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Jozankei Onsen Guide: Selected Ryokan & Fun Things to Do in Sapporo's Hot Springs Paradise

Jozankei Onsen Guide: Selected Ryokan & Fun Things to Do in Sapporo's Hot Springs Paradise

Last updated: 14 November 2023

Jozankei Onsen is a quaint hot spring resort in Hokkaido, located in the suburbs of Sapporo City. It’s easy to get to by car, taking approximately 50 minutes from downtown Sapporo and 80 minutes from New Chitose Airport. There are also buses leaving from Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport, making it a convenient place to stay when sightseeing!

Here we will introduce the charm of Jozankei Onsen, the top footbath spots, and where to stay when you’re in the area!

 
Table of Contents
  1. Introducing Jozankei Onsen
  2. Getting to Jozankei Onsen
  3. Three free footbaths in the Jozankei Onsen resort area
  4. Top 6 Places to Stay in Jozankei Onsen

Introducing Jozankei Onsen

Local residents line up countless snow candles in the precincts of the Jozankei Shrine in the middle of winter. This event is called "Yukitouro" and is held every year in early February.
Local residents line up countless snow candles in the precincts of the Jozankei Shrine in the middle of winter. This event is called "Yukitouro" and is held every year in early February.

Jozankei Onsen is a hot spring resort founded in 1866. Visitors can either find accommodations along the valley, at one of the inns, or just enjoy the many different hot springs, including foot baths, on a day trip.

Thanks to the striking natural scenery, autumn brings the area fame for its bright crimson leaves, while in winter, it's the countless lights from snow candles glittering at night in the resort town nestled in deep snow. An annual event in the winter is the yukitoro or snow lanterns creating a fantasy-like atmosphere.

Here are some of the top things to do in Jozankei Onsen!

Getting to Jozankei Onsen

Access to Jozankei Onsen from New Chitose Airport

・By public transportation
New Chitose Airport Station → Train (Rapid Airport, approx. 40 minutes) → Sapporo Station → Bus (approx. 60 minutes on the Kappa Liner, which needs reservations by 5 PM 1 day ahead; approx. 80 minutes by route bus) → Jozankei Onsen
*There are multiple bus stops throughout the Jozankei Onsen resort. We recommend checking the nearest bus stop to your accommodation in advance.

・By car
New Chitose Airport → New Chitose Airport Interchange
→ Kitahiroshima Ineterchange → National Route 36 → National Route 230 → Jozankei Onsen (approx. 80 minutes)

Access to Jozankei Onsen from Sapporo City

・By public transportation
Sapporo Station → Bus (approx. 60 minutes on the Kappa Liner, which needs reservations by 5 PM 1 day ahead; approx. 80 minutes by route bus) → Jozankei Onsen

・By car
Sapporo City → National Route 230 (approx. 50 minutes)

Three free footbaths in the Jozankei Onsen resort area

▲ A view of the Toyohira River from Tsukimi-bashi (Moon View Bridge), located in middle of the resort. Inns that draw hot spring water for their baths line the river.
▲ A view of the Toyohira River from Tsukimi-bashi (Moon View Bridge), located in middle of the resort. Inns that draw hot spring water for their baths line the river.

There are 56 hot springs in Jozankei Onsen, and more than half of them bubble up naturally from openings in the rock bed and along the banks of the Toyohira River, which runs down the middle of the resort. Spring water temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius, with the source producing an impressive estimated daily volume of 8,600 liters.

These are called sodium chloride springs; the water is transparent and contains natural salts. These salts make your skin feel soft and smooth after you get out of the bath and leave you feeling warm for quite a while afterward. You can enjoy the baths at the various inns and hotels or one of the many foot and hand baths in the area!

First, we will introduce the foot and hand baths you can enjoy free of charge! Foot baths are where you can enjoy spring water that comes up to your knees, and hand springs enable you to enjoy warm waters that warm your hands and wrists.

