Unexplored Hot Springs opens only 123 days a year – Daisetsu Kogen Sanso /Kamikawa Hokkaido Japan

Unexplored Hot Springs opens only 123 days a year – Daisetsu Kogen Sanso /Kamikawa Hokkaido Japan

I stayed at the Daisetsu Kogen Sanso in Kogen Onsen, Kamikawa, Hokkaido.

From Asahikawa, head east on National Route 39. Pass through Sounkyo, which is characterized by its scenic valley, and head to the foot of Mt. Daisetsu, known as the Garden of the Gods, on a dirt road from the northeastern side. Daisetsuzan mount range is famous for Mt. Asahidake and Mt. Tokachidake on the west side, where Biei and Furano are located, but this area is also known as Ura Daisetsu – Hidden Daisetsu and is full of a sense of unexplored land.

After driving about 10 km on the dirt road, a large parking lot and the mountain lodge come into view. This is a lone lodge located at the starting point of the tour of Mt. Midoridake and Kogen Onsen and the swamps. Kogen Onsen is said to have been discovered during the damage investigation of the Toya Maru typhoon. The building, built about 60 years ago, is still beautifully repaired and maintained, and has an excellent atmosphere as a mountain lodge. It is also a historic lodge where Emperor Hirohito visited.

Behind the lodge is the hot spring source area, and the rising smoke is uplifting. It’s time to enjoy the cool air of the plateau while watching the hot springs gush out like geysers. Even in Hokkaido, where untouched nature spreads, this is the ultimate summer resort.

The staff working at the lodge are full of energy. The atmosphere is more like a lodge on a mountain trail than an inn. When I asked the manager, he told me that many of them love the mountains, and they all live on-site and work for four months. It doesn’t seem to be as difficult as it is for remote lodges, and staff gather through word of mouth and connections, and there are more applications than the number of positions available every year.

And after working for four months, they leave for their next place of work. I visited on a solo trip, but the conversation with the staff, who I only met once in a lifetime, was a memorable one.

The hot spring is a simple acidic spring. When you enter the indoor bath, a slightly sour smell hits your nose. I love this feeling, and it’s similar to Sukayu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring lodges, and I was instantly captivated. The pH is 2.7, and it’s also a point that you can enjoy it more slowly than Sukayu Onsen.

The milky hot spring overflows with a splash. On the day, there were only two male guests staying, and I had a luxurious time lying down on the edge of the bathtub and enjoying the bath. I think you can also have a wonderful time if you enjoy it at night or when there are no other guests (please make sure not to do it when are someone else in the bath).

A secret hot spring inn close to my parents’ house. I regret not knowing about it until now. It is only open for about four months, and is a popular inn that is fully booked every day during the autumn foliage season, but I would like everyone to visit it.

■Hot spring details
Simple acidic spring
pH2.7 / 150 liters/minute
Direct from the source

■Daisetsu Kogen Sanso
http://www.daisetsu-kogen.com/

■Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns
https://www.hitou.or.jp/

■ Accommodation fee (with 2 meals)
JPY30,000 /2 persons per night

* Some of the information in the video is based on information collected online.
* Permission has been granted to film the hot spring.
* Normally video/photo shooting inside bath is not allowed.

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