When searching for a hot spring hotel in Hakodate, have you ever come across Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort?
Designed around the theme of Hokkaido’s historic “Lantern Light,” this stylish resort is taking social media by storm thanks to its top-floor ocean-view infinity bath and over-the-top gourmet buffets.
As a Hakodate local, let me tell you straight: because it’s a relatively new hotel in the Yunokawa area, the facilities are sparkling clean, and the overall satisfaction from enjoying all of Hokkaido’s fresh culinary delights is through the roof!
In this review, I’ll share my local perspective on the inviting guest rooms, the famous seafood buffet, and the incredible rooftop infinity bath to help you plan your trip!
Location and Access from Hakodate Station
Umi to Akari is located right near the ocean in the Yunokawa Onsen area, boasting prime seafront views of the Tsugaru Strait! Here is how to get there:
- JR Hakodate Station: Approx. 15 minutes by car/taxi (or about 30 minutes by streetcar from Hakodate Station).
- Streetcar (Tram): Approx. 5-minute walk from “Yunokawa-Onsen” stop.
- Hakodate Airport: Approx. 10 minutes by car/taxi (Super quick and easy from the airport!).
- Car / Rental Car: Free parking available on site.
Local Tip: Taking a taxi from Hakodate Airport is super convenient—it takes just over 10 minutes! You can drop off your luggage right after landing and head out to explore, making it the perfect base to maximize your time in Hakodate.
Guest Rooms: Warm Modern Japanese Aesthetic
Step into the lobby and you’ll be welcomed by a relaxed, inviting space that seamlessly blends Japanese warmth with modern style!
The rooms range from spacious family twins for group travels to cozy, romantic rooms perfect for couples.
Every room is designed with warm wood-tone interiors, featuring large windows that let in plenty of pleasant natural light.
The beds are incredibly comfortable, and some rooms even feature tatami lounge areas where you can kick off your shoes and stretch out—a big plus from a local’s perspective after a long day of walking around town!
👉Check Room Rates for Umi to Akari on Agoda
Dining: World-Class Seafood Buffet at Tsukifune
The absolute crowning jewel of this hotel is without a doubt the unbelievable buffet at restaurant Tsukifune!
For dinner, you’ll find rows of ultra-fresh seafood caught directly at Hakodate Port. You can craft your own custom seafood bowl with endless salmon roe (ikura) and minced tuna (negitoro), enjoy grilled seafood delicacies, or eat fresh sushi made right before your eyes by professional chefs.
Here is what recent guests had to say about their dining experience:
“The dinner seafood buffet far exceeded my expectations! Being able to eat as much salmon roe and crab as I wanted left me completely stuffed!”
“Not only could we make our own seafood bowls for breakfast, but the Hokkaido-style French toast and desserts were all divine!”
“Fresh hot dishes kept coming straight out of the live kitchen, so we were thoroughly entertained and satisfied until the end.”
The breakfast buffet is just as impressive as dinner. Make sure you come with an empty stomach because you’ll be enjoying a full-course feast of Hokkaido delicacies right from the morning!
Onsen & Spa: Tatami-Paved Rooftop Infinity Bath
Right alongside the food, the rooftop infinity open-air bath Enishinoyu on the 12th floor is a absolute must-try!
In a rare design seen almost nowhere else in Japan, the edge of the open-air bath is lined with natural tatami mats. You can feel the soft texture of tatami underfoot while gazing out over the vast Pacific Ocean.
During the day, you get an open, liberating view of the bright blue sea and sky. At night, you can soak while admiring the magical glowing lights of squid-fishing boats (isaribi) floating on the dark waters of the Tsugaru Strait.
Soaking in warm thermal waters under the moonlight while taking in the sea breeze is an absolute bliss that melts away all your travel fatigue.
Hotel Amenities & Facilities
The resort is fully equipped for guests of all ages. On the first floor, there’s a lovely gift shop filled with famous Hokkaido and Hakodate souvenirs, making shopping effortless.
While there aren’t noisy game arcades, the hotel offers fun extras like colorful yukata robe rentals and cozy post-bath lounge spaces to ensure a relaxing resort vibe!
The amenities are equally fantastic, providing skin-friendly skincare sets and cute portable bath baskets (yukago), allowing you to travel light and enjoy a seamless stay.
Recommended Local Spots Near the Hotel
The coastline surrounding Umi to Akari is full of refreshing walking routes! Here are a few spots I recommend as a local:
- Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden (Short walk):
Enjoy warm tropical greenhouses year-round, and from winter to spring, watch cute monkeys soaking happily in outdoor hot springs—a favorite local healing spot! - Yunokawa Onsen Foot Bath / Shimin-no-Yu (Walking distance):
Located right next to the streetcar stop, this free public foot bath is a great place to stop and warm up your feet while strolling around town! - Hasegawa Store Yunokawa Shop:
Grab Hakodate’s iconic Yakitori Bento (savory grilled pork skewers over rice) and eat it on a seaside bench while enjoying the ocean breeze—the ultimate local way to enjoy lunch!
Summary & How to Book
Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort offers an unforgettable experience in Hakodate.
With lavish seafood buffets showcasing Hokkaido’s best, a magical rooftop tatami infinity bath overlooking the sea, and clean, modern rooms, it’s easy to see why rooms are selling out fast.
If you want to indulge in fresh seafood to your heart’s content and create wonderful memories in a beautiful onsen resort, this is a top-tier recommendation.
Make sure to check availability and reserve early on Agoda to lock in your Hakodate trip!
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