One of the things that makes Hokkaido so popular is its wide open spaces, but this same spaciousness can make getting around a bit tricky. Luckily, many hotels, ryokan, and resorts offer free shuttle service! Check out our recommendations below for some of the most popular hot spring resorts with free shuttle service from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport!

Get the lowdown on some of what Ishikawa Prefecture has to offer!

An open-air bath at The Kayotei overlooking the verdant hills of Yamanaka.

Ishikawa Prefecture lies on the west coast of Japan's main island, a part of Hokuriku in the larger Chubu, or "central", region. It is best-known perhaps for its capital city of Kanazawa, an old castle town rich in history and natural beauty and surprisingly compact in size (a good thing -- more on this later). Kanazawa offers a range of sightseeing destinations and cultural experiences -- not to mention the tasty food -- that will delight history buffs and artisans alike.

Although it is certainly not to be missed, Kanazawa is not all that Ishikawa Prefecture has to offer. Travelers to Japan -- both first-timers and repeat visitors alike -- are sure to know of the country's nationwide passion for hot springs; well, Ishikawa is no exception as home to Kaga Onsen (among others) which consists of four smaller hot spring towns including Awazu, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, and Katayamazu. Those looking for a peaceful getaway with a steamy bath to melt away the weariness of travel need look no further than these small, somewhat secluded hot spring villages tucked amongst the verdant mountains and valleys of Ishikawa. Kaga Onsen's soothing hot springs -- and their purported healing powers -- are said to have been discovered more than 1,000 years ago, and in addition to the famous public bath houses here, visitors can find a number of top-class ryokan to choose from. Continue below for some of our top choices.

We got our hands on some from the spring, and -- as you may have guessed -- the garden is just as gorgeous this time of year. From delicate cherry blossoms to the season's fresh greenery, Yoshiike gives guests the opportunity to really feel the new life of spring, as well as the beauty of all four seasons.

Sunnide Resort is a popular lodging offering hotel rooms and cottages right on the banks of scenic Lake Kawaguchi with Mt. Fuji towering on the horizon. Accommodations, facilities, and services vary between the hotel and the cottages, so keep reading below for more info about what you can expect when staying at Sunnide Resort!