Jozankei Travel Guide: Enjoy the Seasonal Scenery and Experiences!

Jozankei welcomes spring a bit later in May, marked by fresh greenery and the vibrant colors of "harumomiji" (spring maple leaves).
As the warm sunlight returns, the snowy landscape transforms into a brilliant display of spring foliage.
This unique phenomenon, where you can see maple leaves change color in spring, is specific to northern regions. It offers a rare experience of contrasting cherry blossoms with colorful foliage.
For those visiting in spring, Koganeyu Sakura no Mori Park, a park with around 800 cherry trees in 11 varieties, is must-see.

Summer in Jozankei is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities that take full advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.
Popular water activities include canoeing, rafting, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the streams that flow through the hot spring town, letting you feel the natural sounds and fresh air.
In the evening, don’t miss the Jozankei Nature Luminarie, a summer event that began in 2016.
This night-time light performance enhances the beauty of nature with stunning illuminations along the path from Futami park to the Futami Tsuribashi suspension bridge.
After a day filled with fresh air, fun at scenic spots, and a relaxing soak in the hot springs, the illuminations are a perfect way to end your day.

The highlight of autumn in Jozankei is undoubtedly the vibrant red foliage.
The contrast between the flowing Toyohira River and the temperature differences in the valley creates brilliantly vivid colors.
With stunning autumn leaves surrounding you, just walking around is enough to enjoy the scenery.
Jozankei offers a luxurious experience where you can compare different views from various locations, including guest rooms, open-air baths, sightseeing spots, and water activities.
Starting in October, there is also the option to participate in the Five Great Autumn Leaves Shuttle Tour, which takes you to the top five foliage spots.
For those who enjoy seasonal flavors, fruit picking and barbecuing are highly recommended.
Savor fresh fruits such as peaches, grapes, and apples, and enjoy tasting different varieties.

Winter in Jozankei is all about the natural beauty created by the extreme cold typical of a snowy region.
The sight of snow-covered trees and the tranquil silence they create is like a piece of natural art.
While walking through the soft, fresh snow is a daily occurrence for Hokkaido residents, it becomes a rare and extraordinary experience for visitors.
Soaking in an open-air bath while admiring the snowy landscape is also a priceless moment.

There are plenty of activities and events that can only be experienced during the winter, when everything is blanketed in snow.
Highly recommended are the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, known for its superb powder snow, and snow-view camping at the all-season Hakkenzan Winery Bonfire Campsite.
Another highlight is the Snow Candle Path event at Jozankei Shrine, featuring snow candles and special effects combining light, images, and snow to showcase the shrine’s charm.
This enchanting and mysterious scenery is truly worth seeing.

The Futami Jozan Road begins at Futami park, home to the iconic Kappa Daio Statue, and follows the Toyohira River upstream.
The trail spans about 2.5 kilometers round trip, crossing the bright red Futami Tsuribashi suspension bridge, passing through Kappabuchi Koen (Kappabuchi Park) and Shinsui Park, and ending at the Akaiwa-no-kan (Mountain stream).
Known as the healing corridor, this trail offers a diverse range of forest and natural scenery throughout the year.
The charm of the trail lies in experiencing the breathing of flowers and trees, the sounds of animals, and the gentle murmur of the river.
You'll be surprised and delighted by how much the landscape changes with the seasons, time of day, and weather, always revealing something new.

Hoheikyo is a spot rich in picturesque landscapes, centered around the Hoheikyo Dam, which plays a crucial role in controlling the water flow for all of Sapporo.
In summer, the vibrant green landscape contrasts beautifully with the massive dam, creating a refreshing natural environment. During the autumn foliage season, Hoheikyo is also one of Japan's top destinations for viewing the fall colors.

