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New in Hokkaido: Walk a Magical Illuminated Path at Jozankei Onsen's Dreamy Light-up Event

New in Hokkaido: Walk a Magical Illuminated Path at Jozankei Onsen's Dreamy Light-up Event

Date published: 26 August 2022

Just an hour outside of central Sapporo lies the region of Jozankei, a gorgeous area rich in nature known for its relaxing onsen baths.

And now, art collective NAKED, INC. has made the area all the more magical, with an illuminated nature walk in Jozankeifutami Park. The summer event is called the JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE-WATER LIGHT VALLEY- (hereinafter Jozankei Nature Luminarie). So here’s what you need to know about the event.

Table of Contents
  1. What is the Jozankei Nature Luminarie?
  2. What to expect
  3. Welcome Light Lake
  4. River Road
  5. Forest Water Ripple
  6. Futami Valley
  7. A bit about Jozankei Onsen
  8. When and where to visit the Jozankei Nature Luminarie
  9. Where to stay

What is the Jozankei Nature Luminarie?

Image: PR times
Image: PR times

With the beautiful nature of Jozankei as its backdrop, the Jozankei Nature Luminarie is an illumination event, where various spots throughout Jozankeifutami Park are lit up in a magical spectacle, available to those staying in accommodation at Jozankei Onsen.

Now in its seventh year, the illumination has returned once again to the delight of many, taking inspiration from the surrounding valley and river to light up the natural scenes that are otherwise hard to enjoy by night. This night setting makes for the perfect sightseeing activity during the heat of summer.

On the walk, you’ll be following the footsteps of a kappa, a mischievous human-like amphibian of Japanese folklore, adding to the mystery and magic of the experience.

What to expect

You’ll find many different illuminated scenes and projection mapping artworks throughout the walk, ranging from the decorated bridge to interactive rippling river spots. Let’s take a look at some of the exhibits.

Welcome Light Lake

Image from 2021 event. Image: PR times
Image from 2021 event. Image: PR times

As you first step in to the Jozankei Nature Luminarie, you’ll be greeted by fairy lights and warmly lit trees.

River Road

Image: PR times
Image: PR times

Then, look out for the River Road, where flowers are projected onto the path, and you feel as though you are walking on water.

Forest Water Ripple

Image: PR times
Image: PR times

Step through the ripples of water and look out for the elusive kappa footprints.

Futami Valley

Image: PR times
Image: PR times

Arguably the highlight of the event, once you come to the Futamitsuri Bridge, you’ll find a cascade of flower petals all along the bridge, and the surrounding valley lit up in all sorts of colors.

A bit about Jozankei Onsen

Despite the name, Jozankei Onsen is not just a single onsen (hot spring), but instead a hot spring town that makes up a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

The town has plenty of ryokan (traditional inns), restaurants, and shops, so is quite well-developed in comparison to some other hot spring towns in the north.

The area is around a 65-minute trip from Sapporo Station on the Jotetsu Bus for Jozankei-Shako-Mae, or around 50 minutes by car.

When and where to visit the Jozankei Nature Luminarie

Event run time: June 1, 2022 until October 23, 2022.

Event opening times:
June-August: 19:00-21:00
September-October: 18:00-21:00

Tickets:
Tickets are only given out to those staying at accommodation in Jozankei Onsen.
Please bring your ticket from your accommodation facility to enter.

Venue:
Jozankeifutami Park to Futamitsuri Bridge
4 Chome Jozankeionsennishi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2303

Website:
https://jozankei.jp/luminarie/

Caution:
- The event may be shortened or cancelled in the case of bad weather or equipment adjustment
- There is no parking lot on-site. Please use the Jozankei Sports Park public parking lot (free of charge, 7 minutes’ walk to the venue).
- The event may be cancelled due to the coronavirus
- Please call 011-598-2012 (Jozankei Tourism Association) for inquiries

Where to stay

As you must be staying at accommodation in Jozankai Onsen in order to get a ticket, here are some select recommended accommodations in the area.

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

    Vacancy search, reservation

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

Source, Images: PR Times

Written by:

Cassandra Lord

Cassandra Lord

Cassandra Lord is a British journalist specialising in food, travel, and culture, and has been in Japan for five years after studying Japanese at Edinburgh University for four. With a year of experience as co-editor for LIVE JAPAN, Cassandra has since transitioned to freelance writing, contributing to a variety of platforms including The Japan Times and Tokyo Weekender. During her time in Japan she has visited 25 prefectures, with a goal to eventually visit all 47. She also manages her own YouTube channel, "Cassandra Lord", which is dedicated to all things related to Japanese culinary culture. She also works as a translator and photographer. Website: https://cassandralord.com/. YouTube: @cassandra_lord. Instagram: @incassieskitchen.

*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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