Want to soak in a real hot spring while sightseeing around Biei? Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (now rebranded as Aonobi YUYU) is an easy and relaxing stop for a day-trip onsen in the Shirogane Onsen area—perfect after visiting Blue Pond or Shirahige Waterfall.
In this post, I’ll share the official day-use information, what it feels like inside, and how to get there—plus a quick guide to nearby attractions.
Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Aonobi YUYU): Overview
Aonobi YUYU is the new name of the former Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel, located in Shirogane Onsen (Biei, Hokkaido). It’s known as a convenient base for nature sightseeing and a comfortable place to soak in hot spring water in a calm, mountain setting.
Day-Trip Onsen: Hours & Prices (Official)
If you’re not staying overnight, you can still enjoy the hot springs as a day-trip visitor.
- Day-use hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last admission: 7:30 PM)
- Relaxation room: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Day-use price:
- Adults (junior high school & older): ¥1,200
- Children (elementary school): ¥600
- Kids (ages 3–5): ¥350
- Under 3: Free
- Towel rental set (bath towel + face towel): ¥330
Note: Prices and rules can change, so please double-check the official site if you’re planning a specific day.
For more information, click here. ＞＞＞Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Aonobi YUYU)
What It’s Like Inside (My Visit)
This is the reception area. Staff were polite, and the process for day-use bathing was smooth.
The hot spring baths are on the 1st floor, and the relaxation room (available 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) is on the basement level—so you can soak first, then rest comfortably afterward.
Hot Spring Water (Green-Tinted)
The bath water looked green when I visited, which felt very “onsen-like” and special compared with normal baths.
Sauna & Amenities (Easy to Visit Light)
There is also a sauna, which is a nice bonus if you want a deeper reset.
Basic bath amenities like shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided. I also found plenty of skincare items (like lotion/cream), so you can visit fairly empty-handed.
Inside the hotel, there’s also a well-stocked souvenir corner, which is fun to browse after your bath.
For more information, click here. ＞＞＞Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Aonobi YUYU)
Pros & Cons (Quick Review)
Pros
- Day-trip bathing is available (easy stop during sightseeing)
- Relaxation room available during the day (great for slow travel)
- Sauna available
- Amenities provided (easy to visit without bringing much)
- Excellent location for Shirahige Waterfall / Blue Pond area
Cons
- Public transport is limited (a car/taxi is often easier)
- The relaxation room ends at 3:00 PM (plan your timing)
- Can be busy during peak sightseeing seasons
Best for… (Who I Recommend This Onsen For)
- Travelers doing a Blue Pond + Shirahige Waterfall route who want a relaxing finish
- Onsen beginners who want a simple, comfortable facility with amenities
- Couples / friends looking for a calm day-trip onsen
- Drivers exploring Biei / Furano who want a convenient hot spring stop
Nearby Attractions (Shirahige Waterfall & Blue Pond)
Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel is located in the same Shirogane area as Biei’s most famous natural spots, making it easy to combine sightseeing and an onsen.
Shirahige Waterfall (Shirohige Waterfall)
Shirahige Waterfall is a must-visit photo spot in Biei. The best view is from the bridge, where you can see water flowing into the vivid blue river below. It’s very close to the Shirogane Onsen area, so it pairs perfectly with a day-trip bath.
Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)
Blue Pond is another iconic Biei destination, known for its unique blue color and dreamlike scenery. If you visit both Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall, adding an onsen stop afterward is a great way to end the day.
How to Get There (Car / Public Transportation)
By Car (Recommended)
- About 25 minutes by car from JR Biei Station
- About 45 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport
- About 60 minutes by car from JR Asahikawa Station
- Free parking available (about 50 cars)
If you’re using a GPS navigation system, searching by the facility name or phone number is usually the easiest.
By Public Transportation
Public transport options are limited, but there are two common ways:
- Route bus: Take a bus to the “Shirogane Onsen” bus stop, then walk about 1–2 minutes to the hotel.
- Free shuttle bus (reservation required): The official site notes a free shuttle between JR Asahikawa Station, JR Biei Station, and the hotel (reservation required).
Because bus frequency can be low, I recommend visiting by car or taxi if possible—especially if you want to maximize sightseeing time.
For more information, click here. ＞＞＞Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel (Aonobi YUYU)