(*Choju to Kenko no Ashi Tsubo Yu (Foot Bath Spring of Longevity and Health) has been closed. Jozan Gensen Park was closed for construction at the time of our interview, but it has since reopened.)

1. Jozan Gensen Park

The footbath at Jozan Gensen Park. This spacious bath can be used by up to ten people at a time.
The footbath at Jozan Gensen Park. This spacious bath can be used by up to ten people at a time.

Jozan Gensen Park (open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) is right next to Tsukimibashi Bridge. It’s a famous spot in Jozankei Onsen, where anyone can enjoy the footbath for free!

In addition to a footbath, you can make your own hot spring eggs using the high-temperature waters at "Ontama no Yu." Eggs in nets can be purchased at the souvenir shop located on the opposite bank of the river, across Tsukimibashi Bridge. If you bring the cooked hot spring egg to the souvenir shop, you can borrow a bowl and salt to enjoy it fresh!

It takes 15 to 20 minutes to make hot spring eggs, so enjoy the footbath while you wait!
It takes 15 to 20 minutes to make hot spring eggs, so enjoy the footbath while you wait!

2. Kappa Family Supplication Hand Bath

Walking two or three minutes further from Tsukimibashi Bridge is the Kappa Kazoku no Gankake Te Yu (Kappa Family Supplication hand bath), which is open 24 hours a day.

What’s more, Jozankei Onsen is known for its kappa, mythological creatures who inhabit the rivers and streams of Japan! Statues with Kappa motifs are scattered throughout the hot spring town, so those who are interested can walk around a search for some!

There is a hand bath beneath the monument inscribed “Jozankei Onsen” which stands at the intersection where the national highway turns towards Tsukimibashi
There is a hand bath beneath the monument inscribed “Jozankei Onsen” which stands at the intersection where the national highway turns towards Tsukimibashi
If you pour hot water on the head of the kappa it will come out its mouth
If you pour hot water on the head of the kappa it will come out its mouth
Here it is popular to rinse your hands for supplication with the hot water from the mouth of the kappa
Here it is popular to rinse your hands for supplication with the hot water from the mouth of the kappa

3. Ashi no Fureai Taro no Yu (Mingling Feet Taro Spring)

If you walk four or five minutes along the national highway from the Kappa Family Supplication hand bath, you’ll arrive at the Ashi no Fureai Taro no Yu (Mingling Feet Taro Spring). This facility is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Although it’s smaller than the footbath at Jozan Gensen Park, it’s the best place to enjoy a quiet footbath with a small group! There’s even a vending machine that sells towels, enabling you to come empty-handed!

Although small, it’s spacious enough to easily accommodate families and groups.
Although small, it’s spacious enough to easily accommodate families and groups.

Soak in Kokoro-no-Sato Jozan: The ultimate footbath experience!

The Kokoro no Sato Jozan is about a two-minute walk from Tsukimibashi Bridge. The facility is set within a Japanese-style garden
The Kokoro no Sato Jozan is about a two-minute walk from Tsukimibashi Bridge. The facility is set within a Japanese-style garden

There are all sorts of foot and hand baths in the hot springs town, but perhaps none offer as memorable an experience as the Kokoro-no-Sato Jozan.

There are 8 types of foot baths. More than half of them have roofs to protect you from the elements
There are 8 types of foot baths. More than half of them have roofs to protect you from the elements

The theme of this facility is “relaxing in nature, an oasis of the heart.” If you pay the 1,500 (tax included) admission fee, you can freely spend as much time here as you like during its hours of operation.

You can use any of the eight foot baths as much as you like! Chairs with thick cushions face the front, making sitting for long hours a comfortable and pleasant experience.

You can freely adjust the temperature of the spring using the valve on the spigot
You can freely adjust the temperature of the spring using the valve on the spigot

In addition to providing tabi (Japanese socks with split toe) and towels, they also have lap blankets, hanten (traditional quilt jacket), and in the summer, straw hats; all of which you can use freely.

