Shirogane Onsen Travel Guide

Biei
Shirogane Onsen
Claiming to have therapeutic benefits, this town is quite popular. Listen to the account of a man who arrived using a walking stick and left without aid.

Whether or not the story of a crippled man who came to Shirogane Onsen on Japan’s Hokkaido island and left cured is embellished, there’s no doubt that the hot mineral springs provide feelings of rejuvenation and relaxation. Located in the town of Biei at the foot of volcanic Mt. Tokachidake, subterranean springs come to the surface at various points in the vicinity. Stay at a local hotel that includes a hot spring feature in its list of amenities.

The water has a high content of magnesium, calcium and sodium and ranges in temperature from 115 to 131 F (46 to 55 C). The combination of minerals and warmth is said to have positive effects on conditions such as neuralgia, muscle pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin diseases, arteriosclerosis, fatigue and many other ailments.

Immerse yourself in one of the Shirogane Onsen baths in hotels and public bathhouses throughout the town. Prices and business hours vary. Lunches are available at some establishments, but not all facilities provide shampoo and soap.

A previous hot spring settlement existed where Shirogane Onsen is now located. Mud and landslides destroyed this area, known as Hatakeyama Onsen, when Mt. Tokachidake last erupted in 1926. The rediscovery of the hot springs in the 1950s was likened to finding platinum, which translates to shirogane in Japanese hence its name.

Enjoy the fabulous walking trails in Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest national park. The series of mountains including Mt. Tokachidake gives the park its name. One recommended hike includes Blue Pond, a magical site with dead tree stumps rising from a manmade pond with turquoise, emerald and cobalt waters. Swimming is not allowed.

Visit Shirahige Falls in the same area as Blue Pond. Its unique feature is the origination of its waters from underground, rather than from a river or lake above the falls.

Find Shirogane Onsen south of Asahikawa near the town of Biei on Japan’s island of Hokkaido. Whether you plan to spend a day or longer at any time of year in the resort area, you will leave more relaxed after soaking in its thermal waters.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Shirogane Onsen

Furano Natulux Hotel
Furano Natulux Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1-35 Asahi-cho, Furano, Hokkaido
The price is ฿2,032 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿2,032
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge).
8.6/10 Excellent! (889 reviews)
"good and clean hotel around Furano with a relaxation spa"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Furano Natulux Hotel
Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel
Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel
3 out of 5
Shirogane Onsen, Biei
The price is ฿3,937 per night from 20 May to 21 May
฿3,937
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Biei. Enjoy hot springs on-site, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (460 reviews)
"They gave us the worst possible room. It was a room with one flight of staircup, then one floor of stairs down with no elevators. When I noticed several empty rooms I asked if she could change the room and she said it will cost us extra 20,000 yens. We had two suitcases to carry up and then down ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2023

Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel
Taisetsuzan Shirogane Kanko Hotel
Taisetsuzan Shirogane Kanko Hotel
3 out of 5
Shirogane Onsen, Kamikawa, Biei
The price is ฿5,194 per night from 23 May to 24 May
฿5,194
per night
23 May - 24 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and hot springs on-site.
6.8/10 (39 reviews)
Clean spacious room
"Old hotel but clean room. Conveniently located next to Shirahige waterfall. Half hour walk to blue pond. Hotel provides shuttle to and from Biei Station."

Reviewed on 30 Sep 2023

Taisetsuzan Shirogane Kanko Hotel
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Shin Furano Prince Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido
The price is ฿5,508 per night from 19 May to 20 May
฿5,508
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa.
8.2/10 Very Good! (679 reviews)
"Dinner buffet is excellent especially crab. This place is very beautiful and so relax."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Shin Furano Prince Hotel
LA VISTA Furano Hills Hot Springs
LA VISTA Furano Hills Hot Springs
3.5 out of 5
5-14, Asahimachi, Furano, Hokkaido
The price is ฿2,318 per night from 20 May to 21 May
฿2,318
per night
20 May - 21 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
Great hotel
"Hotel is clean, and breakfast is good. The best part is private onsen available without additional charges. I will consider this hotel for my next trip"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2024

LA VISTA Furano Hills Hot Springs
Winery Hotel & Condominium HITOHANA
Winery Hotel & Condominium HITOHANA
3 out of 5
23-10 Kitanomine, Furano, Hokkaido
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site winery. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
"Nice quaint property, excellent free wine tasting with crackers and chocolates. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Winery Hotel & Condominium HITOHANA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Shirogane Onsen Travel Guide