Jozankei Onsen

About 26 kilometers south of central Sapporo, Jozankei springs up in a valley within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Long cherished as the back parlor of Sapporo, it lets you reach a hot spring wrapped in deep nature roughly an hour from the city. With 56 sources, its clear, mellow salt springs warm the body from the core.

Highlights

- The red Futami Suspension Bridge over the Toyohira River and the beautiful gorge - A hot spring town dotted with kappa water-sprite statues drawn from local legend - Easy bath-hopping at the many foot baths and hand baths

Enjoying the Seasons

Autumn is Jozankei finest sight, when the whole valley blazes with color from early to mid October. Winter offers snow-viewing baths, summer brings strolls through fresh green gorges, and every season has a rich face. A soak while gazing at the snow-dressed valley is especially fine.

Access and Basic Information

- About one hour by direct bus from the Sapporo Station bus terminal - About 40 minutes by car from central Sapporo - About one hour and 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport - Spring type is sodium chloride spring

A Quick Tip

The autumn-leaf season gets crowded, so an early stroll is recommended. The salt-rich water holds heat well, so rest slowly after your bath until you have cooled down.