There are changing rooms that make it convenient for those who need a place to change to use the foot baths. They also provide as much hand cream and body oil as you want! If you use tabi, you can take them with you when you leave.

After relaxing with a foot bath, visit the healing lounge inside.

Relaxing music is played in the healing lounge
Relaxing music is played in the healing lounge
The healing lounge offers a buffet of homemade tea cakes and cookies. Of course, drinks are also offered freely!
The healing lounge offers a buffet of homemade tea cakes and cookies. Of course, drinks are also offered freely!

If you would like to eat something a bit heartier than just tea cakes, you can either bring your own food and drink into the facility, or you can buy them here.

Relaxing with a book while enjoying tea cakes
Relaxing with a book while enjoying tea cakes
You can even take a nap once you’ve had your fill
You can even take a nap once you’ve had your fill

Adjacent to the healing lounge is a tea room and library containing about 800 books on nature. The tea room has implements for making tea; for 500 yen (tax included), you can make matcha tea for yourself. If you choose to do so, the staff will gladly assist you.

Some of the visitors like to bring beer with them to enjoy while soaking their feet in the baths, while others bring laptops with them to help pass the time.

  • Kokoro-no-Sato Jozan
    心の里 定山
    • Address 4-372, Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2303
    • Phone Number 011-598-5888
    • ・Admission fee: 1,500 yen (tax included) for use of the baths, lounge, tea cakes, and drinks
      * Elementary age children and younger are not allowed.
      ・Hours: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m.
      ・Closed: Open daily

Top 6 Places to Stay in Jozankei Onsen

Next, we will introduce the top hot spring accommodations! There is a wide range of options, such as sophisticated hotels located near hot spring resorts, resort hotels with swimming pools and various facilities for family fun, and inns nestled in the middle of nature. Of course, all of these facilities have hot spring baths! We’re sure you’ll find something you love with so many choices!

1. Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei: A relaxing hot spring stay

There is a Japanese-style garden on the third floor which is perfect for taking a stroll to cool off during the warmer seasons. The garden covered in snow during winter is also lovely (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
There is a Japanese-style garden on the third floor which is perfect for taking a stroll to cool off during the warmer seasons. The garden covered in snow during winter is also lovely (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)

Our first recommendation is Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei, located a three or four-minute walk from Tsukimibashi Bridge. The hotel offers a soak in private hot springs-welcoming elementary schoolers and older. As it’s located in the center of Jozankei Onsen, it’s easy to take walks around the resort to nearby footbaths.

This spacious facility offers a variety of large and small baths, including outdoor baths, Jacuzzi, sauna, and cold-water baths (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
This spacious facility offers a variety of large and small baths, including outdoor baths, Jacuzzi, sauna, and cold-water baths (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
The outdoor bath is made from Japanese cypress. The water temperature can be set to between 38 ~ 42 degrees Celsius, so you can adjust it to your comfort (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
The outdoor bath is made from Japanese cypress. The water temperature can be set to between 38 ~ 42 degrees Celsius, so you can adjust it to your comfort (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)

The facility has three hot springs, each blended so that they have slightly different compositions that make for rich spring water quality. In addition to the large public baths, guests can enjoy the hot springs in their guest rooms or private bath facilities without worrying about their surroundings!

About half of the guest rooms have their own private hot spring baths for added privacy. (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
About half of the guest rooms have their own private hot spring baths for added privacy. (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
This is one of the baths that can be reserved for private use. There also two outdoor baths which similarly can be reserved. They are available 24 hours a day (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)
This is one of the baths that can be reserved for private use. There also two outdoor baths which similarly can be reserved. They are available 24 hours a day (Photo provided by: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei)

Meals include a variety of local ingredients. There’s seafood from Otaru City and its surrounding areas, high-quality meat from an in-house butcher shop that also wholesales to barbecue restaurants, and vegetables from the farm on the hotel’s grounds.

