Koganeyu Onsen (小金湯温泉)

Koganeyu Onsen: Sapporo’s Historic “Golden” Gateway to Ainu Heritage and Healing

Koganeyu Onsen is a hidden pocket of tranquility located on the southwestern outskirts of Sapporo, just 10 minutes before the larger Jozankei resort. Known as the “Inner Sanctum of Jozankei,” this hot spring area has a history that predates many of the city’s urban centers. The name “Koganeyu” translates to “Golden Water,” a tribute to the legendary clarity and therapeutic value of its springs. Situated along the lush banks of the Toyohira River and surrounded by the peaks of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Koganeyu offers a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere. It is the spiritual heart of the region, serving as the site for the Sapporo Ainu Culture Center. For those seeking a meditative soak away from the city’s crowds, Koganeyu provides a pure, unhurried experience of Hokkaido’s natural and cultural roots.

Key Information

The Healing Waters: Volcanic Heat and the “Sacred Katsura” Tree

The history of Koganeyu’s waters is intertwined with the legend of the monk Miura Jozan, who discovered the springs in the mid-19th century. Scientifically, the water is a simple sulfur spring that gushes at a temperature of approximately 28°C to 35°C, which is then heated using natural methods for bathing. The water is exceptionally smooth and clear, known for its “softening” effect on the skin. At the heart of the village stands a 700-year-old Katsura tree, which is considered a sacred natural monument. Legend states that Jozan rested beneath this tree and received a divine message about the healing powers of the water. Today, the baths at Koganeyu prioritize the preservation of the spring’s mineral integrity, offering a soak that is believed to calm the autonomic nervous system and promote deep, restorative sleep.

Top Recommended Ryokans

• Yumoto Koganeyu (Modern/Gourmet): A beautifully renovated inn that combines traditional Japanese architecture with a modern, airy feel. It features a large open-air bath with views of the Katsura tree and serves exceptional Soba made with local Hokkaido flour.
• Matsunoyu (Historic/Traditional): A classic Japanese guesthouse that maintains a nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere. It is favored by local residents for its rustic charm and high-quality sulfur baths that overlook the Toyohira River gorge.
• Jozankei Yuraku Soan (Nearby Luxury): Located just a few kilometers away, this high-end ryokan serves as an alternative for those wanting a five-star base with easy day-trip access to Koganeyu’s cultural sites.
• Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo (Urban Base): While in the city center, this ryokan uses Karurusu hot spring water and serves as an excellent modern starting point for travelers heading to the mountains of the south.

Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)

Koganeyu is one of the most accessible “Soto-yu” destinations for Sapporo residents. Yumoto Koganeyu offers a comprehensive day-trip package for approximately 900 yen, which includes access to a variety of tubs including “Tsubo-yu” (individual ceramic baths) and a spacious sauna. Matsunoyu provides a more traditional, affordable day bath for roughly 600 yen. A standout feature of Koganeyu is the Public Hand Bath (Te-ayu) located at the entrance of the Sapporo Ainu Culture Center, where visitors can warm their hands for free while reading about the region’s indigenous history.

Walking Guide & Scenic Spots

Start with a visit to the Sapporo Ainu Culture Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan). This facility features an outdoor museum with traditional Ainu houses (chise) and a gallery showcasing intricate woodcarvings and clothing. Next, walk to the Sacred Katsura Tree to feel the ancient energy of the forest. For nature lovers, Koganeyu Sakura no Mori Park is essential; in May, 800 cherry trees of 11 different varieties bloom across the hillside, creating a stunning contrast with the “Harumomiji” (spring maple leaves). For active travelers, the Toyohira River Walkway offers a peaceful trail for seeing the autumn foliage reflected in the rushing water.

Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs

Koganeyu is famous for its Handmade Soba. The restaurant within Yumoto Koganeyu is considered one of the best in the Sapporo area, using stone-milled local buckwheat. Another local delicacy is Hakkenzan Apples and fruit jams from the nearby Hakkenzan orchards. For souvenirs, look for Ainu-motif crafts (especially embroidered coasters) and Koganeyu Bath Salts. The nearby Hakkenzan Winery also sells locally produced wines and “Cidre” (apple cider) that are perfect for taking home.

Cultural & Historical Context

Koganeyu is a site of deep cultural fusion. While it was a retreat for Japanese pioneers, it remains a vital site for the Ainu people, who have lived along the Toyohira River for millennia. The Sapporo Pirka Kotan (Beautiful Village) was established to preserve these traditions and educate the public on the Ainu philosophy of “Kamuy” (nature spirits). Every August, the Ainu Cultural Festival is held here, featuring traditional dances and woodcarving demonstrations. This connection between the geothermal springs and the ancient forest wisdom is what makes Koganeyu a unique “Power Spot” in central Hokkaido.

Practical Travel Tips

Transportation: Take the “Jotetsu Bus” (Station No. 7) from Sapporo Station bound for Jozankei; get off at the “Koganeyu” stop. Cash: The Ainu museum and smaller local eateries often only accept Japanese Yen; ensure you have cash before leaving central Sapporo. Seasonality: Spring is the most beautiful time for the Sakura park, but autumn offers the most dramatic colors along the river cliffs. Tattoos: Koganeyu’s facilities are very local; if you have large tattoos, it is polite to cover them with waterproof stickers or book a time when the baths are less crowded.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

Starting in early 2026, the Sapporo Pirka Kotan will introduce new multilingual interactive tablets to provide deeper insights into Ainu folklore during the self-guided outdoor tour. Additionally, the Koganeyu Sakura Festival 2026 (mid-May) will feature expanded night-time illuminations of the cherry blossom forest for the first time.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always sit on the provided stool while washing and never place your towel in the bathwater. When visiting the Ainu Culture Center, please remember that the traditional houses are sacred reconstructions; do not touch the interior artifacts unless invited by a guide. Finally, Koganeyu is a quiet, residential area; please maintain a quiet tone during your walks and take all trash back to your hotel or the city.