry is cash-only (JPY). Most major restaurants and city hotels accept credit cards and Apple Pay.
• Transport: A rental car from Memanbetsu Airport is the best way to visit. There is a local bus from Kitami Station, but it only runs a few times a day—check the schedule at the station information desk.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Kitami Onsen launched the “Mint & Mineral” wellness program, featuring a special herbal bath using local peppermint oils during the summer months. For the 2026 season, a new “Yakiniku & Soak” shuttle bus is being planned to connect the city’s BBQ district with the onsen area, promoting safe and sustainable local tourism.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always sit on the provided stools while washing and do not splash water. Because the water is alkaline and slippery, walk carefully near the tubs. If you have been eating Kitami Yakiniku, ensure you have washed thoroughly before entering the tubs to remove any smoke or food scents. Finally, respect the quiet of the Wakamatsu valley; many guests come here for the silence, so keep conversations in the outdoor bath to a respectful whisper.