Ultimate One-Day Itinerary: Explore Jōzankei's Hot Springs, Nature, and Cuisine from Sapporo
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido located in the northern area of Japan. It's an extremely popular city that people visit first when traveling to Hokkaido, which is attractive for its vast land and abundant nature.
It's also a city where you can enjoy all kinds of Hokkaido gourmet food, including seafood caught in the northern seas, lamb barbecue called Genghis Khan, and miso ramen that originated in Sapporo.
Furthermore, around Sapporo there are multiple tourist spots that can be reached in about an hour by train or bus, such as the beautiful Otaru with its retro townscape.
Among these, this time we'll introduce Jōzankei District, a hot spring area that can be reached by bus in 50 minutes from Sapporo. We'll explain a one day trip itinerary from Sapporo where you can enjoy hot springs and activities like canoeing and SUP in Jōzankei District.
If you're looking for tourist destinations that can be enjoyed around Sapporo, please use this as a reference.
Jōzankei District is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations with remaining retro townscape
Jōzankei District is a resort area where you can enjoy beautiful nature, retro townscape, and hot springs. Since it's located about an hour by car from Sapporo, it's easily accessible and is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations.
The Jōzankei area is a valley that rises along the Toyohira River. The history of Jōzankei began in the late 19th century when a Japanese Buddhist monk was taught the location of high-quality hot springs by the Ainu people, who are the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Currently, many hot spring inns and resort hotels have gathered here, making it a special spot where Sapporo citizens go to rest their bodies and find healing. Additionally, the many activities available on the river and mountains are popular, and families visit throughout the year.
Hot springs and beautiful nature are particularly famous
Jōzankei District is located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is a natural park. There are deep primeval forests where abundant mountain plants, insects, and many wild animals live. For example, you can see Ezo squirrels, Ezo deer, Kita foxes, and the long-tailed tit, a bird also called the fairy of Hokkaido.
Also, Jōzankei is a hot spring spot representing Hokkaido. Jōzankei District is located in the upper Toyohira River area, and natural hot springs abundantly spring from the riverbank and riverbed of the Toyohira River.
The hot springs of Jōzankei contain salt in the water, which prevents sweat evaporation and has a heat retention effect, making them popular as hot springs that warm the body from the core.
Jōzankei District changes its charm depending on the season
A major characteristic of Jōzankei District is that its charm changes depending on the season. In winter, you can enjoy winter sports and hot springs in a landscape covered with snow, and in autumn, the entire valley turns red with fall foliage, creating a spectacular sight.
Here we'll introduce the charm of each of the four seasons and the activities and events you can enjoy.
Spring in Jōzankei District
Source:Official website
In Hokkaido, which is a cold region, spring arrives from late April to May, later than in Tokyo and other areas of Japan. The snow finally melts in April, and cherry blossoms bloom from late April to early May.
What to pay attention to in spring Jōzankei is the "carp streamer" event, which is a traditional Japanese event. In Japan, cloth carp streamers are displayed in May to celebrate children's growth. In Jōzankei, 400 colorful carp streamers are displayed for one month starting from mid-April.
You can see a gorgeous sight that looks like carp swimming among the cherry blossoms. If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms more, you can stroll through Koganeyuさくらの森, a park where 800 cherry trees are planted.
Also, in spring, camping, bicycle rentals, and river rafting are popular.
Autumn in Jōzankei District
Source:Official website
In autumn, Jōzankei District offers spectacular fall foliage where trees throughout the valley simultaneously turn vibrant shades of red and yellow. Jōzankei is an environment with significant temperature variations due to its mountains and rivers. As a result, the colors of the autumn leaves become even more vivid than those in flat areas.
Tourists flock to famous autumn foliage spots such as the highly popular Futamitsuri Bridge, which is renowned as a spot for capturing beautiful autumn photos, and Sapporo International Ski Resort. Hot spring bathing while viewing the beautiful autumn colors is popular not only among Japanese visitors but also tourists from around the world.
Canoeing and rafting on the Toyohira River, as well as cycling, can be enjoyed while taking in the most spectacular autumn scenery of the year.
Summer in Jōzankei District
Source:Official website
Summer in Jōzankei District is the season when various natural activities can be enjoyed. Canoeing and rafting on the Toyohira River that flows through Jōzankei District are particularly popular.
Horseback riding, camping, and hiking suited to various skill levels are also available. Explore Jōzankei District, which is home to numerous flora, fauna, and insects, with the spirit of adventuring through nature.
For those who want to enjoy nature more casually, walking the "Futamijōzan-no-michi," a beautiful nature trail through fresh greenery, is also recommended.
