📝 1. Overview
Located right in front of Yunokawa Onsen tram station, the Yunokawa Onsen Footbath offers a free and relaxing way to experience one of Hakodate’s most famous hot spring areas. Whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing or just hopped off the tram, this cozy little corner lets you soak your tired feet in naturally flowing hot spring water while watching daily life unfold around you. It’s the perfect intro—or cooldown—to your Yunokawa visit.
🌟 2. Highlights
♨️ Natural Hot Spring Water – Directly sourced from Yunokawa’s mineral-rich onsen
🚋 Tram Station Views – Relax as streetcars come and go
🦶 Free to Use – No ticket or reservation required
📷 Cute Fox Statues – Photo spot + symbolic of the area’s folklore
🌿 Cherry Blossoms & Snow – Beautiful in all seasons
🪑 Covered Bench Seating – Stay warm even in winter
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- With the stone fox statues near the bath
- Close-up shot of feet in steam + tram in background
- Snowy scenes in winter = cozy vibes
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Morning or late afternoon for quiet moments
- Winter (Dec–Feb) – warm foot soak in cold air feels amazing
- After walking around Goryokaku or Yunokawa area
🧼 Towels not provided – bring your own or buy at nearby shops
🥶 In winter, the warm water is extra comforting
👟 Great pitstop before checking into a nearby ryokan
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 Around Yunokawa Station
- Hakodate Menchubo Ajisai (Yunokawa Branch)
🍜 Local salt ramen with clear, savory broth
📍3-1-12 Yunokawa-cho
🕒 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚶 3 min walk from the footbath - Unagiya Takewaka
🐟 Charcoal-grilled eel bowls in traditional setting
📍3-13-19 Yunokawa-cho
🕒 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🚶 7 min walk - Soba Izakaya Taniguchi
🍶 Soba, izakaya fare, and local sake
📍3-12-17 Yunokawa-cho
🕒 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🚶 6 min walk
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Nearby Things to Explore
♨️ Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Street
- Ryokan Ichinomatsu – Luxurious onsen experience
- Hanabishi Hotel – Day-use hot springs & meals
- Yukura Shrine – Spiritual heart of the onsen town
🦊 Animal Encounters
- Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden – See monkeys bathing in hot water (winter only!)
- Fox statue + local folklore explained at tram stop
🛍️ Local Shop Stops
- Yunokawa Onsen Market – Seafood, snacks, and sweets
- Souvenir kiosks near the tram line
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Hakodate Station
🚋 Take tram (approx. 30 min) to Yunokawa Onsen Station
🚶 Footbath is right at the station exit
📍 From Hakodate Airport
🚗 ~10 min by car or taxi
🚌 Direct airport bus also stops nearby
📍 From Goryokaku Park
🚋 20–25 min tram ride with 1 transfer
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Fully walkable area with shops and ryokan
🅿️ Paid parking near station or ryokan lots