Kiyosato Onsen (清里温泉)

Introduction: The Crystal Blue Sanctuary at the Foot of Mt. Shari

Located in the fertile highlands of the Shari district, Kiyosato Onsen (清里温泉) is a destination that captures the ethereal beauty of Hokkaido’s “Blue Earth.” Kiyosato Town is famous throughout Japan for its pristine nature, most notably the “Kaminoko-ike” (Pond of the God Child), where ancient groundwater reflects a surreal cobalt blue. The onsen itself, centered around the “Ryokuseiso” facility, provides a high-quality thermal experience that reflects the purity of the surrounding landscape. For the international traveler, Kiyosato Onsen offers a profound sensory journey: soaking in clear, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by fields of potatoes and sugar beets, under the majestic shadow of Mt. Shari. It is a place of agricultural grandeur, quiet solitude, and a restorative warmth that embodies the clean, resilient spirit of eastern Hokkaido’s wilderness.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Silk Water” of the Agricultural Heartland

The water at Kiyosato Onsen is a high-quality Sodium-Chloride / Bicarbonate Spring. It is pumped from over 1,000 meters deep and used in its most natural form (Gensen Kakenagashi). The water is crystal clear and notably “soft” on the skin. The bicarbonate content acts as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and leaving your body feeling exceptionally smooth—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 nights of the Shari highlands. The primary facility, Ryokuseiso, features a spacious indoor bath with views of the hotel’s manicured gardens and a high-temperature sauna that is a favorite among the local farming community.

Top Recommended Stay: Ryokuseiso (Hotel Section)

• Kiyosato Onsen Ryokuseiso (清里温泉 緑清荘): The central hub for wellness and lodging in the town. It offers modern, clean Japanese and Western rooms. The dining hall is a major draw, serving “Kiyosato Potatoes” and local Hokkaido beef. It is the best place to stay for early-morning access to Kaminoko-ike for sunrise photography. The hospitality is noted for its “at-home” feel, welcoming international travelers with warmth.
• Kiyosato Town Center Guesthouses: Several small, friendly guest houses near the JR station offer affordable stays for backpackers and hikers aiming for Mt. Shari.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: God’s Pond and Sakura Falls

Kaminoko-ike (God Child Pond): A 25-minute drive from the onsen. This is one of Hokkaido’s most spiritual spots. The water is so clear that submerged logs look like they are floating in the air. The vibrant blue color is truly otherworldly.
Sakura-no-taki (Sakura Falls): From June to August, you can witness the incredible sight of Sakura Salmon leaping up the 3-meter waterfall. It is a powerful display of Hokkaido’s wild nature.
Mt. Shari: One of the “100 Famous Mountains of Japan.” For serious hikers, the trailhead starts about 20 minutes from the onsen. The peak offers a 360-degree view of the Okhotsk Sea and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of Shochu and Potatoes

Kiyosato is famous for its Potatoes and unique spirits.
Kiyosato Potato Shochu: This town was the first in Japan to produce Shochu made from potatoes. The distillery (Kiyosato Shochu Distillery) is a short drive away and offers tours.
Kiyosato Curry: A local favorite featuring a rich sauce and large chunks of the famous sweet potatoes.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: This area is a **paradise for plant-based eaters** due to its rich agriculture.
For Vegans: Try the local Potato-based dishes (ensure no butter) and the wide variety of fresh vegetables at the Roadside Station “Papa Land.” You can also buy the local Shochu which is 100% vegan. We recommend buying the local “Inca-no-mezame” potatoes—they are so sweet they taste like chestnuts.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Kiyosato” means “Pure Village,” reflecting the crystal-clear waters that flow from Mt. Shari. The town was developed in the late 19th century by pioneers who turned the volcanic landscape into some of Hokkaido’s most productive farmland. The onsen was developed to provide a place of rest and gathering for the community. Today, Kiyosato is a model for “Sustainable Tourism,” balancing the needs of its agricultural industry with the protection of the delicate Kaminoko-ike ecosystem.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Ryokuseiso is a public-facing facility and is generally very welcoming to international guests. Small tattoos are fine; for larger pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local residents.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The Shochu distillery has English pamphlets. We recommend having a translation app ready for the onsen restaurant menu.
• Cash & Payments: The hotel accepts major credit cards. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local farm stalls are cash-only (JPY).
• Access: The **JR Senmo Main Line** is one of the most scenic railways in Japan. Kiyosato-cho Station is well-connected, but a **rental car** is highly recommended to reach Kaminoko-ike and the mountain trailheads.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Kiyosato Onsen launched a “Shochu & Soak” package, including a tour of the distillery followed by a private tasting and a thermal bath. For the 2026 season, a new “Kaminoko-ike Morning Eco-Shuttle” will be introduced during the peak summer months to reduce traffic and protect the environment around the pond.

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 Kaminoko-ike, never throw coins or objects into the water as it disrupts the delicate mineral balance and visual clarity. Finally, respect the quiet of the rural town; Kiyosato is a peaceful farming community where the nights are silent and full of stars.