Jozankei Onsen: A Spa Town Day Trip from Sapporo

Last Updated on 11th March 2025 by Sophie Nadeau

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Over 150 years ago, a monk stumbled across an enchanting natural wonder. Pools of mineral-rich water, gently heated by the warmth of the earth, tucked away in the mountains. Jozankei Onsen is one of Japan’s onsen, a spa town which is said to heal those who bathe there. Here’s an insider’s guide on how to visit Jozankei Onsen as a day trip from Sapporo, as well as a brief history of the hot springs.

Where is Jozankei Onsen?

Jozankei Onsen, 定山渓温泉, is nestled between the forest and the high cliffs of the Toyohira River, situated within the boundaries of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is the largest hot spring town in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands.

What is an onsen town?

In Japan, onsen (温泉) refers to the hot mineral water naturally heated by the earth. Traditional inns and bathing facilities have been built around these hot springs, welcoming visitors to soak in the healing waters. There are more than 27,000 hot spring sources throughout Japan.

History of Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei takes its name from its founder, an ascetic monk named Miizumi Jozan, who happened to stumble across the hot springs back in 1866.

Miizumi Jozan discovered this natural wonder in the upper parts of the Toyohira River, tucked away between forests and small streams of water. Recognising what an enchanting spot this could become, he decided to open a healing spa, welcoming people to bathe in the natural hot springs.

Initially, the hot springs started as a place where the sick and injured were taken, believing that the water had healing properties. Little by little, the reputation of this magical spot soon spread.

“gently heal, both the minds and bodies of those who bathe there”

Jozankei Onsen was quickly developed, with the construction of bridges, a shrine and temple, and several ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns) surrounding the hot springs, forming the onsen seen today.

Today, this onsen destination is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Hokkaido. Drawing in almost 2.4 million people each year! For a small fee, visitors are welcome to bathe in the hot springs, and there are also several free foot baths located around the town.

Aside from the healing waters of the hot spring resort, this spot is famed for its natural beauty. The setting of Shikotsu-Toya National Park is a big draw for many, with the natural landscape changing colours throughout the seasons, it’s the idyllic place to explore the temples, and meandering pathways or simply sit and sip on a coffee or green tea in one of the cafés.

Best things to do in Jozankei

Jozankei Bridge

This is where you can enjoy amazing views of Jozankei laid out below. The bright red suspension bridge crosses over the Toyohira River, leaving you feeling as if you’re floating amongst the trees. This spot is especially beautiful in autumn when the trees are shades of red, yellow and orange.

Taro-no-yu Footbath for Friendship

This free hot spring is shaped octagonally so you can sit with friends and enjoy a footbath. As its name suggests, this is the spot where you can have a heart-to-heart with someone as you soak your feet! If you don’t have a towel with you, then there’s a foot towel vending machine.

Ashi-yu (足湯)  is the Japanese for footbaths or foot spa, and they are part of the bathing culture. The warm waters are said to melt the stresses of your day away!

Jozankei Gensen Park

Opened to commemorate the onsen’s founder, Miizumi Jozan, and celebrate 200 years since his birth. This area has a statue of the founder along with more footbaths where you can soak your feet in the warming waters.

A unique thing you can do here is boil eggs! (Don’t worry, they are separate pools of water from the footbaths!) To cook an ‘onsen egg’, you can purchase a small bag of three eggs from the nearby shop and pop them into a small hot spring. You will be given a guide as to how long they need to go in depending on the temperature of the water that day.

Jozankei Shrine

Built in 1905, this quiet shrine is tucked away between luscious foliage that changes with the seasons.

This Shinto shrine is famed for its lantern festival! During the coldest and snowiest seasons, the shrine turns into a place of magic, illuminated by the glow of thousands of snow candles. Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way) is an annual event which started in 2011, it typically takes place the last few days of January and the first of February.

Iwato Kannondo Temple

This temple is unique in that it boasts a cave 120 meters long and has 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist female deity of compassion. This sacred spot is dedicated to the road workers who lost their lives while constructing a tunnel in the area, there are old photographs of the workers on display.

The temple is free to visit, but to walk through the cave tunnel there is a fee of 300 yen (adults). And, next door to the temple there is also a free ashi-yu (footbath).

Jozankeifutami Park

This beautiful park leads onto Futamitsuri Bridge, which is one of the most picturesque spots in Jozankei. One of the main spots for sightseeing, like with much of the area, the landscape changes with the season and offers gorgeous views all year round!

Zeneral Coffee Store

Part concept store, part café, this roastery is where you can drink delicious coffee and even try roasting some beans yourself! Nicknamed the ‘café on the cliff’ this trendy spot overlooks views of the river flowing below.

Here, you can purchase souvenirs and take a quick stop to enjoy a drink as you soak up the tranquillity of your surroundings, nestled in Jozankei.  

Jozankei Dam

This impressive dam was completed in 1989 and measures 117 meters, it’s the perfect sightseeing spot and offers mesmerising views over Sapporo Lake and the river which feeds down to it. It’s 460 steps to reach the top of the crest observatory, but you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views!

There’s also a small museum which is free to look around, displaying the construction of the dam as well as more information and photographs on the history of the local area.

How to visit

Jozankei Onsen is located just under an hour outside of central Sapporo (check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Sapporo), making it the perfect day trip from the city. We had a rental car, and it took us approximately 45 minutes.

Alternatively, by public transport from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, you can take the Jotetsu Bus number 7 or 8. This costs 790 yen one-way and takes around 75 minutes.

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