Jozankei Onsen, set in a beautiful forested river valley only about an hour southwest of central Sapporo, is the city’s most convenient and popular hot-spring (onsen) resort. Nestled along the Toyohira River within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this atmospheric spa town has been welcoming bathers since the 1860s and offers a relaxing retreat of hot-spring ryokan and hotels, day-use baths, free public foot baths (ashiyu) and hand baths dotted around town. The town is especially famous for its spectacular autumn foliage: from around early-to-mid October, the surrounding valley, gorges and the scenic Futami Suspension Bridge blaze with red and gold, drawing crowds for one of the Sapporo area’s best fall-colour displays. Nature, walking trails, a kappa (water sprite) mascot theme, and seasonal illuminations add to the charm. Easy to reach yet feeling worlds away, Jozankei is a perfect place to soak in an onsen surrounded by nature — a relaxing day trip or overnight stay from Sapporo.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Sapporo (Minami Ward), Hokkaido |
| Hours | Baths vary; foot baths daytime |
| Admission | Foot baths free; onsen paid |
| Time needed | Half day to overnight |
| Best time | Autumn foliage (October) |
What to See
- Riverside hot-spring ryokan and day baths.
- Free public foot baths around town.
- Spectacular autumn foliage and the Futami Bridge.
- The kappa-themed town and seasonal illuminations.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with central Sapporo & Odori Park .
- Pair with Lake Shikotsu in the same park.
- Read our Hokkaido overview .
Getting There
- By bus: direct buses from Sapporo to Jozankei (about 1 hour).
- By car: about an hour southwest of central Sapporo.
Tips
Visit in early-to-mid October for the spectacular autumn foliage, which is Jozankei’s most famous season. Try the free public foot baths if you’re only visiting for the day, stay overnight at a riverside ryokan for the full onsen experience, and combine it easily with central Sapporo or Lake Shikotsu.
