The Serene Beauty of Hokkaido, Shikotsu Lake Onsen Resort: Mizunouta

In the Shikotsu-Toya National Park of Hokkaido, compared to the bustling Lake Toya, the less crowded Shikotsu Lake offers a more serene and elegant atmosphere. The iconic big red mountain line railway bridge, reflecting on the clear lake waters, is enchanting both at dawn and dusk. Mizunouta, a five-star onsen resort by the Tsuruga Group, is located on the greenery next to the visitor center, with cherry trees planted on the lawns. From the dining area's floor-to-ceiling windows, the view of pink cherry blossoms against the greenery is stunning. Not far from Mizunouta is the even more luxurious Tsuruga Villa, Bettei Umi. This stay was in a Japanese-Western style room with an open-air onsen bath in its own small courtyard, which was quite refreshing! The room, including breakfast and dinner for two, costs about 15,000 New Taiwan Dollars, with a space of about 60-65 square meters. The same room type without the onsen bath is 1,000 less. Is there even a choice to be made? Dinner is semi-buffet style; after ordering the main course, you can enjoy a rich buffet bar. Hokkaido is certainly not short of seafood! The buffet breakfast is just as lavish, and on a sunny day, looking out at the blooming cherry blossoms and greenery, your eyes also get their fill! Strolling, cycling, boat tours, and stand-up paddleboarding are all great ways to experience Shikotsu Lake. It's quiet, less crowded, and beautiful, truly worth a visit.