Several Japanese-style dining halls are located throughout the facility. You can choose from options such as restaurants with table seating and sunken kotatsu (low, wooden table frames covered by a heavy blanket), semi-private rooms, or private rooms.

Multilingual support
Japanese

2. Hana Momiji: A hot spring hotel reminiscent of a Japanese ryokan

Hana Momiji stands near the banks of the Toyohira River. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Hana Momiji stands near the banks of the Toyohira River. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

Hana Momiji is a hot spring hotel offering an atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn with sweeping views of a nearby valley. Located in the center of Jozankei Onsen, it’s only a one-minute walk to Tsukimibashi Bridge and Jozan Gensen Park, letting you enjoy strolls in a yukata summer kimono!

An open-air bath with exhilarating views of the mountains (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
An open-air bath with exhilarating views of the mountains (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

Hot springs include an open-air bath on the 12th floor, where you can enjoy the view of the nearby valley and mountains, a large public bath attached with an open-air bath reminiscent of a Japanese garden, and a large public bath in the affiliated hotel, Shika no Yu. Additionally, there are three private traditional Japanese baths. Each has a different atmosphere, but they are all private and relaxing.

An open-air bath that makes you feel as if you’re strolling through a garden (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
An open-air bath that makes you feel as if you’re strolling through a garden (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Private baths are only available for overnight guests, and are 2,200 yen per booking, reservations required garden (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Private baths are only available for overnight guests, and are 2,200 yen per booking, reservations required garden (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

There are two types of rooms: 35 square-meter or 25 square-meter Japanese-style rooms with tatami mat flooring and "urara," premium rooms with a private onsen hot spring and lounge. Furthermore, all rooms offer views of the Toyohira River and the surrounding mountain range!

A typical guest room (35 square meters) at Hana Momiji. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn in Japanese-style rooms with tatami mat flooring and spacious verandas by the window.
A typical guest room (35 square meters) at Hana Momiji. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn in Japanese-style rooms with tatami mat flooring and spacious verandas by the window.

Located on the top floor of the building, urara is a higher-grade room with two types of hot spring baths and a private lounge. The rooms have a one-meter-long sofa, a Simmons double bed, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and a 55-inch or 65-inch large-screen TV. A stay in this room is sure to be one of pure luxury!

Two-person or four-person premium twin room attached with a hot spring (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Two-person or four-person premium twin room attached with a hot spring (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Six-person premium suite attached with an open-air hot spring (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Six-person premium suite attached with an open-air hot spring (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
The premium suite’s open-air hot spring. Enjoy a soak in a bath that offers beautiful scenery throughout each season. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
The premium suite’s open-air hot spring. Enjoy a soak in a bath that offers beautiful scenery throughout each season. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

You can enjoy Japanese sweets at the lounge, including manju, soft rounded dough filled with sweet red bean paste, and ohagi, red bean rice cakes. There are also light meals such as inari sushi (sushi rice stuffed inside seasoned deep-fried tofu), and drinks, including alcohol, available for free! Here you can enjoy rare whiskies and liqueurs from both Japan and abroad!

A private lounge with a large lacquered table in the middle. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
A private lounge with a large lacquered table in the middle. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
You can also enjoy a matcha green tea experience using the tea kettle and utensils in the lounge. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
You can also enjoy a matcha green tea experience using the tea kettle and utensils in the lounge. (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

Meals at the hotel include Kaiseki, a traditional multicourse Japanese meal. Breakfast is served at the hotel’s buffet-style restaurant with a range of Japanese and Western dishes. There are multiple Kaiseki courses to choose from, differing in the number of dishes and ingredients used.

Guests staying in the urara rooms can enjoy a premium Kaiseki course called “Hatsune” in a private dining room. Skilled chefs serve beautifully plated dishes that blend traditional cooking methods and creative flavors. Any course you choose will make for a luxurious dining experience!

