Part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei is an onsen (hot springs) resort, located on the outskirt of Sapporo city. If you are looking for a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and hot springs in Sapporo, then taking a trip to Jozankei would be very rewarding. This stunning place in Sapporo can’t be reached by train, but you can get there by bus or car within 1 hour from downtown Sapporo.
Today I will show exactly the best things you can do when you travel in and around Jozankei. Jozankei is one of my favorite places to escape to from Sapporo. In fact, every autumn I must go there and admire its breathtaking autumn foliage.
Even though it is a year-round destination, many travelers explore the area in the autumn and winter. From stunning autumn foliage to fruit farm, and relaxing hot springs, Jozankei surely makes your journey unforgettable. Let’s explore more:
1. Enjoy the Hot Springs (onsen)
Jozankei is one of the most popular onsen resorts in Hokkaido, offering hot spring’s waters contain a large variety of minerals such as sulfur, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. Please note that there are about 56 sources of hot spring in Jozankei.
This hot spring resort was discovered by an ascetic monk called Miizumi Jozan in 1866. In fact, Jozankei Onsen was named after him. There are four types of natural hot springs created by the power of nature in the area: Jozankei Onsen, Koganeyu Onsen, Hoheikyo Onsen, and Usubetsu Onsen.
If you are planning a trip to an onsen located nearby Sapporo, but surrounded by lush area, Jozankei Onsen is your perfect choice. For enjoying the hot spring baths to the fullest, you must stay one night in one of the hotels or ryokans there.
Grand Shogetsu Hotel is a better option than other hotels in the area because it offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Don’t forget to check out the footbath. It’s free and quite relaxing!
2. Experience Jozankei’s Stunning Fall Colors
You’ll fall in love with this hot spring resort as you take a stroll around and admire the beautiful autumn scenery of nature along the Toyohira River. Jozankei is a popular autumn foliage spot in Sapporo.
In autumn, many people visit Jozankei to see its stunning autumn leaves. In order to catch the best views of the transitional autumn leaves there, you have to come between mid-October and early November.
Let me introduce to you some very awesome viewpoints to enjoy the foliage. They are as follows:
- Jozankei Futami Park
- Hoheikyo Dam
- Jozankei Ohashi Bridge
- Nishiki-bashi Bridge
- Jozankei Dam
- Jozankei Farm
There is another amazing fall foliage spot in Jozankei, which I would highlight later in this article. So keep reading!
Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge found in Futami Park is a must-see place in the area. From there you can get picture-perfect views of the Toyohira River and the surrounding autumn foliage. Catch a glimpse of the brilliant foliage when you embark on a trip to explore those above aforementioned places in the area. You won’t be disappointed!
3. Canoeing on Toyohira River, Jozankei
Toyohira River originates in Mt. Oizari that runs through Jozankei and Sapporo City and flows into Ishikari River. This is obviously one of the rivers in Hokkaido where you can enjoy canoeing in the summer and autumn.
Canoeing down Toyohira River offers exceptional views, especially in autumn when the leaves begin to change colors. Sail by canoe and discover Jonzakei’s incredible autumn nature. It’s a great outdoor activity for adventure travelers.
Are you interested in canoeing on Toyohira River? Make a phone call: 0570-011-411. River rafting at Jozankei is possible too, especially you can see high demand in the summer.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding at Jozankei Kogen Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort a resort with fantastic powder snow. It’s located in the mountains, which is not far from Jozankei Onsen. It’s the only ski resort near Sapporo that is open from November to Golden Week holidays in early May.
This ski resort is also a popular place to see the fall foliage in the area. From early October to mid-October is the perfect time to see the foliage. Enjoy a safe 15-mintue gondola ride as it takes you to the upper station, and be amazed by the gorgeous autumn leaves along the way.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is packed with 7 different courses for beginners and advanced skiers. Besides, you can find a snow park there, which is a fun place for families to enjoy different kinds of fun winter activities such as snowshoeing, snow racer, snow rafting, building snowman, and so on.
5. Visit Jozankei Farm and Enjoy Fruit Picking
From spring to autumn, you can enjoy fruit picking at Jozankei Farm. It’s located near the Hoheikyo Dam. At Jozankei Farm, you can enjoy picking a variety of fruits, including apples, grapes, strawberries, peaches, and cherries from spring to autumn. This outdoor activity would surely create some memorable moments for your family.
