Jozankei
Minami, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Jozankei is a hot spring (onsen) resort town near Sapporo, on Japan’s northern Hokkaido island. It’s located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, built around cliffs on the Toyohira River. There are many traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) to stay at in Jozankei, as well as baths that can be visited for a day or half-day.
Because of its proximity to Sapporo, Jozankei is a more developed onsen town than many others in rural locations. But, it’s a convenient place to escape from the city to enjoy a relaxing experience. As well as its hot springs, Jozankei draws visitors in the fall due to its colorful foliage. Other attractions are the Iwato Kannondo—a Buddhist temple within a cave—and the Shiraito no Taki waterfall. Many travelers visit Jozankei independently, either as a day trip from Sapporo, or overnight, staying at a ryokan or hotel. Some guided tours of the Sapporo area also include time in Jozankei.
- Many baths sell day or half-day passes.
- You can find small foot baths around town for a quick pick-me-up.
- There’s a fee to enter the Iwato Kannondo temple.
- When visiting an onsen, follow the instructions on how to wash and bathe properly. Japanese etiquette around bathing is very strict.
- Most onsen divide their baths into male and female areas.
Jozankei is 20 miles (32 kilometers) south-west of Sapporo, a car journey of about 50 minutes. If self-driving, take route number 230 the whole way. It’s also possible to get a bus from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal. Buses depart several times an hour; look for #7 and #8.
Onsen can be enjoyed at any time of year, but are particularly lovely in the colder winter months, when the hot waters will warm you up. The fall is also a good time to visit Jozankei, which has an abundance of trees that turn orange, red, and gold in season. In the Sapporo area, fall comes earlier than in southern parts of Japan, usually in late October and early November. If traveling at this time, be sure to book accommodation ahead of time, as the small town gets busy.
Travelers who take a liking to onsen bathing should also check out Hoheikyo Onsen. Just south of Jozankei, Hoheikyo Onsen has the largest open-air baths in Japan. They can accommodate up to 200 people, and are surrounded by beautiful trees, for a truly relaxing experience.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!