Wonderful combination of the beautiful four seasons and the Sapporo’s hot spring in the forest “the Jozankei Hot Spring”

“The Jozankei Hot Spring” has been a popular hot spring district since the end of the Edo period (1603 – 1868).  The hot spring water is still bubbling up even today and this place has a timeless power to heal people.

Relax in the bath, watching falling cherry blossoms in the springtime,

Take a leisurely walk after the bath in summer.  It feels so good.

Autumn paints the mountains beautifully.

In winter the quietness wraps around the district.  It is superb to relax in an open-air bath while enjoying being in the snow country.  It is so white and beautiful all around you.

The scenery that brilliantly reflects the changing seasons and the hot spring create the lovely harmony.  Why don’t you come down for a blissful moment?

The Jozaikei hot spring has a lot to offer.  There are many activities in the natural settings nearby.

This hot spring spot is also called “the hot spring in the forest.”

It’s wonderful to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city and enjoy the hot spring and the marvels of nature to the fullest.

History connecting to the present, the hot spring that is still alive

“The Jozankei Hot Spring” is one of the most popular hot springs in Hokkaido and about 2.4 million people visit this place annually.

It is easily accessible and it takes only 50 minutes by car from downtown Sapporo.

Most of the hotels offer a day-trip bath fee, too.

Not only the “good quality of the hot spring water”, but also its easy accessibility and easy day trips are the reasons of its popularity.

There are fifty-six hot spring sources in the hot spring district and you see the steam coming out everywhere.  The spring quality is rated as excellent and it is a sodium chloride spring, which is clear and colorless and it warms you up to the core of the body.

There are about twenty different kinds of hotels to choose from.

This hot spring is a very popular place for overseas visitors, too.  It has a long history and dates back to 1866 ( Keio 2^nd).  It was the end of the Edo period when a Buddhist monk named Jozan Mi-izumi who was practicing asceticism in the mountains found the hot spring source with Ainu people (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) as his guides.

This hot spring was named in honor of him for overcoming numerous difficulties and establishing the basis for the hot spring.

This hot spring that Jozan established has been healing countless people for over 150 years.

“Foot bath”, “Kappa” & “The beauty of valleys” …  Full of places to explore in the hot spring district!

The hot spring district has a hand bath and foot bath of hot spring water from the source and everyone enjoys them for free of charge.  Why not walk around the district and try them?

In “the Jozan Gensen Park (hot spring source park)”, there is “On-tama no Yu (hot spring egg making place)” where you can make Onsen Tamago by using the high temperature of the hot spring source.  Onsen Tamago is an egg that is steamed and boiled in the hot spring water.

The beautiful scenery never bores you from beginning to end as you stroll.  From “the Tsuki-Mi bridge (moon viewing bridge)”, you can see the hot spring district along the river with the steam coming out here and there.  It has a great atmosphere.

The Futami Park is a little away from the center of the district and there is  “Futami suspension bride” in the park.  The view from the bridge is particularly dazzling.

The bridge leads to a nature trail called “Futami Jozan Pathway” and you can breathe the great nature of Jozaikei walking on this trail.

The hot spring district also has twenty-one Kappa statues (Kappa is a legendary creature who lives in the river.) dotted around and all of the statues are humorous and fun to see!

If you are lucky, you might be able to meet a Jozankei character “Kappon” who is the PR troop captain for the Jozankei hot spring!?

Before or after you enjoy the hot spring, take time for exploring and strolling in this beautiful hot spring district abound with nature.  You will be surprised at how much you can enjoy yourself here!

One of the best spots to appreciate the beauty of autumn leaves.

Jozankei is known as one of the best places in Japan to enjoy autumn leaves.  It is the busiest season of the year with tourists who are excited to see all its beauty.

Especially the views from “Futami suspension bridge” and “Maizuru no Toro water pool (deep and quiet pool of dancing cranes)” are truly breathtaking.  The river running through the valleys and the autumn leaves create the enchanting beauty.

The best season is from the beginning through the middle of October and there is something you can enjoy only in this season.

At the Sapporo Kokusai Skiing Resort, they operate “Koyo Gondola (Autumn Leaf Gondola)” during the autumn leaf season.  The whole mountain is covered with red, yellow and orange.  It is well worth seeing.

“Koyo Kappa Bus” runs through the Jozaikei hot spring district and a local tour guide on the bus will take you to great places to enjoy the autumn leaves.

Be sure to check the schedules in advance.

There are more to Jozaikei.  It is not only a hot spring!

There are a lot of nature activities around Jozainkei.  If you want to take time and enjoy the nature, go on a trail or clime up the mountains near Jozankei.

You can choose mountains that are suitable for children, or mountains as high as 1,000 meters (3280 ft) and that give you the real thrill of mountain climbing.

If you are into gourmet food, how about fresh fruit picking & eating right on the spot in the orchard?   From the spring to the autumn, various fruits such as apples, strawberries and cherries are in season and you will enjoy picking & appreciate eating the juicy and sweet Japanese fruits right on the spot!

You could visit a winery and have “a nice private time for adults.”

For outdoorsy people, why not paddle a canoe on the Toyohira River or the Sapporo Lake, or try horseback riding?

Among those outdoor activities, rafting from the end of April to May is absolutely exciting!

The four seasons at the hot spring district; there is always something great!

Through out the year, there are a great variety of events and festivals; you will have a fun time anytime you visit the Jozankei hot spring.

In spring, there is “the Carp Streamer Festival.”  Hundreds of carp streamers “swim” in the air across the river and it is a charming site of spring.

During the summer break, the PR troop captain Kappon does “The Kappon Rally”; he gives you quizzes about the hot spring district and many other events.

You might win fabulous prizes by completing the tasks Kappon challenges you to do!

In winter, an activity site called “Yuki Zanmai” (Jozaikei Mountain Party) is held; you can try dog sled, snow rafting and a lot more!

At “Yukitouro” (Snow Candle Way), about two thousand candles light up the Jozankei Shrine and it is truly a dreamy sight.  There is always something you can enjoy at the Jozankei hot spring all through the year.