About | ASARIGAWA ONSEN

About Asarigawa Onsen

The History of Development Since the Showa Era

Before the Showa era, the area surrounding Asarigawa Onsen was a place where the Ainu people lived. From the Meiji era onward, Japanese settlement progressed, and the area became a hub for forestry and agriculture. Although the existence of the hot springs had been known since ancient times, full-scale development did not occur for many years, leaving the area as a quiet, nature-rich mountain region. It was only in the Showa 30s (the 1950s) that the infrastructure for a hot spring resort began to take shape.

The Birth of a New Onsen Village

With the improvement of roads and the construction of ryokans, the area gradually transformed into a hot spring destination welcoming tourists. Furthermore, in the Showa 40s (the 1960s), the opening of the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort (now Otaru Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort) brought national attention to the area as a unique resort combining hot springs and skiing. Today, it is cherished by many as a destination where visitors can enjoy seasonal nature, hot springs, and winter sports.

The Waters that Healed a Wounded Deer?

There is a local legend that a wounded deer once bathed in the waters of Asarigawa Onsen to heal its injuries. Established in 1954 (Showa 29), this onsen was also affectionately known as the "Deer's Dance Floor." Stories have been passed down by locals of how deer, drawn to the rising steam of the springs, would soothe their wounds in the water. This serene image of nature and the hot springs in harmony remains the root of Asarigawa Onsen, leaving behind a special story of "healing" and "coexistence" that defines the resort to this day.

Access Information
Access from the Airport and Sapporo.

By car

Approx. 40 min

From Otaru by car

Approx. 20 min

From Asarigawa Onsen IC
by car

Approx. 5 min

From New Chitose Airport
by car

Approx. 70 min

By Car

*Times above are approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions.

From Otaru

From Route 5, enter Prefectural Road 1 [Asari Onsen Street] and arrive in approx. 20 mins.

From New Chitose Airport / Sapporo

Chitose IC – Sapporo-Kita IC (approx. 29 min) → Asari IC (approx. 21 min) → Prefectural Road 1 (approx. 2 min) to arrive.

Public Transportation

*Times above are approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions.

From New Chitose Airport / Sapporo to JR Otaru-Chikko Station / JR Otaru Station

JR New Chitose Airport Station → JR Sapporo Station (approx. 37 min)
JR Sapporo Station → JR Otaru-Chikko Station [Local] (approx. 32 min)
OR → JR Otaru Station [Rapid] (approx. 32 min)