Kaiseki cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes to enjoy! (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
Kaiseki cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes to enjoy! (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
What the “Hatsune” course for urara guests looks like (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)
What the “Hatsune” course for urara guests looks like (Photo provided by: Hana Momiji)

Multilingual support
Japanese, English

  • Hanamomiji
    • Address Minami-ku Jozankeionsen Nishi 3-32 , Jozankei, Hokkaido, 061-2303
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Densha jigyosho mae Station (Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line)

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    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

3. Jozankei View Hotel: A large-scale spa resort popular with families

This eye-catching building stands tall in Jozankei Onsen.  (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
This eye-catching building stands tall in Jozankei Onsen. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)

Jozankei Onsen has many lodging facilities, but the biggest of them all is the 16-story Jozankei View Hotel. It’s also the biggest spa resort in Hokkaido, famous for its Water Kingdom Lagoon, an amusement facility with a large-scale indoor heated pool spanning a total area of 4,000 square meters.

Water Kingdom Lagoon has a enjoyments for all ages such as flow pools and children's pools (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Water Kingdom Lagoon has a enjoyments for all ages such as flow pools and children's pools (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)

Hot spring facilities are spacious, with open-air baths, a jacuzzi, waterfall showers, and saunas. You can also enjoy an open-air bath with a view of Jozankei from the hotel's top floor, 60 meters above the ground. Men's and women's baths are interchangeable and are switched every hour. Please be sure to check the hot spring schedule and enjoy both baths!

The large public bath "Yusikyo" is located in the basement of the main building. In addition to indoor baths, there’s also an open-air bath. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
The large public bath "Yusikyo" is located in the basement of the main building. In addition to indoor baths, there’s also an open-air bath. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Upon entering the "Hoshizora" bathhouse, a view of the surrounding mountain range spreads before you. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Upon entering the "Hoshizora" bathhouse, a view of the surrounding mountain range spreads before you. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)

There are several types of guest rooms in the main building and new building, respectively, including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, Japanese/Western-style rooms, and deluxe suites or suites. As this high-rise hotel is situated on a hill, the view of the Jozankei Onsen valley and the surrounding mountains from the guest rooms is exceptional!

Japanese-style rooms in the main building have a pleasant aroma of tatami mats. These rooms fit two to ten guests. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Japanese-style rooms in the main building have a pleasant aroma of tatami mats. These rooms fit two to ten guests. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Western-style rooms in the new building accommodate one to two guests. The new building has a slightly larger layout than the main building. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
Western-style rooms in the new building accommodate one to two guests. The new building has a slightly larger layout than the main building. (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)

For meals, you can choose between a buffet in the hotel’s restaurant, or a Japanese Kaiseki course served in a semi-private dining room.

The buffet offers a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients. What’s more, many dishes, such as freshly fried tempura and freshly made sushi, are prepared right before you!

The kaisendon, a bowl of rice topped with all the seafood you can eat, is very popular at the breakfast buffet. For those who want to enjoy Japanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, we recommend the Kaiseki course filled with Hokkaido delicacies!

All-you-can-eat salmon roe at the breakfast buffet! (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)
All-you-can-eat salmon roe at the breakfast buffet! (Photo provided by: Jozankei View Hotel)

Multilingual support
Japanese, English

  • Jozankei View Hotel
    • Address Minami-ku Jozankei Onsen Higashi 2-111, Jozankei, Hokkaido, 061-2302
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Densha jigyosho mae Station (Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line)

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    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

4. Shogetsu Grand Hotel: A long-established hot spring hotel overlooking a valley

A long-established, but not old-fashioned, hotel. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
A long-established, but not old-fashioned, hotel. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

Shougetsu Grand Hotel is a long-established onsen hotel founded in 1934. It’s located in the center of Jozankei Onsen, across the street from the Kappa Family Supplication hand bath.

