Looking for an authentic Japanese onsen experience—without leaving Sapporo?
As a local, I often get asked where to stay if you want that perfect mix of traditional hot springs, modern design, and city convenience.
The good news is: you don’t need to travel to remote onsen towns like Noboribetsu.
Right here in central Sapporo, you’ll find some incredible onsen hotels that offer the full experience—relaxing baths, beautiful interiors, and even local cuisine.
In this guide, I’ll introduce my top 3 favorite onsen hotels, each with its own personality.
Whether you’re here for culture, sauna time, or stylish views, you’ll find a perfect match.
🏨 Top 3 Onsen Hotels in Central Sapporo
1. ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
📍 8-minute walk from Odori Subway Station
🛁 Karurusu-sourced onsen, semi-open-air bath, sauna, cold bath
Yuen Sapporo is a stylish ryokan-inspired hotel offering a quiet escape with Kyoto-style design and Hokkaido warmth.
The large bath features natural hot spring water from Karurusu Onsen, known for its therapeutic effects. Guests can enjoy a cypress bath, semi-open-air bath, sauna, cold plunge, and even seasonal themed baths.
Breakfast is a colorful Japanese set with Hokkaido ingredients, including their signature hokke hitsumabushi (grilled mackerel with broth).
Dinner includes a full kaiseki course with a highlight on genshiyaki—charcoal-grilled seasonal seafood and vegetables.
✅ Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, cultural and culinary enthusiasts
2. Sapporo Hotel by Granbell (Opened March 1, 2025)
📍 7-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
🛁 Rooftop spa with semi-open-air onsen, auto löyly sauna, mist sauna, cold bath
Granbell Sapporo combines elegant design with full wellness amenities.
Located on the 25th floor, the spa uses natural hot spring water from 1,000 meters underground and offers a semi-open-air bath, tsubo-yu (deep tubs), auto löyly sauna, mist sauna, and cold bath. A stylish lounge with local stone and wood finishes awaits post-bath.
On the dining side, the rooftop restaurant & bar (26F) offers romantic night views of the city, while the 1F buffet includes 70+ items like seafood donburi, soup curry, and freshly made tempura.
✅ Perfect for: Design lovers, wellness-focused travelers, night-view seekers
3. Dansetsu Sapporo (Opened April 1, 2025)
📍 4-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Subway Station
🛁 Designer public bath + private sauna suites with cold plunge
Dansetsu Sapporo is a boutique-style onsen hotel focused on modern relaxation and sauna culture.
Its public bath, created by bathhouse architect Kentaro Imai, uses soft lighting and Hokkaido materials to create a meditative space. Guests can enjoy a sauna, cold bath, and seasonal features.
Select rooms offer private saunas with self-löyly, cold plunges with chillers, and totonou relaxation spaces—ideal for couples or groups.
Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet highlighting Hokkaido’s meat and dairy products, and free ramen is served nightly (21:00–23:00) as a perfect sauna meal.
✅ Perfect for: Sauna fans, couples, boutique hotel seekers, casual foodies
🚇 Getting Around
All three hotels are centrally located and close to Sapporo’s subway system.
Whether you’re heading to Odori Park, Susukino nightlife, or even an event at Makomanai Ice Arena, you’ll have no trouble getting there.
🧘♀️ Summary Table
| Hotel | Location | Onsen & Sauna Highlights | Dining Options | Best For | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuen Sapporo | Odori | Karurusu spring, cypress baths, semi-open-air, sauna, cold bath, seasonal options | Japanese breakfast set, kaiseki dinner with genshiyaki | Cultural travelers, solo stays, food lovers | Aug 1, 2020 |
| Granbell Sapporo | JR Sapporo Station | Rooftop onsen, semi-open-air bath, auto löyly & mist sauna, tsubo-yu, cold plunge | Buffet breakfast (70+ items), rooftop dinner & bar with city views | Design & night-view lovers, wellness trips | Mar 1, 2025 |
| Dansetsu Sapporo | Hosui-Susukino | Designer bath by Imai, sauna, cold bath, private sauna suites w/ totou space | Breakfast buffet, free late-night ramen (sauna meal) | Sauna enthusiasts, boutique hotel fans, couples | Apr 1, 2025 |
🎯 Which Onsen Stay Fits You Best?
Sapporo isn’t just about snow and seafood—it’s a city where you can truly relax.
Whether you’re after a peaceful ryokan vibe, a modern spa with skyline views, or a boutique hotel with a private sauna, there’s a perfect onsen stay waiting for you downtown.
🛏️ Choose the one that matches your travel style—and let the healing waters of Sapporo take care of the rest.