Built in 1911 in Minami-ku, Sapporo, Jozankei Shrine sits quietly on a hill overlooking the hot spring town.
The shrine enshrines six deities, including Onamuchi-no-kami, and honors Miizumi Jozan, the monk who established the foundation of the Jozankei Onsen.
This hidden power spot is believed to bring blessings for business success and romantic fulfillment.
Surrounded by rich natural beauty, the grounds are adorned with colorful seasonal flowers, such as Ezoengosaku (Corydalis ambigua) in spring and fresh green foliage.
The shrine also serves as a resting spot for hikers heading to the trailhead of Mt. Yuhi located at the back of the grounds.

Opened in November 2022, Kokoro no Sato No-no-terrace is a new multi-purpose spot in the hot spring area.
It offers a variety of experiences that fully embrace the charm of Jozankei, including a restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, various hands-on activities, and leisure opportunities to connect with nature.
The facility also features an outdoor terrace, a dog run, and a footbath lounge, ensuring there's always something exciting to do.
Whether you're creating memories with family and friends or enjoying each area at your own pace, the flexibility and variety of options make this a highly recommended destination.

Opened in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Miizumi Jozan, the monk credited with establishing the Jozankei Onsen, Jozan Gensen Park recreates the scenery where Miizumi Jozan first discovered the hot springs.
The park features a statue of Miizumi Jozan and various hot spring facilities. One of the highlights is the footbath, which uses the original source of the Jozankei Onsen, allowing visitors to easily enjoy the famous sodium chloride spring water.
The park remains a popular spot for those looking to relax and experience the essence of Jozankei’s healing waters.

Jozankei Onsen Town is the most historic and representative hot spring area in Jozankei.
The spring water here is a sodium chloride spring. There are 56 hot spring sources in Jozankei, concentrated around the Tsukimibashi Bridge and Takayamabashi Bridge areas along the Toyohira River, which flows through the town.
The hot water naturally springs from cracks in the rocks along the riverbanks and riverbed, with a total discharge rate of 8,600 liters per minute and a relatively high temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Hoheikyo Onsen is the only hot spring in Sapporo where water flows directly from the source into the baths without any temperature adjustment or dilution—a rare 100% natural hot spring even in Japan, known for its powerful therapeutic properties.
This onsen is famous for having one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, with three different hot springs: Muken no yu, Fukuro no yu, and Yuyu no yu, accommodating up to 200 bathers at once.

Koganeyu Onsen, which opened in the Meiji era (1868–1912), boasts a history of over a century.
Nestled under the watchful presence of a giant Katsura tree estimated to be 700 years old, this picturesque onsen has long been cherished as a healing retreat.
The spring water, a 100% natural mildly alkaline sulfur spring, is known for its benefits in relieving muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue, as well as its relaxing effects.
Koganeyu Onsen features two facilities.
The first is Yumoto Koganeyu, which offers a variety of options, including outdoor baths, indoor baths, private tubs, and a sauna equipped with mist and löyly steam. The breathtaking views that change with the seasons are a particular highlight.

The second facility is Koganeyu Onsen Yumoto Shun no Oyado Matsunoyu.
Here, guests can enjoy an extraordinary experience soaking in an open-air bath with stunning views of the Toyohira River and surrounding mountains.
As a traditional onsen inn, it is ideal for both day-use bathing and overnight stays.

Located 5 kilometers southwest of Jozankei Onsen, along the Usabetsu River, Usubetsu Onsen is known for its "bicarbonate spring," one of the three famous Beauty Springs in Japan.
The spring water acts like a gentle cleanser, removing dirt and old skin cells from the skin.
The only facility at Usubetsu Onsen is Kasho Gyoen.
All guest rooms here are suites, each with a panoramic bath offering views of the rich surrounding forest.
The rooms feature materials and furnishings sourced from Hokkaido, creating a luxurious private space that is both refined and warm.
After bathing, guests can indulge in beauty programs or Thai traditional massages, experiencing a blissful time of relaxation for both the mind and body.

