A unique journey combining the beauty of Mount Hakodate, tropical botanical gardens, monkey hot springs ♨️, and foot baths!

#Yunokawa #Hakodate #日本熱後

A Winter Healing Trip: Yunokawa Onsen's Monkey Hot Springs, Foot Baths, and the Hakodate Nightscape

Hakodate, Hokkaido, has always held a romantic and soothing aura in the hearts of travelers. Yunokawa Onsen, just a short 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, is a popular hot spring destination. Not only can you soak in the gentle spring waters, but you can also watch the adorable Japanese macaques leisurely bathing. Combined with the foot baths, botanical gardens, and the night view of Mount Hakodate, this makes for a perfect winter hot spring getaway.

🌿 The Warm Greenery of the Tropical Botanical Garden

Beyond the monkey baths, the botanical garden itself is a lovely spot for a stroll. Even in sub-zero winter, stepping into the greenhouses instantly evokes the warmth of the South. The gardens feature tropical plants like bananas, palm trees, and lemon trees, along with a variety of floral displays, making it easy to forget the snowy Hokkaido landscape outside. Bringing children along will allow you to experience a truly educational and fun experience.

🐒 Winter Exclusive: Even Monkeys Love the Hot Springs

The most unique experience at Yunokawa Onsen is undoubtedly the monkey hot springs. From December to early May, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden hosts an open-air hot spring for Japanese macaques. As the cold wind blows and snowflakes fall, dozens of monkeys huddle in the hot springs to keep warm. Their adorable expressions, no different from those of humans bathing, always draw laughter. This is one of Hakodate's most iconic winter scenes, a truly soothing experience that's no wonder it's a must-capture moment for tourists.

♨️ Free Foot Baths: The Simplest Happiness

If you're not staying at a hot spring hotel, don't miss out on the fun. Yunokawa Onsen offers several free foot baths, the most famous of which is the "Foot Bath Dream Tour Stage," located right next to the train station. Simply remove your shoes and socks and plunge your feet into the steaming hot springs, and the fatigue of your journey will instantly wash away. Watching the people passing by, listening to the gurgling water, and adding a small towel, this simple yet genuine happiness will be unforgettable.

💧 Spring Quality and Onsen Town Charm

Yunokawa Onsen boasts a rich history, said to have existed as early as the 17th century. Its sodium-calcium salt springs are transparent and smooth, beneficial for the skin and blood circulation. The onsen town stretches along the coast, dotted with traditional inns and modern hotels, many featuring open-air baths overlooking the Tsugaru Strait. The contrast between the sea breeze and the warming hot springs further evokes the grandeur and gentleness of Hokkaido.

🌌 A romantic end to the night view of Mount Hakodate

After a relaxing day at Yunokawa Onsen, a hike up Mount Hakodate is highly recommended. As night falls, the mountaintop observatory offers a panoramic view, overlooking the vibrant lights of Hakodate city and the stunning "Double Bay" scenery on either side of the bay. This nightscape, hailed as one of the "three most beautiful night views in the world," is both dazzling and elegant. Many travelers choose to relax in the hot springs before ascending to the summit, capping a restful day with a romantic and dazzling visual feast.

🕰️ Recommended Stay Time
• Monkey Hot Springs: Best Time to Visit: December to Early May
• Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses: Open year-round, especially popular in winter
• Footbaths: Most are open from daytime to evening; please bring your own towel.

📍 Transportation and Address
• Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: 3-1-15 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
• Footbath Yume-tour Stage: 1-16-5 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate City (next to the Yunokawa Onsen tram stop)
Transportation: Take the tram from Hakodate Station to the Yunokawa Onsen stop (approximately 30 minutes); a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport.

💡 Tips
• Roads can easily become icy in winter, so wear non-slip shoes.
• Please note the time of year when visiting the monkeys; bathing activities may be adjusted during the spring when the young monkeys are born.
• The footbaths are free, but please ensure they are kept clean and dry before putting on shoes. • For a complete experience, it is recommended to stay in a hot spring hotel for one night, visit the night view of Mount Hakodate in the evening, and then leisurely enjoy breakfast and morning hot spring the next morning.