Biei Shirogane Onsen Hotel Park Hills

The bath was labeled “Güell Hot Spring,” and when I looked closely, the washing area was designed to resemble the benches in Park Güell. I had just visited the Sagrada Família last month for the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. Park Güell is also one of Gaudí’s works. I never expected to find a bath that reminded me of Gaudí at a Hotel in Biei, so I was surprised. The water was very nice.Meals were buffet-style for both breakfast and dinner. There was a wide variety of dishes, which was great. The melon served at dinner was delicious.The Room felt new and very clean. I’d like to stay again.

It was a bit early in the season, but we rented a car at New Chitose Airport and headed to Furano and Biei. Hokkaido is huge! The lavender and flower fields were so soothing that we relaxed too much and forgot how long it takes to get around—oops. Then on to Shirogane Onsen in Biei. When we arrived at the Hotel, all the staff were polite, kind, and very attentive.This was a Hotel that really impressed me for the first time in a while. We made a Reservation for a spacious guest Room, so the bedroom beds were in the adjoining Room. After enjoying the large public bath, we felt completely relaxed. Shirahige Falls is about a 2–3 minute walk away—beautiful. The Blue Pond is also just a short drive away; the water really is blue, and since it was sunny it looked even more stunning. Meals at the Hotel are buffet-style, and for dinner we made a Reservation for a Room with the perk of using one private dining room (one group per day). It was just my son and me at a big table that seats eight, but it was great to take our time and enjoy our meal. The large public bath is also an Onsen—highly recommended for anyone who wants to unwind.