This time, we’re taking you to an amazing hidden gem in Hokkaido — Jozankei Onsen!
It’s a great spot for enjoying Japan’s autumn leaves, with endless red maples creating a breathtaking view!
How to Get to Jozankei:
Hop on a bus from downtown Sapporo, and in just an hour, you’ll arrive at this secret spot.
For this trip, we used the Jozankei Onsen One-Day Trip Package Ticket, which includes a one-day bus pass and a day-trip onsen ticket.
It offers the freedom to hop on and off at attractions along the way, like Hoheikyo Onsen or Koganeyu Onsen!
To reach Jozankei, you can choose between the reservation-only Kappa Liner or the Jotetsu Bus.
If you want to take the Kappa Liner, you can ask the hotel front desk to help with making a reservation.
You can use the “Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass” to directly exchange for the Jozankei Onsen One-Day Trip Package Ticket, making it both cost-effective and convenient.
Jozankei Onsen One-Day Trip Package Ticket
Exchange Location：札幌市中央區大通西1丁目 (札幌電視塔 Information Center)
Jozankei Shrine
A quick ride on the Kappa Liner, and we’re here!
Get off at the Jozankei jinjya mae stop.
The attractions here are nearby and easy to reach on foot.
Jozankei Shrine is located on a small hill overlooking the hot springs, surrounded by lush greenery that exudes a tranquil atmosphere.
Image Source：© Jozankei Tourist Association.
Jozankei Shrine
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉東３丁目 Googlemaps
Jozanji Temple Homotsuden (Museum)
Near the shrine, the Jozanji Temple Homotsuden displays historical artifacts, including a wooden statue of Monk Mizumi Jozan,
making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Jozanji Temple Homotsuden (Museum)
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉東３丁目２４７ Googlemaps
Explore the Kappa’s Hometown
Stroll through the onsen town, and you’ll spot numerous statues of kappa.
Jozankei Onsen, known as the “Kappa’s Hometown,” has Kappas as its guardians which are said to bring good luck!
Kappa Family’s Wishing Hand Bath
Don’t miss the 6-meter-tall Kappa Family’s Wishing Hand Bath, featuring spring water directly from the source.
Legend has it that chanting “オンカッパヤウンケンソワカ (ON KAPPAYA UNKEN SOWAKA)” three times while pouring water to the kappa’s dish will make your wishes come true.
Too bad the it was under renovation that day—really wanted to try casting a spell!
Kappa Family’s Wishing Hand Bath
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉東3丁目 Googlemaps
Jozan Gensen Park: Enjoy free natural foot bath!
Next, we visited Jozan Gensen Park. There’s a free natural outdoor foot bath here.
Tired feet soaked in warm water instantly melted away travel fatigue, bringing a wave of comfort.
Image Source：© Jozankei Tourist Association.
In autumn, the park is surrounded by vibrant maple leaves, immersing you in the spirit of the season.
Jozan Gensen Park
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉東3丁目（月見橋旁）Googlemaps
Iwato Kannondo
After the foot bath, we headed to Iwato Kannondo.
This place enshrines 33 statues of the Kannon and is known for praying for traffic safety and happy relationships, making it a famous energy spot in Jozankei.
Image Source：© Jozankei Tourist Association.
The bright red Japanese maple leaves beautifully complement the Kannondo.
Iwato Kannondo
Address: 札幌市南区上山溪温泉西4丁目 Googlemaps
The Enchanting Jozankei Walking Path
Image Source：© Jozankei Tourist Association.
In autumn, Futami Park is painted with hues of colorful Japanese maple leaves.
Walking along the Jozankei path, we passed Futami Park, guarded by the Kappa Daio statue.
Image Source：© Jozankei Tourist Association.
Crossing the red Futami Suspension Bridge, we finally reached Kappabuchi Pool.
The lush green scenery along the way makes it the most scenic spot in Jozankei.
Image Source：phto AC
Highly recommend visiting in autumn for the stunning maple leaves. It’s absolutely enchanting!
Futami Park
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉西４丁目 Googlemaps
utami Tsuribashi suspension bridge
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉西４丁目 Googlemaps
Kappabuchi Pool
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉東 Googlemaps
Nukumori no Yado Furukawa Enjoy the hot spring time!
After visiting all the attractions, it’s time to relax and enjoy the hot springs!
The Jozankei Onsen One-Day Trip Package includes six hot springs to choose from.
We chose Nukumori no Yado Furukawa, a traditional Japanese-style hot spring inn in the Jozankei area.
It features a large bathhouse, outdoor hot springs, sauna, and a lounge.
Enjoy the hot spring experience and fully relax your body and mind!
Nukumori no Yado Furukawa
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉西４丁目３５３ Googlemaps
埜ノ山キッチン はるらんな (Nono Yama Kicchin Haru Ranna)
After the hot spring, we found a nearby shop and ordered the super cute Jozankei egg pudding to end our journey.
This pudding has a rich and smooth egg white that isn’t too heavy, while the egg yolk part is a sweet and tangy mix of mango and passion fruit jelly.
The perfect combination makes you want to order another!
Nono Yama Kicchin Haru Ranna
Address: 札幌市南区定山渓温泉西4丁目371番地 Googlemaps
※Please refer to the official website for business hours.
※Attractions in the Pass will be updated from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
