Jozankei Hot Spring (Hokkaido) Complete Guide | Experience Premium Hot Spring Bathing at Sapporo’s Hidden Gem
What is Jozankei Hot Spring?
Jozankei Hot Spring (jozankei onsen) is a hot spring resort located in Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, affectionately known as “Sapporo’s hidden gem.” With convenient access—just about 50 minutes by car or approximately 70 minutes by bus from central Sapporo—it is one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring resorts, attracting approximately 2.4 million tourists annually.
Numerous ryokans and hotels line the banks of the Toyohira River, which flows through a lush verdant valley, creating the picturesque atmosphere of a hot spring town. The name “Jozankei” derives from Jozan Miizumi (miizumi jozan), an ascetic Buddhist monk who opened this hot spring, and the resort boasts a distinguished history spanning over 150 years.
History and Origin of Jozankei Hot Spring
Opening History
The history of Jozankei Hot Spring began in 1866 (Keio 2) when ascetic Buddhist monk Jozan Miizumi discovered a hot spring in the upper reaches of the Toyohira River. Miizumi, originally from Okayama Prefecture, came upon this hot spring while traveling through Ezo (present-day Hokkaido) and established a therapeutic bathing facility.
Initially called “Miizumi Tsuneyama,” the area eventually became known as “Jozankei.” Beyond developing the hot spring, Miizumi made significant contributions to the region’s development through road construction and bridge building.
Development of the Hot Spring Town
With the Meiji era came increased attention to Jozankei Hot Spring as Sapporo developed. The opening of the Jozankei Railway in 1918 (Taisho 7) dramatically improved access, bringing numerous therapeutic bathers and tourists to the area, further developing it as a hot spring town.
From the Showa period onward, large-scale hotels and ryokans were constructed one after another, establishing Jozankei as Hokkaido’s premier hot spring resort. Today, the area offers diverse accommodations ranging from traditional ryokans to modern resort hotels.
Characteristics and Spring Quality
Abundant Hot Spring Volume
Jozankei Hot Spring’s greatest characteristic is its abundant water volume. The area boasts 56 hot spring sources, with approximately 8,600 liters of water naturally flowing per minute. Calculated daily, this amounts to approximately 12,384,000 liters—an enormous volume sufficient to supply the entire hot spring town. The sources are primarily concentrated near the Tsukimi Bridge and Takayama Bridge areas along the Toyohira River that runs through the town, naturally flowing from cracks in bedrock on riverbanks and riverbed. Source temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Celsius, high-temperature quality hot spring water that can be used without dilution.
Spring Quality Characteristics
Jozankei Hot Spring’s mineral composition is sodium chloride spring water. Characterized by its colorless transparency and pleasant salty taste, salt deposits on the skin after bathing provide high heat retention, earning it the nickname “the hot bath” (atsui yu).
Primary therapeutic benefits:
- Neuralgia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Motor paralysis
- Joint stiffness
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Chronic gastroenteritis
- Hemorrhoids
- Poor circulation
- Post-illness recovery period
- Fatigue recovery
- Health maintenance
- Cuts
- Burns
- Chronic skin conditions
- Weak constitution in children
- Chronic gynecological conditions
Sodium chloride springs provide high heat retention, making them unlikely to cool quickly, allowing comfortable enjoyment of hot springs even in Hokkaido’s cold climate.
Access to Jozankei Hot Spring
Access from Central Sapporo
By Bus
Direct buses run from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Hot Spring. The “Kappa Liner” operates from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal with a travel time of approximately 70 minutes. Major stops include “Jozankei-Ohashi” and “Yu-no-machi,” allowing passengers to disembark according to their accommodation location.
Using the subway, one can take the Namboku Line to Makomanai Station and transfer to a Jozankei-bound bus operated by Jotetsu Bus.
By Car
Approximately 50 minutes by car from central Sapporo. The standard route follows National Route 230 (Ishiyama-dori) heading south, with abundant road signage making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
When using the Sapporo-Asahi Expressway, travel time is approximately 20 to 60 minutes from either “Sapporo Kita IC” or “Kitahiroshima IC.” During winter, studless tires are essential due to icy and snowy road conditions.
Access from New Chitose Airport
From New Chitose Airport to Jozankei Hot Spring, direct buses or connecting through Sapporo Station are available, with travel time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. By rental car via expressway, travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Accommodations at Jozankei Hot Spring
Large Resort Hotels
Jozankei Hot Spring features several large resort hotels with extensive facilities.
Jozankei View Hotel is one of the largest hotels in Jozankei, featuring a grand bath with diverse pools. The indoor water entertainment facility “Lagoon” offers water activities enjoyable for both children and adults.
Jozankei Banseikaku Hotel Millione is popular for buffet-style meals with a live kitchen serving freshly prepared dishes. The hot spring’s outdoor bath overlooking the Toyohira River is its main attraction.
Grand Blessun Hotel Jozankei presents a refined atmosphere welcomed by its symbol tree, the Getsugetsukaeade maple. Beautiful tree-lined approach creates a non-everyday atmosphere.
