Set in the onsen town of Noboribetsu, Daiichi Takimotokan is an iconic hotel favoured mainly for its grand onsen bath, rich history, and proximity to Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Dai-ichi/Daiichi (第一) translates to number 1, and Takimotokan lives up to this standard. At this hotel, traditions, culture, and Japanese hospitality perfectly blend with modern-day comforts. Breaking away from the norm of compact spaces and minimalism, Daiichi Takimotokan’s big spacious rooms, zen garden, and two-story hot springs are ideal for unwinding in the lap of luxury.
During a chilly day, I enjoyed the comfort and warmth of the Japanese-style futon room at Daiichi Takimotokan. Upon entering the hotel, it was love at first sight, and that sentiment deepened throughout my stay. What sold me was a dip in the on-site onsen with sweeping views of Hell Valley.
In this review, you will know why Daiichi Takimotokan is the best ryokan in Hokkaido and find out if the price tag of the room is justified for your stay in Noboribetsu. Also, get to know the lovely town and why this offbeat gem near Sapporo needs to be in your Hokkaido itinerary.
Brief History of Daiichi Takimotokan
Founded over 160 years ago by Kinzo Takiomoto, the hotel’s origin story is steeped in kindness and love.
Kinzo had heard about the healing powers of the hot springs in Noboribetsu. So when his wife Sata battled a severe skin condition, he decided to trek up the mountains with her in tow. He set up a humble hut for them, and she began treating her dermatosis through regular soaks in the onsen. The results were remarkable, and soon, she experienced complete healing.
Kinzo was elated with this outcome! His commitment extended beyond merely uncovering the therapeutic waters. After a stint as a successful hot springs keeper (yumori), he privately built an Onsen Inn, setting the stage for the Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
Tales of the hot springs’ rejuvenating qualities traveled widely. Combined with a growing enthusiasm for social interaction, Noboribetsu rightfully garnered attention. Kinzo quickly noticed this interest, and his vision extended to building a new road—the very pathway in use today.
First Impression of Daiichi Takimotokan
Walking into Daiichi Takimotokan, it was evident that Japanese luxury is worlds apart. A bubbling fountain and two impeccably dressed staff members greeted me at the entrance.
After spending weeks in a tiny Sapporo apartment, Daiichi Takimotokan’s grand foyer was quite a sight. Check-in starts at 2 pm, but I took an early bus from the city, which dropped me off at the hotel at 11 am.
At the reception, the staff verified my reservation and assisted in storing my bags until the official check-in time. Lucky for me and my broken Japanese, English is well understood at the hotel. Instead of immediately heading out to explore Noboribetsu, the hotel invited me to wander. Within minutes I knew I should’ve booked an extra night solely to fully appreciate Daiichi Takimotokan.
Inside Daiichi Takimotokan: Common Areas
Daiichi Takimotokan is split into multiple annexes: West, Main, East, and South annex. The Grand Bath – the star of the show – has its own section.
Just a few steps from the main building’s reception area lies the Hamanasu Lounge. Sipping on a hot espresso while seated on the lounge’s plush chair and watching the leaves swaying outside will forever be a cherished experience.
Continuing north from the lounge leads to an on-site souvenir shop named Yunomachi. Adjacent to it, vending machines offer chilled cans of Sapporo Beer. Keep an eye out for The Ookanabo, a golden club of local demons.
In front of the gift shop, an escalator descends to the hotel’s basement floor. There, you’ll find almost 40 claw machines and arcade games—more than enough to entertain kids. Or if you’re like me – to spend hours indoors on a rainy day.
Note: Due to a recent flooding incident, the basement area of Dai-ichi Takimotokan is currently off-limits as of December 2023.
Going up the escalator and further indoors, you’re met with multiple corridors. One leads to the onsen annex, another to an outdoor zen garden, and a third provides access to the elevators in the building.
Accommodation Options at Daiichi Takimotokan
Now let’s get into one of the main reasons you’re here—the rooms at Daiichi Takimotokan.