In addition to the hot spring baths, open-air baths, and lounge, all guest rooms face the surrounding valley, enabling you to enjoy stunning seasonal views throughout the hotel.

The lounge is a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western décor. Depending on the time, it offers manju and tea or cakes and coffee. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
The lounge is a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western décor. Depending on the time, it offers manju and tea or cakes and coffee. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

There are several types of guest rooms, including modern, Japanese/Western-style rooms with tatami mat flooring and a separated bedroom, child-proof family rooms, and premium rooms attached to hot springs.

A look out the window from any guest room gives you a view of steaming waters rising from Toyohira River’s valley as well as the surrounding hot spring resort. Fresh greenery, fall foliage, and snowy landscapes are picturesque, creating a sense of peace just by looking at the beautiful scenery from indoors.

There are 50 rooms in total, and the photo above shows the  standard, modern, Japanese/Western-style room. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
There are 50 rooms in total, and the photo above shows the standard, modern, Japanese/Western-style room. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

In addition to enjoying the large public bath with an abundant flow of hot spring water, we also recommend the steam bath! This makes use of the steam from the spring water, which gushes out at approximately 75°C. This natural hot spring steam sauna is popular for enabling you to work up a sweat without damaging your skin.

Enjoy seasonal scenery from the open-air bath in the large public bathing facility (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
Enjoy seasonal scenery from the open-air bath in the large public bathing facility (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
There are also a private baths (3,300 yen for 50 minutes)!  Here you can choose from either one with a view of the valley or a dome-shaped bath that will make you want to meditate! (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
There are also a private baths (3,300 yen for 50 minutes)! Here you can choose from either one with a view of the valley or a dome-shaped bath that will make you want to meditate! (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

For meals, you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine! Dinner is Kaiseki, which makes the most of seasonal ingredients, served in the dining room. Breakfast is a Japanese meal that includes a variety of dishes served in small bowls, hot pot, and a buffet of salads and drinks.

What a standard dinner would look like. Dessert can be enjoyed in the lounge. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
What a standard dinner would look like. Dessert can be enjoyed in the lounge. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

Multilingual support
Japanese, English (not stationed permanently)

Information: Booking.com

5. Chalet Ivy Jozankei: A sophisticated hotel reminiscent of a traditional Japanese inn

Conveniently located right next to the valley. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
Conveniently located right next to the valley. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

Chalet Ivy Jozankei is a hotel reminiscent of a traditional ryokan inn and blends traditional and modern Japanese sensibilities. Opened in 2019 along the Toyohira River’s valley, the hotel has a sense of novelty with a classic flair.

Guest rooms are suite-style, and all 26 rooms have private open-air hot spring baths. While some rooms have tatami mat flooring, they are equipped with beds, so even those who aren’t comfortable with futon bedding can easily enjoy the Japanese atmosphere!

A photo of the spacious guest rooms. Some rooms offer a spectacular view of the valley from the window. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
A photo of the spacious guest rooms. Some rooms offer a spectacular view of the valley from the window. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
The observation bath in the guest room has a bright atmosphere with light streaming in through the large window. Seasonal scenery outside the window is also soothing. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
The observation bath in the guest room has a bright atmosphere with light streaming in through the large window. Seasonal scenery outside the window is also soothing. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

Open-air hot springs in the guest rooms make for a completely private experience! The hotel’s large public bath also has a spacious open-air bath. Both options are attractive, so we recommend choosing which one to soak in, depending on your mood!

Large public baths with a chic and relaxing atmosphere (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
Large public baths with a chic and relaxing atmosphere (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

At the Japanese restaurant, meals using seasonal ingredients can be enjoyed in a private room or in the teppanyaki room. In the private rooms, you can enjoy a creative Japanese course that serves Japanese cuisine using Hokkaido's ingredients as well as dishes with Western-style arrangements.

