Ryounkaku

Located at the top of Mount Tokachi, Ryounkaku offered breathtaking views of the mountain range and snowy backcountry landscape when we visited in February. An easy 45 min drive from Furano, there is ample free parking outside the onsen building or at the adjacent public car park.

 We made a day visit to Ryounkaku and were able to rent towels which was super convenient. There is an old world charm to the onsen so expect rustic facilities. The female bath was tired looking due to years of staining from the copper coloured mineral onsen waters, but was adequately clean and tidy with full bath amenities provided. 

 What made our visit really special was the outdoor onsen which we got to enjoy all to ourselves as the only visitors at the time. The view of the mountains was nothing short of spectacular, with the back of the pool set into a small underhang of rocks which made us feel like we were bathing in a cave. Given how cold it was outdoors the water temperature was fairly tepid, but the views kept us there! We were thankful for the experience as we had read reviews that the outdoor onsens are sometimes closed due to weather conditions. 

 After our bath we retreated to a tatami room set aside for day visitors to enjoy some tea and to continue to soak in more of the views before leaving.

超秘境 赤茶色の温泉 いってみたかった温泉 やっとこれました 絶景です絵画のようでした ぬる湯なので日が暮れるまでゆっくり入ってました 部屋からは雲海が最高の景色 素泊まりでしたが、おかみさんがとても親切でした 素敵な宿です 秘境温泉は存続するのが大変なので頑張ってほしいです またきます

トイレがついてない部屋が多いという事でトイレ付和室12畳を予約。だがチェックインで無償アップグレードされた客室はまさに驚きで、リノベされたばかりでHP未記載の2ベッドルームダブルシンクの秘湯の宿と思えぬ素敵なスイートルーム。不満があるとすれば紅葉が楽しめる山側でなく街側の眺望という事（ただし夕日はきれい）。なお部屋は立派でもアメニティは最低限で、玄関庇の屋根部分のぼろさには目をつぶろう。 温泉は日中登山の日帰り客でにぎわい落ち着かないが、やはり評判の絶景露天風呂は圧巻。なおタオルが染まるので注意。 料理は豪華ではないが、山の食事と思えばシニア夫婦には十分満足。なお「大雪の蔵」300ml本醸造・純米・純米吟醸の料金が同一料金800円なのが不思議？！ 温泉と客室に大満足してCP最高の旅行になった。