Planning this as a private tour? Tell us three things — your dates, how many nights, and who is travelling (including children or older guests) — and we will send a route outline free. WhatsApp +852 6888 4736 · or info@blisstravel.life.
Tsuruga Group (鶴雅グループ) is the most important ryokan group in Hokkaido, with nine properties spread across four very different regions — Lake Akan in the east, Lake Shikotsu and Jozankei near Sapporo, Lake Toya in the south-west, and Niseko. Booking "Tsuruga" without choosing the region is the mistake most travellers make.
This is the map: what each area is for, which property suits which trip, and how many nights each deserves.
The five in Lake Akan (道東 / eastern Hokkaido)
Lake Akan is the group's home: a hot spring town on a lake, with the marimo algae balls, the Ainu kotan village, and mountains behind. Five properties, five different jobs.
1. Akan Yukku no Sato Tsuruga（あかん遊久の里 鶴雅）
The largest and most traditional of the five — big baths, buffet and kaiseki, entertaining for families and groups. If you want the classic large onsen hotel experience, this is it.
2. Akan Lake Tsuruga Wings（あかん湖 鶴雅ウイングス）
Younger and lighter than Yukku no Sato, with lake-facing rooms and a more contemporary feel. Good for couples who want the Akan setting without the big-hotel dining room.
3. Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza（あかん鶴雅別荘 鄙の座）
The most exclusive in Akan: small, all rooms with private open-air baths fed by the Akan source, and dinner served in-room or in private dining. This is the anniversary choice.
4. THE FOREST 阿寒 TSURUGA RESORT
A newer, forest-side property — quieter, more design-led, aimed at guests who want the woods rather than the lake frontage.
5. Tsuruga Lake Akan Lodge Turano（鶴雅 レイク阿寒ロッジ トゥラノ）
The smallest and simplest — a lodge feel, better value, and the right base if your days are spent outdoors rather than in the hotel.
How many nights in Akan: two. It is a four-hour drive or a flight plus transfer from Sapporo, so one night is a waste of the journey.
Near Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu and Jozankei
6. Shikotsuko Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta（しこつ湖 鶴雅リゾートスパ 水の謌）
On Lake Shikotsu, inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, about 90 minutes from Sapporo. Water is the theme — baths, forest, lake — and it is the easiest Tsuruga property to reach from New Chitose Airport.
Suits: a first or last night in Hokkaido; anyone who wants onsen without a long transfer. Nights: one or two.
7. Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta（定山渓 鶴雅リゾートスパ 森の謌）
In Jozankei, the onsen town inside Sapporo's own valley — about an hour from the city centre. Forest theme, good for a night at either end of a Sapporo stay.
Suits: a city-plus-onsen trip without flying anywhere. Nights: one.
South-west: Lake Toya and Niseko
8. Toyako Tsuruga Resort Kou no Uta（洞爺湖 鶴雅リゾート 洸の謌）
On Lake Toya, with the volcano and the long lake view. Good for a night between Sapporo and Niseko or Hakodate, and for summer fireworks over the water.
9. Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no sho（ニセコ昆布温泉 鶴雅別荘 杢の抄）
In the forest of outer Niseko, on the Konbu onsen source — a ryokan-style property with open-air baths, fireplaces in the lounge, and no ski-resort noise. The one to choose if you want Niseko's nature rather than its apartment blocks.
Suits: couples, and skiers who want a quiet base. Nights: two in winter, two in green season.
How to choose, in one table
| First Hokkaido trip, want onsen near Sapporo | Jozankei Mori no Uta or Shikotsu Mizu no Uta — one night each end |
| Eastern Hokkaido circuit | Akan — two nights; Hinanoza for couples, Yukku no Sato for families |
| Skiing in Niseko | Moku no sho — two nights, quiet forest base |
| Driving Sapporo → Hakodate | Toya Kou no Uta — one night on the lake |
| Anniversary | Hinanoza (Akan) — private open-air baths, dinner in-room |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tsuruga Group based?
Hokkaido — its home is Lake Akan in the east, with properties also at Lake Shikotsu, Jozankei, Lake Toya and Niseko.
Which Tsuruga property is best for a first trip?
Jozankei Mori no Uta or Shikotsu Mizu no Uta for convenience, then Akan for two nights if the itinerary goes east.
Do the properties have private open-air baths?
Hinanoza (Akan) has private open-air baths in all rooms; other properties vary by room type — ask specifically.
How far is Lake Akan from Sapporo?
Around four hours by road, or a flight to Kushiro/Memanbetsu plus a transfer. Two nights is the sensible minimum.
Plan Hokkaido with us
Tell us your dates, whether you are driving, and where you land — and we will tell you which Tsuruga properties fit the route and which are too far. Planning is free and there is no obligation.
See our routes in East Hokkaido, Central Hokkaido and South Hokkaido.
WhatsApp +852 6888 4736 or email info@blisstravel.life.
BLISS TRAVEL plans private tours in Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Property names and locations follow the Tsuruga Group's published portfolio; this article is planning guidance, not a quotation, and contains no prices. Booking links are affiliate links.
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Private tours for this trip
If you would rather have this route arranged as a private tour — driver, hotels, timings, no group — see our Hokkaido private tours. Tell us your dates and we will send a route outline, free.
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