Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.
As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.
You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!
After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa.
Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs) | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
-
Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
Mt. Tengu is located on the outskirts of Otaru. After taking the ropeway up, you can enjoy one of Hokkaido’s top three night views.
The mountain was pleasantly cool and lush with greenery, and the beautiful scenery stretched out before us. No wonder movies like Love Letter and First Love were filmed here.
I hope I can visit again next time. Going up in the evening would probably let us stay until the city lights start to glow... -
-
Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.
Otaru’s shopping street has more than just famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro. There are also glass shops and music box stores where you can really feel the art and culture.
Walking around the streets of Otaru and checking out all the well-known shops, you’re bound to come across a souvenir or keepsake you’ll fall in love with at first sight.
Since it was a holiday, there was a long line at the kerosene lamp café, so I took a photo by the sign as a little souvenir of my visit. -
-
Otaru Canal
Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.
The Otaru Canal flows gently, like an old man slowly telling stories of its once lively and prosperous past. The stone warehouses lining both banks stand as witnesses to those abundant, thriving days.
Standing on the stone bridge, watching the calm water and the crowds of visitors, it feels as if everyone is traveling through time together and experiencing the glory of that era. -
