[Hot Spring Blog Series] Vol. 109 Jozankei Onsen: Healing Waters Enchanted by Valley Beauty and Pioneer History
Sapporo's back parlor, a valley hot spring resort with 150 years of history
Just an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen, nestled in the valley of the Toyohira River, is one of Hokkaido's representative hot spring areas. The hot spring was opened in 1866, when the ascetic monk Jozan Miizumi was led by the Ainu people to discover the waters in this area. The place came to be called "Jozankei," taking the name of its founder, Jozan, and it is still loved by citizens and tourists alike as Sapporo's back parlor.
The waters that continue to gush forth alongside the seasonal natural beauty of the valley can truly be called the "origin of healing." Jozan Miizumi invested his own fortune in developing the hot spring resort, handling everything from road maintenance to accommodation facilities, and developed this area as a hot spring destination. By the Meiji era, many visitors were already coming for medical treatment, establishing its status as the "back parlor of Sapporo" that continues to this day.
The charm of spring quality and benefits
The spring quality of Jozankei Onsen is sodium-chloride, and there are 56 sources. The discharge temperature is high, ranging from 60°C to 80°C, and it boasts an abundant volume of about 8,600 liters per minute. The colorless and transparent water has excellent heat retention properties, and it is so effective at warming the body from the core that it is called "Netsu no Yu" (the hot water), making it difficult for the body to cool down after bathing.
This high-quality water is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, chronic gynecological diseases, cuts, chronic skin diseases, and fatigue recovery. It is particularly highly regarded for its ability to promote blood circulation and warm the body from the core. Because the chloride components form a protective film on the skin's surface, the body remains warm for a long time after bathing, and it is affectionately known as the "warmth of the hot spring."
Accommodation facilities and how to enjoy the hot springs
There are about 20 accommodation facilities scattered throughout the hot spring town, ranging from long-established ryokans to modern hotels, each with its own uniquely designed hot spring facilities. In the open-air baths along the Toyohira River, you can enjoy bathing while looking out at the magnificent scenery of the valley, and at night, you will be captivated by the fantastic scenery of the illuminated riverside.
There are also plenty of day-trip bathing facilities, such as the large hot spring facility at the Jozankei View Hotel and the panoramic bath at the Shogetsu Grand Hotel, which are easy to visit. Footbaths are also installed in various places in the hot spring town, and being able to easily enjoy the hot springs during a stroll is one of its charms.
Seasonal spectacular views and how to enjoy them
Spring (April to May): The snowmelt flows vigorously through the Toyohira River, and bathing while looking at the valley where fresh green leaves are budding is exceptional. It is a season where you can feel the breath of life as mountain cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom. A fresh green morning welcomed with a morning bath will be the most refreshing experience of the year.
Summer (June to August): It is more comfortable than urban areas and is perfect for escaping the heat. The breeze blowing through the valley and the chirping of birds will heal your heart. You can spend a luxurious time combining forest bathing and hot springs, and you can enjoy the cool night atmosphere in the open-air bath at dusk.
Autumn (September to November): The autumn leaves of the valley, dyed in red and yellow, weave a colorful and spectacular view. In particular, from mid to late October, the autumn leaves near the Futami Suspension Bridge are magnificent, and the competition between the steam and the autumn leaves becomes a symbolic sight of Jozankei. The spectacular view of the autumn valley wrapped in morning mist will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Winter (December to March): A snow-viewing bath enjoyed in a valley covered in snow is an exceptional experience. Your heart will be cleansed by the extraordinary atmosphere woven by the steam and the silver world, and you can also enjoy the beauty of ice falls and frost-covered trees. The night open-air bath illuminated by the snow light is fantastic, and you can enjoy the real pleasure of winter unique to Hokkaido.
Hot spring cure culture and modern ways of spending time
Since the pioneering era, Jozankei Onsen has been popular as a hot spring cure resort near Sapporo. There are plenty of long-stay inns and consecutive-night plans aimed at recuperation, and it is still loved by many as a traditional "healing hot spring."
In modern times, new styles of staying are emerging, such as accommodation plans aimed at digital detox, wellness travel combined with valley walks and trekking, and reading or meditation while listening to the sound of the river, all of which are attracting attention as diverse ways to condition the mind and body. The number of inns offering programs that combine yoga and forest therapy is increasing, and an environment perfect for relieving the stress of modern people is in place.
Local gourmet and cultural experiences
Jozankei is deeply connected to Ainu culture, and at the Ainu Culture Promotion Center "Sapporo Pirka Kotan," you can experience Ainu traditions and crafts such as wood carving and embroidery. By learning about the origin of the place name and the history of the discovery of the hot spring, you will be able to understand the charm of the hot spring resort more deeply.
In terms of gourmet food, you can enjoy local wild vegetable dishes and river fish dishes, and the spring wild vegetable tempura and autumn mushroom dishes are exquisite. There are also shops that offer Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) and soup curry unique to Sapporo, where you can enjoy the tastes unique to Hokkaido. There are also sweets shops and bakeries scattered throughout the hot spring town, perfect for a break during a stroll. The famous hot spring manju (steamed bun) is popular as a classic travel souvenir, and the local sake "Jozankei" is also a popular souvenir.
The Thrill of Hot Spring Hopping and Staying
One of the charms of Jozankei is being able to enjoy baths with different atmospheres at each inn. Some inns offer hot spring hopping services exclusively for guests, allowing you to experience multiple baths.
You can enjoy hot spring hopping to suit your preferences, such as inns where you can enjoy the beauty of the valley from open-air baths overlooking the Toyohira River, inns with panoramic large public baths that offer views of the seasonal mountains, or inns where you can enjoy a relaxing time in private chartered baths. Strolling through the hot spring town at night, wrapped in steam, is also exceptional, allowing you to enjoy the illuminated riverbanks and the atmosphere of the hot spring town.
Access and Surrounding Tourist Spots
Access: Conveniently located about 1 hour from Sapporo Station by the Jotetsu Bus (Rapid No. 7), and about 90 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (via National Route 230, approx. 40 km). It is popular as a day-trip hot spring from central Sapporo, and access by rental car is also excellent.
Surrounding Sightseeing: Jozankei Dam is known as a famous spot for autumn leaves, and since access is by electric bus, you can enjoy visiting the dam while being in touch with nature. There are plenty of spots where you can feel nature and history, such as the beauty of the valley from the Futami Suspension Bridge, viewing the source spring at Jozan Gensen Park, and winter activities at the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. From spring to autumn, activities such as canoeing and rafting can also be enjoyed, and stays that combine hot springs and outdoor activities are gaining popularity.
A Memorable, Special Moment at Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen is embraced by the beauty of the valley and rich nature. Here, the history of pioneering and the blessings of nature overlap, providing deep healing to those who visit. Loved for over 150 years as the inner parlor of Sapporo, these waters warm the heart and body, making it a special place you will want to visit again and again.
In Jozankei Onsen, where modern comfort and historical hot spring culture harmonize, please experience the richness of the northern land with all five senses and spend a healing moment forgetting your daily life. The murmuring of the river echoing in the valley and the blessings of the hot springs will surely create wonderful memories that will be etched in your mind.