Pinneshiri Onsen (ピンネシリ温泉)

Introduction: The Emerald Forest Sanctuary and the Gateway to Mt. Pinneshiri

Located in the heart of the Nakatonbetsu district, surrounded by ancient forests and limestone wonders, lies Pinneshiri Onsen (ピンネシリ温泉). Named after the majestic 703-meter mountain that looms over the village, this onsen is a sanctuary for those who seek the “True Green” of Hokkaido’s interior. Pinneshiri, meaning “Male Mountain” in the Ainu language, serves as a vital resting spot for hikers, campers, and road-trippers exploring the northern valleys. For the international traveler, Pinneshiri Onsen offers a profound sense of pastoral tranquility. It is a place where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while overlooking rolling green hills, breathe in the air of native birch forests, and explore some of the most unique geological sites in northern Japan. If you are looking for a destination that combines mountain adventure with the quiet, restorative warmth of a high-quality thermal spring, Pinneshiri is your northern oasis.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Smooth Silk” of the Mountains

The water at Pinneshiri Onsen is a Sodium-Hydrogen Carbonate Spring, often referred to by locals as “The Bath of Youth.” The spring is characterized by its high alkalinity, which acts as a natural, mild soap. It gently emulsifies skin oils and dissolves old keratin, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth and refreshed—a sensation often described as “silk-on-skin.” The primary facility, Hotel Pinneshiri, features a spacious indoor tub and a sauna. In winter, the view from the bath overlooks a landscape buried in pure white snow, while in summer, the surrounding emerald green mountains provide a meditative backdrop. The minerals in the water are particularly effective at improving peripheral circulation, making it a favorite for hikers returning from the nearby summit.

Top Recommended Stays & Bases

• Hotel Pinneshiri (ホテルピンネシリ): The heart of the area’s wellness. It offers cozy Japanese-style rooms and a restaurant famous for its Nakatonbetsu-grown produce. It is popular with families and hikers who want a high-value stay with direct onsen access.
• Pinneshiri Campground & Cottages: Located right across from the hotel, this is one of the highest-rated campsites in Hokkaido. It offers spacious turf sites and fully equipped wooden cottages, perfect for groups and families seeking a forest retreat.
• Nakatonbetsu Town Hotels: Located 15 minutes away, several small, nostalgic business hotels offer alternative lodging for those traveling by public bus.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Caves and Gold

Nakatonbetsu Limestone Caves: A short drive away, these are Japan’s northernmost limestone caves. Formed 10 million years ago, the area is surrounded by primeval forest and offers a fascinating underground walk.
Mt. Pinneshiri: For hikers, the 2-hour climb to the summit offers a panoramic view of the entire Okhotsk and Soya regions.
Gold Panning at Usotan River: Nakatonbetsu has a rich history of gold mining. In summer, you can try your hand at gold panning in the nearby Usotan River—a favorite activity for international visitors.

Local Gastronomy: The Bounty of the Nakatonbetsu Hills

The food in Pinneshiri centers on the high-quality dairy and mountain vegetables of the interior.
Nakatonbetsu Milk: Try the local milk and soft-serve ice cream after your bath; the richness is incomparable.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Nakatonbetsu is a major producer of Pumpkin and Potatoes. At the onsen restaurant, you can order a “Vegetable Curry” or handmade Soba.
For Vegans: Order the “Mori Soba” (cold noodles) and ask for “Shio” (salt) or wasabi to appreciate the pure buckwheat flavor without the fish-based dashi dipping sauce. The nearby “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Station) sells fresh, ready-to-eat vegetable snacks in the summer.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Pinneshiri” comes from the Ainu words “Pinne” (Male) and “Sir” (Mountain). The mountain is a sacred landmark for the local Ainu people. Historically, the area was a center for pioneering forestry and gold mining. The onsen was developed to provide a health center for the community and to welcome “pioneers” of modern tourism who come to explore the unique geological and botanical diversity of the region. Today, Pinneshiri is a symbol of Nakatonbetsu’s commitment to “Green Tourism.”

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Hotel Pinneshiri is a community-oriented facility and is generally very tolerant of international guests. Small tattoos are usually fine. For large pieces, we recommend visiting during the quieter afternoon hours or checking if the cottages offer private bathing options.
• Language Support: The staff are used to campers and hikers from all over the world and are very helpful. Signage for bath rules is provided in basic English.
• Cash & Payments: The hotel accepts major credit cards for room stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local campground fees are cash-only (JPY).
• Driving Advice: Highway 275 is a beautiful, easy drive, but be extremely careful of **Ezo Deer** (Shika) and **Red Foxes** jumping on the road at dawn and dusk.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Pinneshiri Onsen launched a “Gold & Soak” package, providing special discounts for visitors who try gold panning in the morning. For the 2026 season, new “Luxury Glamping Tents” are being developed near the forest edge, offering easy access to the onsen and a high-end camping experience under the northern stars.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always sit on the stools while washing and do not splash water. Because the water makes your skin very slippery, walk carefully on the tiled floors. If you are hiking Mt. Pinneshiri, always check the weather forecast at the onsen reception before starting. Finally, respect the quiet of the forest; Pinneshiri is a place for peace, so keep noise levels down in the campground after 9:00 PM.