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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Source, Images: PR Times