Luxury Ryokans and Hot Spring Inns
Jozankei Yuraku Soan (Kyoritsu Resort) is a luxury ryokan renowned for its hot springs allowing relaxation while viewing four-season landscapes. It features both indoor and outdoor baths in a calm Japanese atmosphere.
Traditional Japanese-style inns serve kaiseki or kaiseki cuisine using fresh Hokkaido ingredients. Guest rooms primarily consist of Japanese tatami rooms providing comfortable spaces.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities
Even without overnight stays, numerous day-use hot spring facilities allow enjoyment of Jozankei’s waters. Most hotels and ryokans accept day-trip bathing.
Toyohiraikyo Hot Spring is a day-use facility located slightly apart from the main hot spring town, renowned for its free-flowing spring bath. The outdoor bath offers views of Jozankei’s distinctive natural scenery, including a cave-style bath surrounded by rocks.
Facilities with diverse pools such as active spas and reclining baths are also popular.
Tourist Attractions at Jozankei Hot Spring
Kappa Legend and Kappa Spots
Jozankei Hot Spring preserves kappa (river sprite) folklore, with kappas serving as the town’s beloved symbol. Kappa statues are installed throughout the hot spring town, making “kappa hunting” part of the tourist experience.
Kappa Family Wishing Hand Bath is a unique spot where visitors enjoy a hand bath while chanting a wish. It’s a popular casual stop during hot spring town strolls.
Jozankei features over 20 kappa statues, each with different expressions and poses. A “Kappa Stamp Rally” identifying all kappas is popular with families.
Jozankei Hiking Paths and Natural Scenery
Jozankei Hiking Path is a forest trail maintained along the Toyohira River, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot spring town’s nature. Points of interest include Futami Suspension Bridge, Futami Park, and Shigure Bridge.
Futami Suspension Bridge is an iconic landmark of Jozankei, offering panoramic views of the Toyohira River gorge from the bridge. Particularly during autumn foliage season, the spectacular scenery of red and yellow trees blending with the gorge is spectacular.
Nishikibashi Bridge is a red bridge spanning the town center, popular for souvenir photographs. The surrounding area is also known as an autumn foliage spot.
Jozankei Dam and Toyohiraikyo Dam
Jozankei Dam is a multipurpose dam impounding the Toyohira River, with its reservoir “Sapporo Lake” boasting beautiful scenery. The observation platform offers panoramic views of the dam and surrounding mountains, with especially spectacular views during autumn foliage season attracting numerous tourists.
Toyohiraikyo Dam is a large arch dam further upstream from Jozankei Hot Spring, located within Shikotsu-Toyo National Park surrounded by primeval forest. The dam observation point offers impressive views, with powerful water discharge phenomena also noteworthy.
Four-Season Natural Events
Spring: Fresh Greenery and Mountain Vegetables
With snowmelt, Jozankei’s mountains become cloaked in vibrant fresh greenery. The season for mountain vegetable harvesting, local ryokans offer fresh vegetable cuisine.
Summer: Streams and Summer Retreat
Cooler than Sapporo’s urban center, it attracts visitors seeking summer retreat. Visitors enjoy fly-fishing in the Toyohira River and hiking courses.
Autumn: Premier Foliage Destination
Jozankei Hot Spring is famous as one of Hokkaido’s premier autumn foliage spots. Peak viewing typically occurs from late September through mid-October, with the entire gorge transforming red and yellow. Events such as “Jozankei Nature Luminarie” light-up displays create fantastical illuminated autumn foliage experiences.
Winter: Snow-Viewing Hot Springs and Snow Festival
Outdoor hot spring bathing against snowy landscapes is exceptional. The “Jozankei Hot Spring Snow Light Path” illuminates the hot spring town with snowcandles in romantic atmosphere.
How to Enjoy Jozankei Hot Spring
Cuisine and Dining
Jozankei Hot Spring offers cuisine using fresh Hokkaido ingredients.
Hot spring buns are popular hot spring town stroll companions. Buns steamed using hot spring source water are characterized by fluffy texture.
Genghis Khan and seafood cuisine are among abundant Hokkaido cuisine options. Many hotels and ryokans offer buffet-style dining plans with various dishes.
Jozankei Farm offers fruit picking. From summer through autumn, visitors can harvest seasonal fruits including strawberries, cherries, and plums.
Experiences and Activities
Canoeing and Rafting
The Toyohira River offers canoeing and rafting activities. Guided tours with specialists allow safe participation even for beginners.
Nordic Walking
Nordic walking using the Jozankei hiking path is popular. Specialized poles make this full-body exercise effective for health promotion.
Snowshoe Experience
Winter offers guided snowshoe tours through snow forests. Walking through typically inaccessible snowy forests allows full immersion in winter nature.
Jozankei Tourism Information Center (Jozankei Hot Spring Museum)
The information center in the town center features exhibits on Jozankei Hot Spring’s history and culture. Materials on Miizumi Jozan, the spring’s founder, and explanations of spring composition help deepen knowledge of Jozankei Hot Spring. Abundant pamphlets and maps assist in planning tourist routes.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Sapporo Attractions
With approximately one hour’s travel to central Sapporo, combining Jozankei Hot Spring with Sapporo sightseeing is popular.
