basic information

Jozankei Onsen is located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park between the high cliffs of the Toyohira River. The town is only one hour from Sapporo, making it a popular side trip from the city for both residents and tourists. As a result, Jozankei is very developed compared to other, smaller onsen towns in Hokkaido.

The onsen waters of Jozankei were discovered in 1866 and the town now has dozens of ryokan, restaurants and shops catering to hot spring tourists. Many ryokan offer day visitors entrance to their baths for a fee of 500 to 1500. A small waterfall called Yunotaki, and the public foot baths in town, are also fed by the hot spring water.

Iwato Kannodo Temple

Yunotaki Waterfall

Besides being an onsen destination, Jozankei is a popular fall colors destination. Visitors in the fall come to see the brilliantly colored Mount Asahidake to the east of the town, or to view the autumn leaves from the walking trails along Toyahira River. The best time to see the leaves is usually mid October.

Iwato Kannondo is a unique temple in central Jozankei, as most of the temple is located in a cave. Built for road workers who were killed during the construction of a tunnel, the temple's cave is 120 meters long with 33 statues of Kannon (Japanese Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion) placed at intervals along the way.

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how to get there

From Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, take the Jotetsu Bus number 7 or 8 for Jozankei Onsen. Buses depart two or three times an hour and cost 750 yen for a one way ticket. The trip takes about 75 minutes.

Alternatively, you can catch Jotetsu Bus number 12 from Makomanai Station, the terminal station of Sapporo's Namboku Subway Line. From Makomanai Station, the one way trip to Jozankei Onsen takes 45 minutes and costs 600 yen. There are buses every 30 to 60 minutes.

hours and fees

Iwato Kannondo Temple
Hours:	7:00 to 20:00
Admission:	300 yen

travel community

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Most visited: Ranked 94th out of 96 destinations

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