Hello, Cool Japan Video viewers! This is the Jozankei Tourism Association. Jozankei Onsen in Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, sits in a lush valley where you can enjoy hot springs and nature. Thanks to easy access—about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo—Jozankei is a great base for exploring Hokkaido. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons; autumn leaves and winter’s snowy landscape are especially spectacular. Beyond the hot springs, a variety of activities and attractions dot the area, charming every visitor. The Jozankei hot spring district has more than 20 hotels and over 15 day-use hot spring facilities, so you can plan your trip just the way you like. Access to Jozankei, Hokkaido Getting to Jozankei from Sapporo Station By car: Jozankei Onsen is about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo. From Sapporo Station, head south on National Route 230. This drive offers seasonal natural scenery and passes several sightseeing spots and rest areas. By train: Take the Namboku Subway Line from Sapporo Station and get off at Makomanai Station in Minami Ward. The ride takes about 18 minutes. From Makomanai Station, take a route bus bound for Jozankei Onsen; the bus ride takes about 45 minutes. History of Jozankei, Hokkaido The history of Jozankei Onsen began in 1866 when Miizumi Jozan, a monk from Bizen Province, visited the area. Because Miizumi Jozan laid the foundation for the hot springs, the area was named Jozankei and developed into one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring resorts. Jozankei is also known for its long-told kappa legend, and kappa statues stand throughout the hot spring area. Take a stroll and see if you can find your favorite statue! Popular Attractions in Jozankei, Hokkaido Toyohira Gorge Dam Toyohira Gorge Dam, completed in 1972, is a 102.5-meter-high arch concrete dam. It stores about the equivalent of 30 Sapporo Domes of water in Lake Jozan. The dam is famous for autumn leaves; the view of the foliage from atop the dam is breathtaking. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering a different experience each visit. Futami Suspension Bridge Built in 1955, this bright red suspension bridge is a symbolic spot of Jozankei. It sits in a perfect location to overlook the gorge, attracting many visitors. From the bridge you can enjoy stunning valley views, and it’s a popular photo spot during the autumn foliage and snowy seasons. Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pool) Kappa-buchi is a sightseeing spot rooted in Jozankei’s kappa legend. The area, surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Toyohira River, is called Kappa-buchi. This place is where the kappa legend of Jozankei originated. Activities to Enjoy in Jozankei, Hokkaido Rafting Rafting on the Toyohira River is popular in Jozankei. From spring to early summer, melting mountain snow increases the river flow, creating thrilling rapids ideal for rafting. Courses suit beginners to experienced rafters, and guided tours are available so you can join with confidence. Sauna As part of the hot spring experience, you can also enjoy saunas in Jozankei. Each hot spring facility has authentic saunas, allowing you to relax in combination with the baths. A good sweat in the sauna followed by a soak in the hot spring refreshes both body and mind. Canoeing / SUP You can also try canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Toyohira River. Calm stretches of the river make canoeing and SUP accessible for first-timers. Instructors provide careful guidance, so both children and adults can enjoy the activities. Viewing Jozankei’s nature from the water is a special experience that lets you relax and soak in the scenery. Hiking Many hiking trails surround Jozankei. Trails range from beginner to advanced, and during the autumn foliage season you can savor beautiful mountain views. Trekking in nature offers a refreshing escape for both body and mind. Events and Festivals in Jozankei, Hokkaido Jozankei Stream Koinobori (Carp Streamers) Every year from April to May, Jozankei hosts the Stream Koinobori. Celebrating its 38th year in 2024, this spring tradition fills the hot spring town and the Toyohira River with about 400 koinobori swimming in the current, creating a spectacular sight. Cherry blossoms bloom in early May, letting you enjoy koinobori and cherry blossoms together as spring arrives. JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE 2024 Walking paths through the hot spring town are lit with beautiful illuminations and projection mapping. At night the hot spring town is wrapped in a magical atmosphere that enchants visitors. This event lets you enjoy both hot springs and illuminations as you stroll the lit streets. In 2024 the event runs from June 1 through October 31. Tourist Information for Jozankei, Hokkaido Jozankei, Hokkaido, is an attractive destination where you can enjoy beautiful nature and hot springs. With good access from Sapporo and a historic hot spring town filled with attractions and activities, Jozankei offers a relaxing escape. Spend a restorative time at Jozankei, one of Hokkaido’s signature hot spring resorts.