Additionally, in summer, you can enjoy an illumination event called "Jōzankei Nature Luminarie." At night, the area from Futami Park to Futamitsuri Bridge is adorned with beautiful lighting art.
Winter in Jōzankei District
Source:Official website
In winter, Jōzankei District is covered in snow-capped mountains, spreading a beautiful silver world as far as the eye can see. Although temperatures are low and the cold is severe, this is a season where you can experience the beauty and enjoyment of nature that can only be felt in extremely cold regions.
Winter-specific activities such as skiing and snowboarding at Sapporo International Ski Resort, one of Hokkaido's most popular ski areas, are very popular. Snowshoeing, which beginners can enjoy, and camping in the snow have also gained popularity in recent years.
Of course, this is also the season when Jōzankei's hot springs are most appealing. Be sure to try entering the outdoor hot spring baths with hot water while gazing at the snowy landscape.
How to Get There (Access Information)
Jōzankei is approximately 29km from Sapporo, taking about 50-80 minutes by car. Since it's located within about an hour's travel distance from Sapporo, many Sapporo residents and tourists visit for day trips to enjoy hot springs and activities. Therefore, direct buses operate year-round with convenient timetables.
(By Bus)
- Direct Bus: Jotetsu Bus Kappa Liner... approximately 60 minutes, about 1,400 yen (varies by destination stop) (reservation required)
- Lake Toya Bus: Donan Bus via Nakayama Pass, Sapporo-Lake Toya Line... approximately 60 minutes, 3,700 yen
- Local Bus: Jotetsu Bus... approximately 80 minutes, 790 yen
The most recommended way to get there is by taking the direct bus, Jotetsu Bus Kappa Liner, to Jōzankei. With a reservation, you can travel for the affordable fare of 1,400 yen (online discount 980 yen), and it only takes about 60 minutes. If you want to travel at the cheapest fare, use the local bus, which takes about 80 minutes.
(By Car)
- Taxi... approximately 50 minutes, about 6,000-10,000 yen
(By Train)
- Namboku Line → Get off at Makomanai Station → Taxi: approximately 55 minutes, about 1,080 yen
For those who want to travel at their preferred time without being bound by bus schedules, use a taxi. With a taxi, depending on road conditions, you can generally travel faster than by bus, reaching your destination in about 50 minutes. When traveling by train, use the Namboku Line, get off midway, and then use a taxi.
One-Day Itinerary for Enjoying Jōzankei District's Tourist Attractions
Now, let me introduce a one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Jōzankei District to enjoy the charming tourist attractions of this captivating area.
As introduced earlier, Jōzankei offers slightly different spots and activities to enjoy in each season. I'll introduce the spots to visit and activities to participate in for each season, so please use this as a reference for your one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Jōzankei District.
9:00 AM: Departure from Sapporo
First, depart from Sapporo around 9:00 AM.
If possible, make a reservation for the direct bus, Kappa Liner. If there are available seats, you may be able to board on the same day. The boarding location is in front of JR Tower at the south exit of JR Sapporo Station.
When taking the direct bus, there are 8 bus stops where you can get off in the Jōzankei area. While these bus stops are not far from each other, it's most recommended to get off at "Jōzankei" or "Jōzankei Shako-mae," which are close to your next destination, Jōzankei Gensenpark.
Until you reach your destination, be sure to enjoy Hokkaido's magnificent nature visible from the bus window.
10:00AM: Arrival at Jōzankei / Walking around Jōzankei District
When you arrive at Jōzankei at 10:00AM, first take a stroll around the Jozan Gensen Park area. Since activities are planned for the afternoon, it's recommended to spend the time leisurely until lunch.
Jozan Gensen Park is popular as a spot where you can enjoy foot baths with hot spring sources flowing through it. In spring, you can relax in the foot baths while viewing cherry blossoms, and in autumn while enjoying the fall foliage. The park has beautifully planted trees throughout, making it perfect for a leisurely walk.
When I visited, there were many people with pets, creating a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. There's also a corner where you can make your own hot spring eggs, which is a staple of Japanese hot spring resorts, so those interested should definitely give it a try.
If you have time, it's also nice to take a slow walk to Shirato Falls (White Thread Falls), a small waterfall surrounded by nature.
・Address: 3 Chome Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone Number: 011-598-2012
・Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/tourist/jozan-gensen-park/
12:00PM: Savoring Exquisite Lunch in Jōzankei
At 12:00PM, let's have lunch in Jozankei. We'll introduce spots where you can enjoy everything from the locally popular long-established soba restaurant "Koyotei" to Jingisukan and resort-style hotel buffets unique to this resort area. Please choose according to your preferences.
