Kyowa Onsen (協和温泉)

Introduction: The Mushroom Kingdom and the Effervescent Secret of the Teshio River

Located in the fertile Aibetsu Basin, surrounded by the foothills of the Daisetsuzan mountains, Kyowa Onsen (協和温泉) is a destination for those who love the “Gourmet North.” The town of Aibetsu is officially recognized as the “Mushroom Capital of Hokkaido,” producing the highest volume of forest fungi on the island. The onsen itself—known by its facility name “Kyowa Hot Spring”—is a hidden gem that combines a rare, naturally carbonated cold mineral spring with world-class mushroom gastronomy. For the international traveler, Kyowa Onsen offers a unique sensory journey: soaking in “bubble waters” that gently tingle the skin, followed by a multi-course feast of rare maitake, eringi, and shiitake mushrooms. It is a quiet, rustic sanctuary that represents the incredible agricultural abundance of central Hokkaido, offering a profound sense of “Slow Food” and thermal healing.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The Effervescent “Bath of Life”

The water at Kyowa Onsen is geologically distinct, classified as a Simple Carbon Dioxide Spring. It emerges from the ground as a cold mineral spring and is expertly heated to 41°C. Despite the heating, the water retains a high level of natural carbonation. When you submerge, you can see millions of tiny gas bubbles adhering to your skin like silver pearls. These bubbles promote vasodilation, improving peripheral blood flow and helping the body retain heat long after you exit the bath—a vital trait for a destination in the snowy Aibetsu valley. The water is crystal clear with a slight, refreshing mineral tang. The facility features large indoor tubs and a “Source Water Bath” where you can experience the unheated, highly carbonated water in its rawest form.

Top Recommended Stay: Kyowa Onsen (Public Resort)

• Kyowa Hot Spring (愛別町協和温泉): The heart of the town’s wellness. It offers spacious, traditional Japanese-style rooms that are quiet and impeccably maintained. The primary reason international travelers stay here is the **”Mushroom Full-Course Dinner.”** The meal includes mushroom sashimi, mushroom tempura, mushroom hot pot, and even mushroom-themed sweets. It is a gourmet experience that is unique to this specific valley.
• Aibetsu Town Guesthouses: Several small, friendly guest houses near the JR station offer a more urban (yet still rural) alternative for those traveling by train and visiting the onsen as a day-trip.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Mushroom Temples and River Views

Aibetsu Mushroom Park: A fun, interactive facility where you can learn about mushroom cultivation and buy fresh-from-the-earth produce.
Kurumase Lake (Aibetsu Dam): A short drive away, offering peaceful views of the reflection of the Daisetsuzan peaks on the water.
Mt. Kinoko Viewpoint: A gentle hill climb that offers a panoramic view of the vast mushroom cultivation sheds and the Teshio River valley.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of Fungi

You cannot visit Kyowa without indulging in Mushrooms (Kinoko).
Maitake Sashimi: The fresh maitake mushrooms here are so firm and fragrant they can be eaten with just a dash of soy sauce and wasabi.
Mushroom Tempura: Considered by many to be the best tempura in Hokkaido, using a light batter to preserve the mushrooms’ earthy juice.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: This is a **paradise for vegetarians and vegans**.
For Vegans: The onsen restaurant can easily prepare a “Mushroom Feast” that is 100% plant-based if you specify “Vegetable only, No Egg, No Fish Dashi” in advance. Mushrooms provide a savory “umami” that satisfies even the heartiest appetite. We also recommend buying the local Dried Shiitake as a vegan souvenir.

Cultural & Historical Context

The town of Aibetsu takes its name from the Ainu word “Ay-pet”, meaning “arrow river.” Historically, the area was a center for timber and farming. In the mid-20th century, the town successfully transitioned to specialized mushroom cultivation to survive the economic changes in Hokkaido. The onsen was developed to provide health and recovery for the town’s hardworking mushroom farmers and has since become a culinary destination for food-lovers across Japan. It remains a symbol of the town’s pride in its “earth bounty.”

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Kyowa Onsen is a municipal facility and is generally very welcoming to international guests. Small tattoos are fine; for large pieces, we recommend covering them with patches or using the facility during off-peak hours (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
• Language Support: Minimal English is spoken at this rural facility. We recommend having a translation app ready for the mushroom-heavy menu. The staff are very patient and will use diagrams to explain the different mushroom varieties.
• Cash & Payments: The resort accepts major credit cards for overnight stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the mushroom park shop prefer cash (JPY).
• Access Advice: A rental car from Asahikawa Airport is highly recommended. The drive is flat and scenic. If taking the train, ensure you book a taxi from JR Aibetsu Station in advance, as they are not always waiting at the station.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Kyowa Onsen launched a “Mushroom Harvesting & Soak” package, where guests can harvest their own maitake in the morning and have it prepared for lunch at the onsen. For the 2026 season, the onsen is introducing a “Fungi Education Center” in the lobby, featuring English-language exhibits on the health benefits of Japanese mushrooms and their connection to the carbonated springs.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always wash your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water makes your skin feel slippery, walk carefully. In the restaurant, avoid making loud noises as the atmosphere is one of sophisticated rural dining. Finally, respect the quiet of the Aibetsu valley; the town follows a “Early to Bed” rhythm, so keep noise levels down in the guest rooms after 9:00 PM.