Otaru is one of the leading tourist areas in Hokkaido, and if you want a relaxing place to stay nearby, check out Asarigawa Onsen, a hot spring resort town appropriately nicknamed yuragi no sato (“Land of Relaxation”). Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Otaru and packed with chic resort hotels and ryokan (traditional inns), the town is famed for its many onsen (hot springs) lining the eponymous Asarigawa River or nestled in the nearby mountains. Asarigawa Onsen is located about 30 minutes by car from downtown Otaru, so day trips are also possible. There are plenty of activities year-round with cherry blossoms in spring, golf in summer, autumn colors in fall, and skiing in winter.