For accommodation, you have several options:
Japanese Style Room
A stylish traditional room with tatami flooring. During the day, there are two zaisus (tatami chairs) and an airy sleeping area. Before bedtime, the staff sets up a comfortable futon bedding for you and your party. Prices for the Japanese Style Room depend on the view (Garden, Mountain, Onsen Town) and area. The biggest one sleeps 8 people and is 53㎡.
I opted for the Japanese-style futon and tatami room with a garden view.
Western Room
A tasteful color palette with ultra-luxe decor and cloud-like bedding makes the Western Room perfect for travelers seeking creature comforts. Choose from a Garden, Mountain, Onsen town view, or no view. The latter is the most budget-friendly choice.
Suites
Daiichi Takimotokan’s Suites give you the best of both worlds in one room. There’s a section of traditional tatami rooms on one side of a partition and a modern western room on the other.
Premium Onsen Rooms
Looking for a stay of absolute luxury? Book Daiichi Takimotokan’s Premium Onsen room. Wake up to views of Jigokudani and relish a dip in your private onsen. After a full day of exploration, return to the warmth of the Premium Onsen room and enjoy another soak before slipping into a deep slumber.
There are only two Premium Onsen rooms available, both in the West Building. So if you dream of spending a night or two there, book it right away!
Dog-Friendly Rooms
Japanese people love traveling with their pooch. And the hotel knows it! If you’re visiting Noboribetsu with your dog, book one of the four dog-friendly room options for the ultimate comfort for you and your furry family member.
Dining and other On-Site Facilities
The hotel offers various packages that combine a stay with meal options. You can reserve a delicious full meal to be delivered to your room, enjoy a buffet dinner, or dine at the on-site Kaiseki restaurant Yunosato.
During my stay, the seasonal buffet primarily featured seafood or meat plates. As a vegetarian, I chose to skip it and opted for meals at eateries in the town.
In-Room Services
A delightful sweet snack awaits you in your room as a welcome treat. Also, you can prepay to have a cake sent during your stay to celebrate special occasions.
Each room is equipped with a pair of Zori sandals and a beautiful yukata—the attire to wear before heading to the Grand Onsen.
The Grand Bath: Noboribetu’s Ultimate Onsen Experience
Do I dare write a review about Daiichi Takimotokan without highlighting its main draw? Never. After experiencing ten different hot springs in multiple parts of the country, I believed that nothing could seriously impress me. I’m glad I was wrong.
In Japan, locals consider hot springs to be special spaces, and their significance dates back centuries. Along with serving as a place for physical relaxation, the onsen embodies a spiritual and communal aspect. It’s deeply rooted in the country’s history and traditions.
Daiichi Takimotokan’s onsen facilities epitomize this cultural reverence. The Ryokan features beautifully designed hot spring baths that utilize the natural geothermal waters abundant in Noboribetsu. The Grand Bath is quite grand in the literal sense. Occupying a separate annex of the hotel’s premises, the Grand Bath boasts 35 hot springs, which make up over 5,000㎡.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the largest hot spring in the prefecture and is hailed to be one of the best onsens in Hokkaido.
Daiichi Takimotokan’s outdoor baths provide an opportunity to connect with nature, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. This scenery is especially beautiful during the winter months, with white snow contrasting the steaming hot waters. The onsen waters contain multiple minerals believed to have therapeutic benefits, such as soothing muscle tension, improving circulation, aiding skin health, and promoting overall well-being.
As is common with onsens in Japan, the Grand Bath is divided into two almost identical sections, one for men and the other for women. Both sections feature a deeply relaxing sauna too. I loved the outdoor Sulphur Spring, popular for its benefits to the skin and instantly relaxes your body with its cloudy white waters and strong sulfur aroma.
You can purchase drinks from a small window while inside the Grand Bath. In the women’s section, this window is located on the outdoor bath’s lower floor. A glass of beer was priced at 800 yen, and the menu also included sake and soda.
