Hot spring villages usually feel like a world away, but Jozankei Onsen breaks the mold. Just an hour's drive from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, this green oasis offers a perfect getaway without straying too far from urban comforts.
Unlike other hot spring towns in Hokkaido, such as Noboribetsu and Yunokawa, Jozankei is unique in its accessibility. With nearly 60 hot spring sources, you can enjoy large indoor and outdoor baths. The mineral-rich waters are known for their healing qualities, making it a favorite spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, Jozankei Onsen provides a refreshing escape, blending the beauty of nature with the convenience of city life.
Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei's beloved symbol is a playful water sprite known as a kappa. These cute, imaginary creatures look like little goblins with plates on their heads. The kappa legend is alive and well in this hot spring town, and you'll see fun statues all around, including the impressive Great Kappa King.
The story goes that a young man once went fishing in the river and mysteriously disappeared. A year later, he appeared in his father's dream, sharing that he was happily living with his kappa wife and kids. Ever since then, no one has drowned in the area. You can find kappa-themed souvenirs and toys at local shops, making for charming keepsakes of your visit.
Jozankei Onsen's Mascot
Leave behind the heat and humidity of big cities and enjoy a few summer days cycling around Jozankei. The area offers lovely views, including Shiraito Falls and the Futami Suspension Bridge.
From late spring to autumn, visit Jozankei Dam and Hoheikyo Dam for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
In Hokkaido's harsh winters, nothing beats the warmth of a hot spring bath.
Surrounded by mountains, Jozankei Onsen is a fantastic place to enjoy the fall season. The autumn foliage here is some of the best in Hokkaido, with leaves changing color a few weeks before central and southern Japan. The peak season is around mid-October.
The cold winters in Hokkaido are perfect for a cozy soak in a hot spring. A special winter event is the Jozankei Onsen Snow Light Path, held annually at the end of January at Jozankei Shrine. This event features beautiful handcrafted snow lanterns, creating a magical winter walk.
Jozankei Onsen Snow Light Path
Hokkaido is known for its winter snow and ice festivals, but it also offers stunning views and cooler weather in spring and summer. The natural surroundings of this hot spring town provide a relaxing escape from daily stress and worries.
Just a short distance from Jozankei Onsen, the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort welcomes skiers of all skill levels. From easy beginner slopes to challenging runs for experts, there's something for everyone. The resort also offers fun activities like sledding and tube rides.
On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of Otaru City and the Sea of Japan. Located only 90 minutes from downtown Sapporo, it makes for a convenient getaway. After a day on the slopes, unwind with a relaxing hot spring bath in Jozankei.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
The spa waters in Jozankei are packed with minerals like sodium chloride, sulfur, and sodium bicarbonate. These springs are well-loved in Japan for their health benefits, which include helping with skin conditions, anemia, cuts, burns, and fatigue.
Locals can recommend the best springs to meet your needs. Most baths are separated by gender, and you can choose between a quick soak or a stay at a traditional ryokan hotel for a more relaxing experience.
Spa water in ryokan of Jozankei onsen
Around Jozankei, you can visit spots like Hoheikyo Dam, Jozankei Dam, and Jozan Gensen Park in the town center. Enjoy free forest foot baths or stroll along the promenade by the Toyohira River, where hot water bubbles up from the riverbed.
Toyohira River
Jozankei Onsen is accessible by car or shuttle bus. Many hotels offer shuttle services from Sapporo Station or Makomanai Subway Station.
The Kappa Liner bus makes 13 trips daily from Sapporo, Odori, and Susukino stations to Jozankei Onsen. Be sure to book your seat in advance. The bus ride takes about 75 minutes while driving usually takes around 40 minutes.
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