Jozankei Onsen is often referred to as Sapporo's inner sanctuary.

Although located within Sapporo city limits, this hot spring resort town is only a 45-minute drive from the city center and is popular for its rich natural surroundings and the opportunity to relax and enjoy high-quality hot springs.

This spot offers many attractions besides its hot springs, such as walks amidst abundant nature and experiential events that allow you to fully enjoy the natural environment.

So, this time, I'd like to talk about Jozankei Onsen, a place you should definitely visit when traveling to Sapporo.

We'll introduce not only the history, water quality, and unique features of the hot springs, but also events and recommended hotels.

<Table of Contents>
1. The History of Jozankei Onsen
2. Characteristics and Water Quality
3. Winter events at Jozankei Onsen
4. Recommended sightseeing spots around Jozankei Onsen
5. Top 5 Recommended Hotels
Final thoughts

Jozankei now attracts 120 million overnight visitors annually, and boasts numerous hotels and inns.

Its origins can be traced back to the late Edo period, when the ascetic monk Misen Jōzan created a hot spring resort that could be used for health and relaxation.

After the Hokkaido Development Commission was established during the Meiji era, hot spring development progressed using the commission's funds, at Jozan's request.

However, a few years later, heavy rains caused river flooding, and the Hokkaido Development Commission's hot spring development and management project was discontinued.

The initial stages of development were fraught with difficulties, but roads and railways were opened from the mid-Meiji period through the Taisho era.
Improved access led to the opening of many hot spring inns, laying the foundation for the Jozankei Onsen hot spring resort we see today.

The hot springs at Jozankei Onsen are sodium chloride springs, which are said to warm the body very well.
There are 56 hot spring sources, and apparently more than 50 liters of hot spring water gush out every hour.

The source water temperature is 60-80 degrees Celsius, which is relatively high for a naturally flowing hot spring.

Most of the hot springs are located near Tsukimi Bridge and Takayama Bridge on the Toyohira River, which flows through Jozankei Onsen, and they flow out from cracks in the bedrock on the riverbed and banks.

"Snow Lantern Festival"

The Snow Lantern Festival is held every year from the end of January to the beginning of February.

The sight of numerous snow candles lined up in the snow-covered event venue within the grounds of Jozankei Shrine is truly magical.

The snow candles placed throughout the venue were made by people who work at nearby hotels or live in the area.

During the event, you can light a candle while making a wish and decorate the snow tower with your snow candle.
It is said that if the fire does not go out even once during this time, your wish will come true.

At the Snow Lantern Festival, you can not only enjoy the scenery illuminated by snow candles, but also watch exciting performances by fire dancers.

It's a very cold season, but watching them perform so seriously with their upper bodies bare makes you forget about the cold.

Hot drinks will be available inside the venue, so please enjoy the scenery while warming yourself with a hot beverage.

"Yukizanmai" (Snow Dance)

Yukisanmai, held on a weekend in mid-January, is an event where you can enjoy games and food amidst a cold, snowy landscape.

By purchasing coins sold at the venue, you can experience activities such as dog sledding and snow rafting.

The coins are sold individually, but if you purchase the value pack of 12, you'll receive a discount coupon for a day trip to a hot spring.

You can also use these coins to enjoy a barbecue while warming yourself over charcoal, so try combining different options to make the most of the event.

In addition to coin-operated activities and meals, there are also free attractions such as a petting zoo and tube slides, so you can enjoy a full day of fun at a reasonable price.

"The Futami Jōzan Trail"

The Jozankei Onsen hot spring resort area boasts beautiful scenery created by rivers and the bridges that span them, such as the Nishiki Bridge and the Maizuru Strait, and the Shigure Bridge and the Shirai River.

In particular, the Futami Jozan trail, which includes the Futami Suspension Bridge where you can enjoy the scenery created by the red suspension bridge and the gorge, is a spot where you can enjoy wonderful scenery in every season.

Winter is a popular season because the red bridge spanning the snow-covered valley looks even more striking against it.
Let's go for a stroll in warm clothing.

Jozankei Shrine

The Jozankei Shrine, built at the end of the Meiji era, is the venue for the Snow Lantern Festival event that I mentioned earlier.

The shrine, which enshrines five deities including Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona, the god of hot springs and medicine, is also known as a power spot in Jozankei Onsen.

In addition to visiting during the Snow Lantern Festival, why not pay a visit to receive its positive energy?

"Jozankei View Hotel"

Image source: PhotobyWikipedia: Jozankei View Hotel / Kinju Nazuna
Jozankei View Hotel, which offers not only hot springs but also a heated swimming pool, is a popular facility for families.

There are two types of buffet-style meals available, and you can also choose from other options such as kaiseki cuisine, depending on your preference.

It's great that you can enjoy different dishes even when staying for multiple nights.

"Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Millione"

Image source: PhotobyWikipedia: Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Millione / Nazuna Kinju

Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Millione boasts five indoor baths where you can relax and fully enjoy the hot springs, including a jacuzzi and a reclining bath, as well as an open-air bath where you can soak while gazing at the mountains of Jozankei.

This hotel has a bar with large windows offering stunning views of nature, making it perfect for adult travelers.

"Jozankei Grand Hotel Zuien"

Image source: PhotobyWikipedia: Jozankei Grand Hotel Zuien / Nazuna Kinju
Jozankei Grand Hotel Zuien offers a wide variety of accommodation plans.

This inn offers spa and massage facilities that are safe and comfortable even for guests with children, providing a place to unwind and relieve daily stress.

Jozankei Hotel

Image source: PhotobyWikipedia: Jozankei Hotel / Kinju Nazuna
Jozankei Hotel boasts the longest history among the hotels in Jozankei Onsen.

The facility features a large public bath with a 20-meter-long pool-style bathtub and a bathtub with a slide, as well as a medium-sized bath where you can enjoy a rock bath and a jacuzzi. It's a hot spring facility that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

"Hotel Shikanoyu Hanamomiji"

Image source: PhotobyWikipedia: Jozankei Onsen, Maple Trees/Shepherd's Purse (Kinju Nazuna)
This is an annex of Hotel Shikanoyu, a hotel with a history of over 90 years.

This hotel not only boasts excellent bathing facilities, but also offers delightful amenities such as complimentary drinks in the lobby lounge, CD concerts, and a library gallery, ensuring you won't get bored even during extended stays.

We've introduced the history and characteristics of Jozankei Onsen, as well as its events, tourist spots, and other attractions. What did you think?

The recommended hotels are all unique and offer a variety of enjoyable experiences.

Please use this information as a reference when planning your trip to Jozankei Onsen.

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  [Hakodate] 3 Traditional House Cafes that Evoke the Romance of the Meiji and Taisho Eras

• 

  For those who want to enjoy the nature of Niseko! 5 Popular Cottages in Niseko

• 

  Shiretoko's Winter Activities: 5 Must-See Experiences & Events

• 

  Five shrines in the western district of Hakodate that you should visit.

• 

  Let's go to the Kitano Nishiki Memorial Hall at Kobayashi Sake Brewery in Kuriyama Town.

• 

  Sapporo City & Surrounding Areas | A Journey to the Holy Sites of "How Do You Like Wednesday?"

• 

  Rimo, a gelato specialty shop in Abashiri City, offers exquisite gelato that won first place in a competition in Italy!

• 

  Let's take a walk through the "Goryosei no Yume (Dream of the Five-Pointed Star) Illumination" floating in wintery Hakodate.

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)