Daiichi Takimotokan does not have any policy against tattoos.
Using The Grand Bath of Daiichi Takimotokan
Entering the onsen area, you collect two towels, a small one that you can take with you to the onsen, and another longer towel for drying after the soak. Next, you go to the changing area, gather your clothing, cell phone, room key, etc, and place it all inside the lockers.
Proceed to the onsen area for a cleansing shower before entering the baths. Ladies (and men with long tresses), tie your hair in a high bun, ensuring that neither your hair nor your towel enters the water. A soak of no longer than 20 minutes is usually recommended to avoid overheating your body and causing dehydration.
Post-onsen, guests can find high-quality shampoo, conditioner, and soap for use, along with hair dryers and lotions. Hotel guests have nearly unrestricted access, with only a brief closure each morning for cleaning.
Daiichi Takimotokan’s Location: Noboribetsu Onsen Town
While planning a trip to Japan, tourists tend to put Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo high on their bucket list. But if you’re after a one-of-a-kind escape, Noboribetsu will not disappoint.
Noboribetsu onsen town is a haven for relaxation. Daiichi Takimotokan is conveniently located near the town’s main attraction – Jigokudani, where volcanic activity molds a unique landscape.
The entire town itself is tranquil, quirky, and scenic. There are onis (demon) shows to watch, piping hot ramen to eat, and copious amounts of sake to drink. A stroll through the main street allows you to absorb the distinct aroma of sulfur lingering in the air.
Things to do in Noboribetsu
- Spot Onis in the town. Noboribetsu is peppered with statues of different types of demons in varying sizes.
- Explore the impressive Jigokudani/Hell Valley. Take a walk around Oyunuma Pond and capture stunning photos on the way.
- Dive into history at Date Jidaimura, a historical Edo-period theme park
- Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe offers an underwater glimpse of local marine life.
- Take a stroll near the hotel after dark and try to spot a deer prancing about.
Many tourists visit Noboribetsu Bear Park in the area. I’d recommend avoiding it, as animal lovers may find the treatment of bears in the small space disappointing.
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Room for Improvement
Daiichi Takimotokan undeniably excels in various aspects, but there are areas where potential improvement could further enhance the guest experience. The heritage and history of the hotel are beyond commendable, and while general wear and tear are normal, some areas could benefit from a refresher.
In the Japanese room where I stayed, the wallpaper was peeling, there were a few cracks, and the closet had dust in the corners. This is me being nitpicky because of the price tag and reputation of the hotel. All in all, the stay was wonderful, and I’d be back in a heartbeat.
Stay in the best onsen hotel in Hokkaido
Dai-ichi Takimotokan has welcomed a diverse array of guests, from indigenous Ainu people to Samurai, all finding solace within its premises. Book a stay at Daiichi Takimotokan for a unique Japanese retreat in an offbeat destination.
Already stayed there? Share your experience in the comments below.
INFO
Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, ５５
Rooms start at US$130/night (including breakfast) – Reserve Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How to Reach Dai-ichi Takimotokan?
From Sapporo station, the Donan Highway Express Bus is a convenient option, costing about 2200 yen per person and taking less than 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Noboribetsu. From Noboribetsu, a public bus towards Noboribetsu Onsen drops you off within 5 minutes of Dai-ichi Takimotokan. If you have a JR pass and prefer the train, check for exact information here. - Are Day Visits to Dai-ichi Takimotokan’s Onsen Bath possible?
Yes, for day visitors, the Grand Bath is accessible for 2250 yen per person from 9 am to 4 pm. From 4 pm to 6 pm, the cost is reduced to 1700 yen, although it’s not recommended if you want to enjoy the view of Hell Valley. Free parking is available for both hotel guests and day visitors. - Are the onsen facilities accessible to all guests, including those with mobility issues? Design-wise, the grand bath may not be suitable for people with severe mobility issues. However, the hotel provides bath chairs and wheelchairs for use upon request.
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