La Vista Akangawa - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Kushiro, Hokkaido

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Akan River in Hokkaido's unspoiled wilderness, Hotel & Spa Resort La Vista Akangawa (ラビスタ阿寒川) offers tattooed travelers a luxurious sanctuary amid nature's splendor. This adults-only 4-star retreat seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with traditional Japanese hospitality, creating an intimate atmosphere where guests can unwind in private cypress-wood baths while watching Hokkaido's iconic wildlife – from majestic Steller's sea eagles to gentle deer – against a backdrop of virgin forest. Far from the constraints often faced by tattooed visitors at traditional establishments, La Vista Akangawa provides thoughtful accommodation options that ensure everyone can experience the therapeutic benefits of Hokkaido's famed hot springs, accompanied by award-winning kaiseki cuisine that celebrates the region's seasonal bounty.

• Complete Privacy: Adults-only policy and in-room private baths ensure an intimate, judgment-free bathing experience regardless of tattoo size or placement
• Immersive Nature: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the Akan River and virgin forests from every bath and room
• Culinary Excellence: Multi-course kaiseki dinners showcase Hokkaido's premium ingredients including fresh-caught salmon and local venison
• Wildlife Encounters: Regular sightings of Hokkaido deer, Steller's sea eagles, and other wildlife directly from your room or private bath
• Authentic Luxury: Traditional Japanese aesthetics blend with modern comforts for an elevated onsen experience
• Seasonal Beauty: Each season offers unique natural spectacles, from spring cherry blossoms to winter snow scenes illuminated by starlight

La Vista Akangawa offers an uncompromising onsen experience for tattooed travelers through its thoughtfully designed bathing options. Each guest room features a private cypress-wood bath overlooking the Akan River, where you can soak at your leisure while spotting local wildlife or stargazing through floor-to-ceiling windows—with no concerns about tattoo visibility.

​

The onsen's waters are classified as simple hot springs with a soothing alkaline pH of 9.1, renowned for their skin-softening properties and ability to improve circulation. Maintaining a therapeutic temperature between 40–42°C, these mineral-rich waters help relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and promote a sense of deep relaxation that continues long after your bath concludes.

✈️ From Kushiro Airport: 

• 🚗 55-minute drive (rental car)
• 🚌 75-minute bus to Lake Akan Bus Center → 🚐 7-minute hotel shuttle (reservation required)

​

🚆 From JR Kushiro Station: 

• 🚌 75-minute bus to Lake Akan Bus Center → 🚐 7-minute hotel shuttle
• 🚕 60-minute taxi (approximately ¥16,000)

​

🚌 From Lake Akan Bus Center: 

• 🚐 7-minute complimentary shuttle (advance reservation required)
• 🚶 25-minute walk along scenic riverside path

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, and winter snow viewing). Private bath reservations can be made upon check-in or in advance for preferred time slots.

​

🌐 Website: https://la-vista-akangawa.hokkaidohotelsjapan.com/en/

📞 Phone: +81-154-67-5566

📍 Address: 3-1 Akancho Okurushbe, Akankohan, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0468, Japan