Niikappu Onsen (新冠温泉)

Introduction: The Sunset Sanctuary of Records, Art, and the Pacific Blue

Perched on a dramatic hilltop overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean in the Hidaka region, Niikappu Onsen (新冠温泉) is a destination where culture and nature exist in perfect harmony. Known by its facility name “Re-cord-no-Yu,” this hot spring enclave is uniquely integrated with Niikappu Town’s identity as the “Record Capital of Japan,” housing over one million vinyl records. For the international traveler, Niikappu Onsen offers a profound sensory experience: soaking in mineral-rich “Beauty Waters” while watching the sun set directly into the sea, listening to the crackle of vintage analog music, and exploring world-class modern art. It is a place of absolute quiet, defined by horizons of emerald horse pastures and the deep blue of the northern ocean. Whether you are a music lover seeking nostalgia or a nature enthusiast chasing the “Green Flash” at sunset, Niikappu provides a warm, restorative sanctuary that captures the sophisticated soul of Hokkaido’s western frontier.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Sunset Silk” of the Hilltop

The water at Niikappu Onsen is a high-quality Sodium-Chloride / Bicarbonate Spring. Pumped from deep within the Hidaka hills, the water is crystal clear and odorless, with a notably slippery, “silk-on-skin” texture. The bicarbonate content acts as a natural cleanser, gently exfoliating the skin—this is the classic “Bijin-no-yu” (Beauty Water). The chloride content ensures that you stay warm for hours, which is vital during the breezy nights of the Pacific coast. The facility, Re-cord-no-Yu, features one of the most spectacular Outdoor Rotenburo baths in Hokkaido. Perched on an elevated terrace, it offers a 180-degree view of the Pacific horizon. Soaking here as the sky turns from deep gold to violet is a meditative experience that attracts photographers from across the globe.

Top Recommended Stay: Niikappu Onsen Re-cord-no-Yu

• Niikappu Onsen Re-cord-no-Yu (新冠温泉レ・コードの湯): The heart of the area’s wellness. This modern resort offers spacious Japanese and Western rooms. The highlights of staying here are the Record Concerts held in the lobby and the dinner service featuring “Niikappu Wagyu Beef.” It is the best place to stay for those who want to witness the “Hidaka Sunset” and enjoy the quiet, artistic atmosphere of the town. The facility is highly accessible and welcomes international travelers with warm, localized hospitality.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Records and Horses

Niikappu Record Museum: Located in the town center, this world-class facility houses over 1 million vinyl records. You can listen to almost any record in their collection in high-fidelity booths. It is a pilgrimage site for music fans.
Dimaccio Museum: A short drive inland takes you to this incredible art museum housed in a former school, featuring a massive, 9-meter tall mural and fantastic surrealist sculptures.
Thoroughbred Road: Niikappu is one of Japan’s premier racehorse breeding areas. You can drive along roads lined with vast, emerald pastures where elite horses graze—a scene that looks like the Irish countryside.

Local Gastronomy: The Bounty of the Hidaka Hills

Niikappu’s food is defined by its high-quality beef and coastal abundance.
Niikappu Wagyu: Locally raised cattle known for their sweetness and tender texture. Try the “Niikappu Burger” at the local cafes.
Hidaka Kelp: Niikappu is a major producer of high-grade kelp, used to create deep, savory broths for all local dishes.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Try the local Niikappu Peppers (Piman). The town is a leader in pepper production. At the onsen restaurant, request the “Vegetable Tempura” (ensure no egg) or local Soba. The nearby Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki) sells fresh, ready-to-eat vegetable snacks in the summer which are perfect 100% vegan treats. The local “Niikappu Honey” is also highly recommended.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Niikappu” comes from the Ainu word “Ni-kap”, meaning “elm bark,” referring to the trees once abundant along the river. Historically, the town was a vital frontier for horse breeding during the Meiji era. The onsen was developed in the late 20th century as part of a visionary project to combine thermal wellness with the town’s unique collection of vinyl records—hence the name “Re-cord-no-Yu.” Today, it stands as a symbol of rural Hokkaido’s commitment to “Cultural Wellness,” where the healing of the body and the enrichment of the mind go hand-in-hand.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Re-cord-no-Yu is a municipal-style facility and is generally very tolerant of international guests. Small tattoos are fine; for large pieces, using a waterproof cover sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local community.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The Record Museum has multilingual audio guides. The onsen staff are very patient and used to help foreign visitors from the Niseko and Sapporo areas.
• Cash & Payments: The hotel accepts major credit cards for overnight stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local record shops are cash-only (JPY).
• Rental Car: A rental car is highly recommended to see the horse farms and the art museum. The hilltop approach to the onsen is steep and best reached by car.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Niikappu Onsen launched the “Vinyl & Vapor” program, where guests can request specific genres of music to be played through high-quality outdoor speakers in the Rotenburo area at sunset. For the 2026 season, a new “Eco-Cycling Trail” will connect the onsen with the horse farms, allowing visitors to explore the emerald hills on electric bikes.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water makes your skin very smooth, walk carefully on the tiled floors. When visiting the horse farms, never enter the pastures without permission and do not use camera flashes, as racehorses are easily spooked. Finally, respect the quiet of the Record Museum; it is a place for deep listening and nostalgia.