Located in the Jozankei Onsen area, Yama no Kaze Machi is a newly developed gourmet district.
This area features a variety of attractive dining options, including Kazemachi Mart & Smoked Design Institute, a stylish boutique offering homemade smoked delicacies perfect as snacks to enjoy back at your lodging. You can also visit Ame-no-hi to Yuki-no-hi to taste gelato made with rich Hokkaido Jersey milk or relax in the footbath while enjoying freshly baked bread at Exclamation Bakery.
A short distance away is Sakanoue no Monaka, a popular shop known for its handcrafted Japanese-Western fusion sweets by a skilled patissier.
Take a stroll through the natural beauty of Jozankei and savor various local gourmet delights.
The area also has three unique lodging facilities, each with its own personality, offering a distinctive experience, including hot spring baths.

Located inside the restaurant of Hoheikyo Onsen, ONSEN Shokudo is famous for its authentic Indian curry made by Nepali chefs. You can also visit just for the dining experience.
The curry, made with dozens of spices, is rich in flavor and balanced with the natural sweetness of vegetables.
The generous portions, filled with large chunks of ingredients, are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
They offer various curry options, including pork, lamb, and vegetable, with a choice of five spice levels.
Another standout menu item is their "juwari soba," made from 100% buckwheat flour, sourced from Etanbetsu, ground every morning with a millstone, offering a perfect complement to the curry.

Founded in 1931, Daikokuya Syouten is a long-standing manju shop located opposite Jozan Gensen Park.
For over 90 years, it has preserved its traditional flavors using the same recipe at the same location.
The signature item is the freshly steamed Jozankei Onsen Manju, handmade every morning.
These additive-free buns feature a soft, thin outer layer filled generously with brown sugar red bean paste, offering a natural sweetness and nostalgic taste.
With a shelf life of only three days, their commitment to high-quality ingredients is clear.
They are sold individually or in boxes of nine, at an affordable price of 75 yen each.
Grab three or four and enjoy a walking tour of the charming hot spring town.
Due to their popularity, they often sell out by midday, so visiting early is best.

Located just a one-minute walk from the Jozankei bus stop, the Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione is a resort hotel that serves as a perfect starting point for exploring Jozankei.
The hotel offers 297 rooms, including Japanese-style, Western-style, and rooms with private open-air baths, creating a relaxing space where you can escape from everyday life.
The highlight is the Jozankei Onsen, known for its sodium chloride springs that naturally bubble up from the ground.
The hot springs are reputed to be gentle on the skin and warm the body from the core, making them particularly recommended for those who suffer from cold sensitivity.
The hotel also boasts an excellent buffet featuring locally sourced ingredients, with around 80 different menu options allowing you to savor the flavors of Hokkaido to your heart's content.

Nestled in a tranquil spot surrounded by forests within the Jozankei Onsen area, the Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI NO UTA (Song of the Forest) offers an exceptional opportunity.
The entire hotel is designed to feel connected to the outdoors, with elements like a grass carpet, a forest-themed buffet, and a water curtain, creating the atmosphere of a forest oasis.
The hotel provides fun, unique activities such as roasting marshmallows over a fireplace or enjoying a luxurious adult time at the lounge bar, ensuring you make wonderful memories during your stay.

Nukumori no yado Furukawa is a charming, traditional inn located just steps from the Jozankei yu no machi bus stop.
Surrounded by nature, it offers warm hospitality that makes you feel as if you’ve returned to your hometown.
The inn features Yumemi, a nostalgic bathhouse that recreates the original hot springs opened by Biisen Jozan, using century-old wood, stone, and bare light bulbs.
The hot springs are 100% natural, with no added water; when the temperature drops, fresh spring water bubbles up from the bottom.
The warm glow of the old-fashioned light bulbs creates a nostalgic ambiance, allowing you to feel the original scenery of Jozankei.
After relaxing in the hot springs, enjoy a dinner that focuses on "homemade" and "freshly prepared" dishes.