Biei Shirogane Onsen

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Biei Shirogane Onsen: A Delightfully Scenic Soak in the Japanese Countryside

Let me tell you about a little corner of paradise tucked away in Hokkaido—Biei Shirogane Onsen. This picturesque hot spring resort, serenely nestled in a birch forest, offers magnificent views of the towering Tokachi Mountain Range. A quick 25-minute taxi ride from Biei Station delivers you to this peaceful retreat, where visitors can either pop by for a day trip or linger for an overnight stay. The hot spring water, enriched with sodium, calcium, and magnesium, has gained a reputation for its therapeutic benefits, making it one of the most healing spots in all of Hokkaido.

A Little History: Gold Beneath the Surface

Shirogane Onsen wasn’t just stumbled upon—no, it was discovered in 1950 by the determined mayor of Biei Town, Kakuichi Kogami. After navigating numerous challenges, Kogami unearthed this precious hot spring, which bubbles up from a depth of 399 meters. The water, almost poetically named Shirogane (Japanese for “white gold”), was seen as valuable as the finest treasure beneath the earth.

As you make your way to this onsen, you’ll find yourself driving along Shirakaba Kaido, or “White Birch Road.” Lined with beautiful birch trees, this road owes its existence to the 1926 eruption of Mount Tokachi, which, in one of nature’s wondrous ways, allowed the forest to grow after the volcanic destruction. The scenery here? Sublime, no matter the season—whether it’s summer’s lush green, autumn’s fiery foliage, or the dazzling white winter snow.

The Magic of the Springs: Forget Your Walking Stick

Ah, the water! The hot spring water here comes from sodium-calcium-magnesium sulfate chloride springs and flows at a toasty 46°C to 55°C. It’s renowned not just for soothing aches but for working such wonders that locals have dubbed it the “spring of forgetting the walking stick.” And what a list of ailments it claims to relieve:

  • Neuralgia
  • Myalgia (that’s muscle pain for you and me)
  • Arthralgia (the woes of joint pain)
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Motor paralysis
  • Chronic digestive disorders
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Fatigue recovery
  • Skin conditions
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • General health promotion

Interestingly, the water starts off crystal clear but, as if enchanted, turns a light, cloudy brown when exposed to air. Don’t worry—it’s just part of its mineral magic.

For the Day Tripper and the Overnighter Alike

Shirogane Onsen offers plenty of options, whether you’re keen on just dipping in for the day or luxuriating overnight. Here’s a rundown of the key spots:

  1. Taisetsuzan Shirogane Kanko Hotel (Mori-no-shizuku RIN)
  • Day Trip Bathing Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun & Holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Fees: Adults: JPY 1,200; Children (6-12 years): JPY 600; Free for children under elementary school age.
  • Facilities: Open-air bath, sauna, towel rental available.
  • Contact: +81-166-94-3111
  • Website: Shirogane Kanko Hotel
  1. Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Heonobi Yuyu)
  • Day Trip Bathing Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
  • Fees: Adults: JPY 1,200; Children (6-12 years): JPY 600; Children (3-5 years): JPY 350.
  • Facilities: Open-air bath, sauna, towel rental available.
  • Contact: +81-166-94-3333
  • Website: Yumoto Shirogane Onsen
  1. Shirogane Park Hills
  • Day Trip Bathing Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Fees: Adults: JPY 1,090; Children (6-12 years): JPY 660; Children (3-5 years): JPY 330; Free for children under 3 years old.
  • Facilities: Open-air bath, sauna, towel rental available.
  • Contact: +81-166-94-3041
  • Website: Hotel Park Hills
  1. Mori no Ryotei Biei
  • Day Trip Bathing Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
  • Fees: Adults: JPY 1,000; Children (6-12 years): JPY 500; Children (3-5 years): JPY 300.
  • Contact: +81-166-68-1500
  • Website: Mori no Ryotei Biei
  1. Guesthouse Tsuewasure no Yu
  • Day Trip Bathing Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Fees: Adults: JPY 600; Children (3-12 years): JPY 300; Free for children under 2.
  • Facilities: Open-air bath available.
  • Contact: +81-90-1302-1422
  • Website: Tsuewasure no Yu

Getting There: Not As Hard As You Think

Accessing this gem is fairly simple, whether you’re cruising in by car, bus, or taxi:

  • By Car: You’re about 40 minutes away from Asahikawa Airport, or 20 minutes from Biei Station. But note: the road from Kami-Furano to Shirogane Onsen shuts down for winter (late October to early May), so during those months, you’ll need to take Route 237 to Biei and then follow Prefectural Route 966.
  • By Bus: There’s a shuttle service available from both Asahikawa and Biei stations, though you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.

Final Thoughts: An Onsen Oasis Awaits

Whether you’re aching for relaxation or simply seeking to bask in nature’s beauty, Biei Shirogane Onsen delivers on all fronts. The therapeutic waters, coupled with the breathtaking Hokkaido landscapes, promise a rejuvenating experience that’ll leave you feeling renewed. Whether it’s for a fleeting visit or a longer stay, this little slice of heaven is bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul—and quite possibly your joints!