Sapporo’s Secret Onsen Sanctuary Marukoma Onsen Ryokan

8.9
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.9/10, based on 665 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:00 PM
Lake Views National Park Mountain Setting Riverside Location Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath
Staff 8,8/10
Facilities 8,8/10
Cleanliness 9,1/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,4/10
Location 9,3/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic lakefront onsen ryokan on the northwestern shore of Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido.

Lakefront Open-Air BathIts signature rotenburo sits beside Lake Shikotsu at nearly the same water level.
Historic Since 1915One of Lake Shikotsu's oldest inns, offering a long-established traditional stay.
Secluded Nature SettingSet alone on the quiet northwestern lakeshore, surrounded by forest and national park scenery.
Easy Airport AccessReachable in about 50 to 60 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport.
Shuttle SupportReservation-based pickup from Shikotsuko Onsen Bus Terminal helps without a rental car.
Hokkaido Ingredient MealsMeals are noted for healthy dishes using distinctive local Hokkaido ingredients.

Food & drinks

Verified as Marukoma Onsen Ryokan at 7 Poropinai, Chitose, with Hokkaido kaiseki, breakfast buffet, and a few useful nearby lake dining spots.

Restaurant Komakusa (on-site)
on-site

Main dining room for kaiseki and breakfast with lake views.

  • Marukoma KaisekifoodSeasonal Japanese course meal.
  • Special KaisekifoodUpgraded course with Hokkaido luxury items.
  • Breakfast BuffetfoodJapanese and Western breakfast selection.
  • Lake View SeatingspecialtyDining with Shikotsu lake scenery.
Irori Dining (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for charcoal-grilled irori kaiseki plans.

  • Irori KaisekifoodCharcoal-grilled course dinner.
  • Grilled YamamefoodWhole river fish, grilled.
  • Hokkaido BeeffoodLocal beef in selected courses.
  • SakedrinkGood match for grilled dishes.
Poropinai Shokudo (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Simple lakeside eatery in the Poropinai area, useful for casual local meals.

  • Himemasu DishesfoodLake trout specialty around Shikotsu.
  • Set MealsfoodCasual Japanese lunch plates.
  • NoodlesfoodQuick hot meal option.
  • Lakefront StopspecialtyEasy meal break by the water.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is a lakeside hot spring inn on the remote western shore of Lake Shikotsu, most practically reached via New Chitose Airport or JR Chitose-area rail hubs followed by bus or taxi and often a ryokan shuttle connection from the Lake Shikotsu bus terminal area.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a distinctive lakeside ryokan on Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido, best suited to travelers who want a scenic onsen stay with a traditional feel rather than a slick luxury resort experience. Its setting and baths are the main draw, while access and aging facilities are the main trade-offs.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Rare lake-connected hot springThe standout experience here is its unusual natural open-air bath fed from the lakebed, which gives the onsen a far more memorable character than a standard hotel bath.
  • Superb Lake Shikotsu settingThe ryokan sits right on the lakeshore in a national park area, so the baths and many rooms lean heavily into wide water views and a quiet, remote atmosphere.
  • Historic ryokan atmosphereFounded in 1915, it offers a more old-school Hokkaido hot spring inn feel that appeals to travelers who want tradition, tatami rooms, and a sense of place.
  • Good base near New Chitose AirportDespite feeling secluded, it is still reachable in about an hour by car from New Chitose Airport, making it practical for a short Hokkaido escape.
  • Strong onsen-focused stayThis is a property where the bathing experience is clearly the centerpiece, with indoor and outdoor options, sauna facilities, and a setting designed for slow relaxation.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Remote without a carGetting there is less straightforward than central resort hotels because public transport typically involves reaching the Lake Shikotsu bus terminal first and then relying on a reservation-only shuttle.
  • Facilities may feel datedTravelers expecting polished contemporary interiors may find parts of the property old-fashioned, since its appeal is more historic and atmospheric than newly renovated and design-led.
  • More about onsen than sightseeing convenienceIt is not a walkable village-base with lots of nearby shops, cafes, or attractions, so it suits people happy to stay in and enjoy the baths rather than go out repeatedly.
  • Traditional style may not suit everyoneSome rooms and the overall ryokan format lean into Japanese-style lodging, which can be less comfortable for guests who strongly prefer Western beds and modern hotel routines.
  • Weather can shape the experienceBecause the biggest selling point is the lakeside outdoor bathing and natural setting, bad weather or low-visibility days can noticeably reduce the wow factor of the stay.

Ranking around this ryokan in Hokkaido

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 31st out of 97 ryokans in Hokkaido.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
26th Tabist Chikuba Shinyotei Hakodate Yunokawaonsen 8.9/10 1,248
27th Yumoto Noboribetsu 8.9/10 1,239
28th Yunokawa Onsen Emi Hakodateya 8.9/10 917
29th Nakamuraya Ryokan 8.9/10 876
30th Ryotei Hanayura 8.9/10 702
31st Sapporo’s Secret Onsen Sanctuary Marukoma Onsen Ryokan Current ryokan 8.9/10 665
32nd Shogetsu Grand Hotel 8.9/10 303
33rd Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei 8.9/10 205
34th Noboribetsu Grand Hotel 8.8/10 2,144
35th Kashoutei Hanaya 8.8/10 773
36th Guest House Nemuroman 8.8/10 690
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