Jozankei, Hokkaido | A Dreamy Place Hidden in the Mountains and Forests

🎈【Introduction】
Jozankei is located in the southern district of Sapporo City, Hokkaido. It is the largest hot spring resort in Hokkaido and an important part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Famous for its hot springs, it has about 20 Japanese-style inns. In 1866, the monk Misen Jozan established the hot springs here using the healing properties of the Toyohira River water to treat wounded and sick people, which made Jozankei famous. Additionally, Jozankei is an excellent spot for viewing autumn leaves. Around mid-October every year, the mountains and Toyohira River are dyed in brilliant colors, attracting many visitors to check in.
🕘【Opening Hours】
Jozankei hot spring village is open year-round. Jozankei Gensen Park is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If you attend the 2025 "Jozankei Nature Light and Shadow Art Exhibition," the opening hours are from June to August 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, and from September to October 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. It is recommended to spend 1-2 days to fully enjoy the hot springs and surrounding scenery.
💴【Ticket Prices】
Jozankei Gensen Park is free to enter. Admission to Jozankei Farm is 600 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. Some activities inside, such as fruit picking and treetop walking, require additional fees. There is currently no information on ticket price changes.
⛺【Activities】
Hot Springs: The hot spring water in Jozankei contains various minerals such as sodium chloride, sulfur, and sodium bicarbonate, which are beneficial to the body. You can choose to stay at a Japanese-style inn to enjoy a private hot spring or visit public bathhouses.
Jozankei Gensen Park: Built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Misen Jozan’s birth, the park features a statue of Jozan, footbaths, and hot spring water pools. You can enjoy a free forest footbath and make hot spring eggs using the hot spring water.
Futami Suspension Bridge: This red suspension bridge spans the valley and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding autumn leaves. It is a perfect photo spot, ideal for couples and family outings.
Jozankei Farm: A fruit-themed park where you can pick strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and more. It also offers treetop walking and zip-lining. In autumn, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the colorful leaves.
🚌【Transportation Guide】
Bus: Take a bus from JR Sapporo Station heading towards Jozankei and get off at "Yunomachi." It’s about a 1-minute walk from there, and the bus ride takes about 70 minutes.
Driving: From Hokkaido Expressway Kitahiroshima IC, it takes about 50 minutes to reach Jozankei.
👉【Itinerary Suggestions】
Nearby Attractions: You can visit the Sapporo TV Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo or go to Tanukikoji Shopping Street to experience the lively atmosphere of Hokkaido’s largest shopping street and buy cosmetics and clothing.
Recommended Accommodations:
Jozankei Suizantei Hotel offers indoor private hot springs with beautiful views, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while soaking;
Jozankei View Hotel has rooms with great views overlooking the entire Jozankei area.
🧡【Preparation】
Clothing: Bring appropriate clothing according to the season. For autumn visits, bring warm jackets and scarves; for winter, prepare thick down jackets, snow boots, gloves, and other cold-weather gear.
Daily Necessities: Bring personal toiletries and swimwear to enjoy the hot springs.
Others: Prepare a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery. If you plan to use public transportation, consider purchasing transportation cards like Suica or PASMO in advance for convenience.