Asarigawa Onsen Hotel

Set on a hillside with views of forested mountains, this informal hot spring hotel across the street from the Asari River is 6 km from Otaru-Chikkō train station, and 10 km from the restaurants, museums and historic warehouses along the Otaru Canal.

The unpretentious rooms provide flat-screen TVs and minifridges; most feature tatami floors, futons and chabudai dining tables.

A train station shuttle (on request) and parking are free. There's also a tennis court, and a bathhouse offering indoor and open-air soaking pools with geothermal water. Breakfast and dinner are available.