Jozankei Onsen is a famous hot spring resort nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by pristine forests. Natural hot spring water rises from cracks in the bedrock along the banks and riverbed of the Toyohira River, creating a tranquil destination where visitors can enjoy both healing waters and spectacular scenery.
Located about 26 kilometers south of central Sapporo, Jozankei can be reached by car in just under an hour. The resort town stretches along the Toyohira River and features traditional Japanese-style inns with a refined Meiji-era atmosphere, modern deluxe hotels, souvenir shops, and other facilities.
Although Jozankei is a large-scale hot spring resort, it retains a peaceful atmosphere in harmony with its surrounding nature. It is an ideal place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes of Hokkaido.
Jozankei has many spots where visitors can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring town. Yukemuri-zaka is a slope where steam rises from the hot spring waters, while Yuno-taki is a waterfall-like feature where hot spring water flows down. Free foot baths and hand baths are also available throughout the town. During the cooler months of spring, autumn, and winter, steam often rises from the Toyohira River as well, creating a particularly atmospheric hot spring landscape.
Jozankei is worth visiting at any time of year. In spring, fresh green leaves brighten the surrounding forests. Summer brings cool mountain air and refreshing greenery, making it an attractive escape from the heat of Sapporo.
Autumn is particularly spectacular, when the surrounding mountains are covered in vivid red, orange, and golden foliage. In winter, nearby ski resorts such as Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort attract visitors with their expansive slopes and excellent facilities, allowing Jozankei to be enjoyed as a year-round resort destination.
Located near one of the bridges in the hot spring town, Jozan Genzo Park features a foot bath supplied with natural hot spring water and the unique Ontama-no-yu egg-boiling bath.
The water in the Ontama-no-yu reaches temperatures above 80°C. Visitors can purchase raw eggs in a net at the local souvenir shop and use the hot spring water to make their own onsen eggs. It usually takes around 20 minutes to produce a delicious egg with a softly cooked texture.
The striking Futami Suspension Bridge is one of Jozankei's most recognizable landmarks. Painted bright red, the bridge offers beautiful views over the surrounding gorge, including the unusual rock formations of Kappa-fuchi and Futami-iwa, a rock formation named after the famous Meoto Iwa rocks at Futamiura in Ise.
The bridge connects with the scenic Futami Jozan-no-michi Nature Trail. Each season offers a different experience: wildflowers and streams fed by melting snow in spring, cool green forests in summer, brilliant autumn foliage, and a quiet snow-covered landscape in winter.
On summer evenings, the area between Futami Park and Futami Suspension Bridge is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere among the trees.
The history of Jozankei Onsen dates back to 1866. According to local history, a Buddhist ascetic monk named Misen Jozan heard rumors of a remote hot spring where deer came to heal their wounds. Guided by Ainu people, he discovered the spring.
Jozan overcame numerous difficulties and devoted himself to developing the hot spring settlement. In recognition of his contribution, the area eventually became known as Jozankei, literally associated with Jozan's name.
Jozankei Onsen has 56 hot spring sources, concentrated mainly around the Tsukimibashi and Takayamabashi areas of the Toyohira River. The hot water naturally emerges through cracks in the bedrock along the riverbanks and riverbed.
The spring water is a sodium chloride spring. It is clear and colorless, with a mild salty taste. The combined natural flow is approximately 8,600 liters per minute, while the source temperature ranges from around 60°C to 80°C.
Jozankei is closely associated with the Japanese folklore creature known as the kappa, a legendary water-dwelling creature said to inhabit rivers and ponds.
At Futami Park stands the Kappa Daio statue, one of the symbols of Jozankei. Other kappa sculptures can be found throughout the resort, including a kappa relaxing in an outdoor bath at Yuno-taki and whimsical “Fairy Tale Kappa” sculptures created by artists from Hokkaido and elsewhere in Japan.
These statues are inspired by the local Kappa Legend of Jozankei, giving the hot spring town a playful and distinctive character. Visitors may also encounter Kappon, Jozankei's friendly kappa mascot.
80 min. by Jyotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei from Sapporo Station Terminal