Fruit picking in Hokkaido is a must-do activity for those looking to experience something unique and traditional rather than just exploring the top attractions on the island. Jozankei Farm is an ideal place to go for fruit picking nearby Sapporo city.
Take a stroll around the Orchard Garden at Jozankei Farm, and enjoy the flower plants of different kinds. Indeed it’s a perfect place for flower lovers!
Address: Jozankei Farm, 832 Jozankei, Minami-ku Jozankeifarm, Sapporo 061-2301
Hakkenzan Winery is located at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan, where you can buy unique local wines. Don’t forget to buy jams and juices made with locally-produced ingredients there. If you have time, be sure to explore this site.
6. Experience Jozankei Nature Luminarie
What to do in Jozankei in the evening or at night? Do you know the answer?
It’s obviously the Jozankei Nature Luminarie! It’s a multicolored lighting event, which is held from early June to late October every year. The venue is Jozankei Futami Park.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the paths that go through Futami Park and across the Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge. This incredible lighting display event is a great highlight for those staying a night at Jozankei Onsen.
I was pretty stunned seeing the beautifully decorated illuminated trees and plants around. The sound of the river, the sounds of insects, and the light installations and projection mapping create an amazing atmosphere. It’s believed that the guardian deities of water and forests, known as kappa, appear in the national park at night. Who knows if you could spot one!
A free shuttle bus runs between the hot spring resort and the venue (about every 30 minutes) for a limited time (every Friday, Saturday, and national holidays.
7. Discover Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way)
Jozankei in winter impresses its visitors throughout the cold season with beautiful snowy vistas and activities. Ever wanted to see snow candles, and walk around them? Then Jozankei Shrine is for you! This is the venue of Jozankei Onsen Yukituro, one of the winter events you can experience in Sapporo.
The grounds of the shrine are decorated with 1,000 snow candles made by the people of the onsen town, creating a magical display, and it’s hard to miss when you are visiting Jozankei in winter.
In addition, during the day time, be sure to walk around the town in order to enjoy winter nature. Head to Jozankei Ohashi Bridge provides picturesque seasonal views of the hot spring area, mountains in the distance. You will not regret a view from there in the winter!
This winter event is held from last third of January to early February every year. Please note that a free shuttle bus is provided during the event period between the Jozankei Onsen town and the shrine.
8. Enjoy Hiking in the Spring, Summer, and Autumn
Jozankei is home to various mountains and hiking trails, attracting thousands of travelers looking to enjoy nature at its best. Both beginners and experienced climbers can enjoy Jozankei’s hiking trails.
Hiking trails are closed during the winter months, but when the snow melts in spring and the flowers begin to bloom gradually, many tend to come to Jozankei to appreciate the great outdoors through hiking.
When you reach a mountain top around Jozankei, you will see amazing vistas all around you. After a day of hiking and enjoying the views from the top, you should relax your body in a hot spring and heal your body and mind.
In spring, fresh leaves burst into life and many different types of flowers bloom including cherry and plum. If you want to experience completely unique environment after winter, spring is the right time to embark on a trip to Jozankei’s designated hiking trails.
Jozankei Farm in the onsen town is a perfect place to enjoy fruit picking. Be sure to check this place out in the spring when hundreds of cherry trees lure many tourists.
Read about the ultimate guide to hiking in Jozankei and find the mountains you can climb to: https://jozankei.jp/en/enjoy/hiking_autumn/
Conclusion
Jozankei is a beautiful tourist attraction on the outskirt of Sapporo city, where fun never ends! There is always something to do in all four seasons at Jozankei Onsen.
Horseback riding is another popular outdoor activity that many travelers are keen to experience. Although this activity is open in all seasons, when you do it in winter, it would be a unique experience for you and your family.
Many locals come to Jozankei during summer with their families to enjoy nature through camping. No matter if it is a long stay or a day trip from Sapporo, Jozankei always makes your journey memorable and exciting.
Jozankei is considered one of Hokkaido’s best autumn foliage spots. Make sure you plan a trip to Jozankei if you come to Hokkaido in mid-October.
Below are some recommended hotels for you to stay in Jozankei Onsen:
1. Grand Shogetsu Hotel
2. Jozankei View Hotel
3. Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan
4. Chalet Ivy Jozankei
Thank you for reading this article!