Chefs prepare meals right in front of you in the teppanyaki room. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)
Chefs prepare meals right in front of you in the teppanyaki room. (Photo provided by: Booking.com)

Multilingual support
Japanese, English, Chinese

Information: Booking.com

  • Chalet Ivy Jozankei
    • Address 3-231 Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 061-2302
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Densha jigyosho mae Station (Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line)

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    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

6. Oku Jozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen: A secluded hot-spring inn where all guest rooms are suites

An inn completely surrounded by nature. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
An inn completely surrounded by nature. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)

Lastly, we will introduce a hot spring inn that comes highly recommended for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time in nature. Kasho Gyoen is a secluded, naturally abundant hot spring resort located approximately a four-minute drive from Jozankei Onsen.

Besides the national highway, there are hardly any artificial structures, and thick virgin forests and rivers surround the area. With its undisturbed primeval forests and a vast 3,000 square meter garden, guests can soak in exquisite hot spring baths while enjoying beautiful seasonal views.

The "Kaze Terrace" juts out into the inn’s pond. The garden scenery in the morning, during the day, and at sunset is picturesque. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
The "Kaze Terrace" juts out into the inn’s pond. The garden scenery in the morning, during the day, and at sunset is picturesque. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)

There are 23 guest rooms in total, all of which are Japanese-style suites. All rooms also have a hot spring bath with a view. The spacious layout, with its separate living rooms and bedrooms, allows you to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay with the utmost privacy.

Both the living room and the open-air bath face a wall of large windows. The forest trees that color the room make the window look like a movie theater screen. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
Both the living room and the open-air bath face a wall of large windows. The forest trees that color the room make the window look like a movie theater screen. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
Some rooms come with a balcony. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
Some rooms come with a balcony. (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)

Although the inn doesn’t have a large public bath, the open-air baths in the guest rooms more than make up for it! The hot spring waters in these baths come from Usubetsu Onsen’s private source. This is a different quality of spring water from the hot springs available within Jozankei Onsen.

Moreover, Usubetsu Onsen’s secret spring is otherwise known as “Bijin no Yu” (beautifying hot springs) because it leaves the skin smooth and moist. You can enjoy seasonal views from outside the window while taking a completely private soak.

Secret spring waters that can only be enjoyed at this hotel! (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)
Secret spring waters that can only be enjoyed at this hotel! (Photo provided by: Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen)

Meals can be enjoyed at a restaurant facing the pond, close to the waterfront. Dinner is served at the Italian restaurant, Oku Jozankei Italian. It’s run by an Italian chef who travels to various parts of Hokkaido to create creative cuisine using seasonal ingredients carefully selected by connoisseurs.

In addition to wine pairings suggested by the sommelier, you can also enjoy the blissful marriage of Hokkaido wines and sake. Breakfast is a Japanese-style meal, which can be enjoyed with a view of the refreshing garden and pond.

Enjoy seasonal scenery while relaxing with a meal paired with a glass of wine!
Enjoy seasonal scenery while relaxing with a meal paired with a glass of wine!

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  • Oku Jozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen
    奥定山渓温泉 佳松御苑
    • Address 857 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301
    • Phone Number 0120-489-485
    • Hours: Check-in, 2:00 p.m. / Check-out, 11:00 a.m.
      Rate: A one-night stay with two meals starts from 33,550 yen (including tax and service fees, hot springs admission costs a separate fee of 150 yen)
      Open daily

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For more than 150 years, Jozankei Onsen has been known as the “backwaters” of Sapporo. This hot spring resort offers abundant nature and relaxing, skin-soothing spring waters.

Why don’t you stay at one of the many hot spring hotels to enjoy relaxing hot springs, delicious meals, strolls in nature, and a stop by the footbaths? Another attractive feature is that it’s easily accessible from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport. Jozankei Onsen is a must-see destination during a trip to Hokkaido!

Text by: Nobuhiro Kawashima
*The information in this article is from September 2022. For updated information, please refer to the official websites.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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