Total immersion into quality family time. Private onsen and garden for whole family. Afterr a long soak in the onsen, it was time for dinner. The Kaiseki was laid out on the long take in our room by the most efficients ladies I've ever seen. The whole meal was laid out in less than 5 minutes. Food quality and freshness... More

This is the best onsen hotel we stayed during our 1 week holiday in Hokkaido during winter in Febuary 2013. Kourakuen Otaru is small japanese ryokan with about 15 rooms only ( i think) in a large building, surrounded by a large garden. This is strictly a place to come to relax, and enjoy the onsen. We checked in at... More

Location wise, it was a little bit difficult to get to... price wise... for over 500 pounds a night it is quite heavy despite that it is beautiful. We stayed there for two nights, bearing the above in mind here is my review: - The hot spring was facing a japanese style Zen garden. It was beautiful when it snows.... More

We stayed one night after a ski holiday in Niseko. Wanted to experience the Ryokan and also some rotenburo. As Korakuen is actually situated in the city of Otaru in a large garden, unfortunately the ofuro experience was not exactly as stunning as experiencing it somehwere in the mountains in the wilderness. Also, the dinner and breakfast while very good... More

Very interesting hotspring (onsen) experience! We have our own outdoor onsen "in" our room. Sipping sapporo beer or hot green tea when we are in the onsen hot-tub while snow is flowing on your head, how magic is that! 20 mins taxi ride away from the Otaru main city is a bit far, but definitely the quietness and beauty of... More

Kourakuen is a five stay Japanese style hotel, so the price speaks. In reality it totally worths the money: the dinner was served in three servings, fresh fish and seafood, rice, vegetables of the season all in Japanese ceramic which is by itself a piece of art. The breakfast no less plentiful. It was a lot A LOT of food.... More

They had a private onsen at around 3000yen per pax. from 11am-2pm. Best to reserve via email early just in case. you can take the bus #13 down from the otaru bus terminal, or catch a taxi there ( ard 2500yen). Upon reaching, we were greeted by really friendly staff and led to our room. The room was spacious and... More

From the moment we entered the front gates we were already impressed with Korakuen. The place was covered in snow and we drove down a long driveway to get to the main door. From the moment we arrived we were greeted and were helped with our luggage. All the staff at reception spoke good english which made communicating very easy.... More

Spent Christmas here. Pros: It is a beautifully Japanese styled, clean and modern Ryokan. Service staffs are friendly and helpful. Rooms with private onsen are beautiful and overall, this peaceful Ryokan really lived up to the reviews. Take bus 13 from Otaru station. Cons: No ensuite shower though. There is attached toilet but no shower facilities within the guest room;... More