Marukoma Onsen Co., Ltd. is the only hot spring inn operator in the country to win an award at the 9th Japan Tourism Awards!
Marukoma Onsen Co., Ltd. Press release: September 1, 2025 To Members of the Press Marukoma Onsen Co., Ltd. is the only hot spring inn operator in the country to win an award at the 9th Japan Tourism Awards! ~We were selected for our outstanding “innovation,” “business viability,” “contribution to sustainable tourism,” and “contribution to the local community” through our “No-Electricity Sauna ‘Enjoy National Park Sauna'” project~ Marukoma Onsen Co., Ltd. (Address: 7 Horominai, Chitose City / Representative Director: Kazuo Hiseshita) is pleased to announce that the hot spring inn “Marukoma Onsen Ryokan, Lakeside Inn Shikotsuko, a Secret Hot Spring in Deep Sapporo,” operated by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association, the Japan Association of Travel Agents, and the Japan National Tourism Organization, won an award for its initiative, “Opening of a No-Electricity Sauna: National Park Enjoyment Sauna.” This award recognizes exemplary efforts by organizations, companies, and groups that contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of the “power of travel.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/89077/21/89077-21-ed4924cc0cea0a67b2ab19d908423b0b-3900×2925.jpg ▲No-Electricity Sauna “Enjoy the National Park Sauna”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/89077/21/89077-21-09ec65e9a9e41d20bc64e88dedbf31ab-3900×2925.jpg (SAUNA by Marukoma Onsen Lake) About the Japan Tourism Awards In response to the various paradigm shifts occurring around the world, tourism is also being urged to change toward a new normal. No matter what difficulties or restrictions we face, we must achieve the well-being(※) of travelers and consumers. Tourism not only revitalizes local economies and communities through the creation of employment opportunities, but also deepens mutual understanding across borders and regions, driving growth not only for Japan but for the world as well, ultimately contributing to the realization of peace. Tourism must continue to evolve in order to revitalize this “power of travel” and ensure its sustainability. To achieve this, tourism must address a wide range of issues, including contributing to local communities, ensuring safety and security, improving productivity, and being environmentally conscious. The Japan Tourism Awards recognizes the efforts of organizations, companies, and groups that are revitalizing the “power of travel” and ensuring its sustainability, and in collaboration with Tourism EXPO Japan, aims to widely publicize outstanding award-winning initiatives as model cases and contribute to the further development of tourism. This year’s awards received 213 applications from both Japan and overseas, and the winners were selected from among them. The award announcement and award ceremony will be held at Tourism EXPO Japan, which will be held at Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) from September 25th. *Reference: From the Japan Tourism Awards website:
https://www.t-expo.jp/biz/program/award
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/89077/21/89077-21-c0c434afb776f0db9b9691976820fc27-342×121.png Award-winning theme “Opening of the No-Electricity Sauna ‘National Park Enjoyment Sauna'” Marukoma Onsen Ryokan began in December 1915 as a thatched hut hot spring inn in undeveloped land surrounded by primeval forest and lake. We have long welcomed many guests as a lodging business committed to protecting the natural and hot spring environment of Lake Shikotsu. In 2022, the Lake Shikotsu area was certified as a “Zero Carbon Park (Ministry of the Environment National Park),” and the local efforts centered around Marukoma Onsen were recognized. We have developed a strategy to attract a new target demographic from Japan and abroad who share our commitment to “protecting the natural and hot spring environment,” and are proposing stays centered around the “Enjoy the National Park Sauna” as a core feature. By collaborating with local businesses that share these initiatives, the inn is also proposing stays that combine multiple aspects. For example, it sells craft beer made from Lake Shikotsu’s water and forests, and improves the accessibility of activity reservations on its official website to promote “accommodation national park activities.” These efforts are evolving the inn’s tourism appeal to add value to stays and improve satisfaction with area tourism. By increasing the number of new guests who enjoy the national park experience and expanding its customer base, Marukoma Onsen Ryokan not only improves its profitability, but also leads to ongoing activities at the heart of Marukoma Onsen and the national park, such as receiving “Sakura Quality Green” certification, a quality certification system focused on the SDGs, which includes standards related to consideration for the environment and local community and sustainable corporate governance. These comprehensive initiatives were highly acclaimed, leading to this award. [Comment from Representative Director Kazuo Hiseshita] We are pleased and honored to have received such a prestigious award at the 9th Japan Tourism Awards, marking our 110th anniversary since our founding. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our loyal guests, the local community, and the team members who have dedicated themselves to running Marukoma Onsen. “Marukoma Onsen Ryokan, a Lakeside Inn on Lake Shikotsu, a Hidden Hot Spring in Deep Sapporo,” began in December 1915 as a thatched hut on untouched land surrounded by primeval forest and lake. 2025 marks our 110th anniversary, and since then, we have continued to protect the local area, the natural environment, and hot spring culture. Looking at the view from here, our founder, Hatsutaro, once said, “I have never seen such a beautiful, peaceful world.” We will use this award as a stepping stone to strive for even greater heights and devote ourselves to running the inn, so that we can continue to speak of the unique charm and essence of this place for the next 100 years. We appreciate your continued patronage. Image
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/89077/21/89077-21-92a48b1ff4b5b432842e3a7589afda94-3900×2600.jpg Marukoma Onsen Ryokan, a lakeside inn on Lake Shikotsu in the depths of Sapporo Established in 1915, this long-established hot spring inn is located on the shores of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. The open-air observation bath offers a spectacular view of Lake Shikotsu. The natural hot spring springs up at your feet, which is rare in Japan. This hot spring inn boasts cloudy water that exudes the unique charm and history of Shikotsu’s nature. The Japanese cuisine, made with local produce, is served in kaiseki and irori styles, with a focus on cooking methods. This hot spring inn will soothe the fatigue of modern people with nature, hot springs, and cuisine. Phone: 0123-25-2341 (Representative) Address: 7 Horomiuchi, Chitose City, Hokkaido 066-0287 Number of rooms: 55. Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 10:00 AM Price: From ¥22,000 (per person for two people sharing a room / tax and service charge included) URL: https://www.marukoma.co.jp For more information about this release
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