Visiting Sapporo attractions such as Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, and Susukino, then staying at Jozankei Hot Spring for relaxation is recommended.
Otaru and Shakotan Area
Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Jozankei, Otaru offers historic canal streetscapes and fresh seafood cuisine paired with hot spring visits in popular tourist plans.
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu, approximately one hour by car from Jozankei Hot Spring, is Japan’s northernmost non-freezing lake. With high transparency, the beautiful lake offers canoeing and cruise activities.
Tips for Booking Jozankei Hot Spring Accommodations
Reservation Timing and Best Seasons
While Jozankei offers year-round enjoyment, peak popularity occurs during autumn foliage season (late September through mid-October). Reservations fill quickly during this period, with booking 2-3 months in advance recommended.
Winter snow-viewing season (December through February) is also popular, especially New Year holidays and Sapporo Snow Festival periods with high congestion.
Relatively quiet periods are late May through June fresh greenery season and November post-foliage. Accommodation rates are typically more reasonable during these periods, allowing relaxed hot spring enjoyment.
Selecting Accommodation Plans
Meal Plans
Various dining options include buffet plans, kaiseki cuisine plans, and in-room dining. Buffet is popular with families, while kaiseki or in-room dining suits couples and married couples.
Day-Trip Plans
Abundant day-trip plans allow hot spring and meal enjoyment without overnight stays. Convenient for stops during Sapporo sightseeing.
Shuttle Service
Most hotels and ryokans operate free shuttle buses from Sapporo Station. Confirming and utilizing these services at reservation makes access more convenient.
Atmosphere and Convenience of Jozankei Hot Spring Town
Hot Spring Town Strolls
Jozankei Hot Spring’s town extends approximately 2km along the Toyohira River. Well-maintained riverside paths allow leisurely town exploration in yukata.
Souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants dot the hot spring town, allowing casual hot spring atmosphere enjoyment. Evening illumination in certain areas creates romantic ambiance.
Convenience and Facilities
Convenience stores, post offices, and bank ATMs located throughout the hot spring town provide high convenience.
Multiple foot bath spots allow casual hot spring enjoyment during strolls. The “Jozankei Source Spring Park” foot bath, located near the source, offers abundant spring water experience.
Model Courses for Fully Enjoying Jozankei Hot Spring
One Night, Two Day Plan
Day One
- Morning: Travel from Sapporo Station by bus to Jozankei Hot Spring (approximately 70 minutes)
- Lunch: Lunch in hot spring town, purchase hot spring buns
- Afternoon: Stroll Jozankei hiking path, visit Futami Suspension Bridge and kappa statues
- Evening: Check into hotel/ryokan, enjoy hot spring bathing
- Night: Savor dinner featuring Hokkaido ingredients
Day Two
- Morning: Early morning hot spring bathing
- Late morning: Visit Toyohiraikyo Dam or Jozankei Dam
- Lunch: Check out of hotel, dine in hot spring town
- Afternoon: Travel to Sapporo, enjoy Sapporo sightseeing
Day-Trip Plan
- Morning: Travel from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Hot Spring
- Lunch: Bathe at day-use hot spring facility and dine
- Afternoon: Stroll hot spring town, enjoy fruit picking at Jozankei Farm
- Evening: Return to Sapporo
Jozankei Hot Spring Reviews and Overall Satisfaction
Jozankei Hot Spring receives high ratings in numerous hot spring rankings, particularly excelling in the following areas.
Spring Quality
The abundant water volume and quality sodium chloride spring water receive favorable reviews from visitors mentioning “warming” and “skin becomes silky smooth.” Many facilities provide free-flowing spring baths, allowing authentic hot spring enjoyment.
Access Convenience
Approximately one hour from central Sapporo is highly valued as a “readily accessible hot spring destination.” Frequent buses make visiting possible even without a car.
Natural Scenery
Four-season gorge beauty, particularly autumn foliage, receives praise in many reviews. Frequent comments include “experiencing Hokkaido’s grand nature.”
Hospitality
Staff responsiveness at numerous accommodations is commended. Reviews frequently mention “feeling hospitality spirit” and “careful consideration.”
Conclusion: Experience Hokkaido’s Hot Spring Culture at Jozankei Hot Spring
Jozankei Hot Spring is Hokkaido’s premier hot spring resort with over 150 years of history. With convenient access approximately one hour from Sapporo, abundant water volume from 56 hot spring sources, beautiful four-season natural scenery, and comprehensive accommodations and tourist attractions, it is ideal for hot spring trips.
Whether visiting for day trips or overnight stays, Jozankei satisfies diverse needs as both a Hokkaido sightseeing base and hot spring destination. Combined with Sapporo sightseeing, a fulfilling travel plan experiencing both urban and natural attractions materializes.
Fully enjoy kappa legend-steeped hot spring town exploration, natural experiences savoring gorge beauty, Hokkaido cuisine, and above all, healing moments in high-quality hot springs at Jozankei Hot Spring.