Koyotei
Source:Tabelog
Koyotei is a soba restaurant where you can eat exquisite fresh soba noodles. This long-established restaurant with over 90 years of history has been beloved by locals and travelers visiting Jozankei for a long time. The interior has a retro, nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. They also have an English menu, so you can order with confidence.
The recommended signature dish is "Tempura Zaru Soba." It comes as a set with fresh soba noodles that the owner makes every morning and seasonal vegetable and fish tempura. Sometimes you'll find tempura made from fish that the owner caught locally, such as wakasagi (pond smelt) in winter or iwana (char) in summer and autumn.
The wakasagi tempura I had was lightly battered with a crispy texture and refreshing taste. It paired perfectly with the smooth, slurp-worthy soba noodles, and I finished my lunch in no time.
・Address: 228 Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3 Chome, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
・Closed: Wednesdays, Thursdays
・Phone Number: 011-598-2421
Beer & Restaurant Matsuo Jingisukan
Source:Tabelog
Beer & Restaurant Matsuo Jingisukan is a restaurant where you can eat Hokkaido's specialty lamb Jingisukan. This popular chain has locations throughout Hokkaido and even in Tokyo. The Jozankei location serves not only Jingisukan but also fresh seafood dishes unique to Hokkaido, such as sashimi and ikura (salmon roe) bowls.
For lunch, the "Premium Lamb Set Meal" is recommended. With the premium option, the fat is properly trimmed from the meat, so you can enjoy tender lamb without any gamey smell. It comes with rice and side dishes, making it perfect for a filling lunch.
Also, the pickled gyoja garlic (wild mountain garlic), a Hokkaido mountain vegetable, is spicy and incredibly addictive. Please try it together with the Jingisukan.
・Address: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3 Chome, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone Number: 011-598-3673
・Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/store/matsuo-jingisukan/
・X: https://x.com/matsujin_jozan
Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI no UTA
Source:Official website
At the restaurant of the large resort hotel Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI no UTA, you can enjoy a buffet. You can choose from a rich variety and quantity of dishes including authentic wood-fired pizza and other Western cuisine, Japanese cuisine, creative dishes, and luxurious desserts.
MORI no UTA is recommended for those who want to choose and eat from many different types of cuisine, not limited to Japanese food. Even from my perspective, having been to many hotel buffets, I had never seen such a vast variety laid out. The presentation was also very beautiful, making the selection process very enjoyable.
Lunch is basically by reservation, so those who want to use it should make reservations through the website. If there's availability, same-day reservations are sometimes possible.
・Address: 192 Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3 Chome, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating Hours: [Hours not specified in original text]
・Closed: Irregular holidays
・Phone Number: 011-598-2671
・Official Website: https://www.morino-uta.com/
1:00PM: Enjoy Seasonal Activities in Jōzankei
From the afternoon onwards, let's finally enjoy the real highlight of Jōzankei - activities in the great outdoors. We've picked the most recommended activities for each season from spring to winter for your one-day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Jōzankei District.
There are many other types of activities available besides those introduced here, so we also recommend using this time to challenge yourself with your favorite activities during your visit to this beautiful district.
Rafting (Spring)
Source:Official website
In spring Jōzankei, we recommend participating in thrilling rafting with snowmelt water. Spring to early summer is when the water volume of the Toyohira River increases with snowmelt water from the mountains of Jōzankei. Let's challenge a course that includes several rapid points.
In Jōzankei, multiple companies provide rafting activities. When I participated, I was able to ride the boat with an experienced guide, so while my heart was pounding, I felt secure.
At the rapid points, you get a thrilling sensation where your body feels like it floats for a moment. There's even a jumping point from 8m high, making it an absolutely exciting experience.
For those who want to spend time more peacefully, we also recommend leisurely cycling around the Toyohira River area on rental bicycles while viewing cherry blossoms.
(Example: AMUSE SPORTS Rafting)
Information:
Schedule: April 18 - May 31
Access: Jōzankei (bus stop) → Local bus 15 minutes → Walk 7 minutes → Koganyu Onsen Yumoto Seasonal Inn Matsuno-yu parking lot meeting point
Admission: Adults 5,500 yen
Website: https://amuse-sports.com/activity/jozankeiraft/
Autumn Leaf Viewing (Fall)
Source:Official website
In autumn afternoons, let's fully enjoy the vibrant and vivid autumn foliage that is Jōzankei's charm.
From late September to mid-October, autumn foliage gondolas operate in the Sapporo International Ski Resort area in Jōzankei. Ride the 8-person gondola and view the autumn foliage spreading like a carpet below from a height of 1000m.
When you reach the summit, there's an observation deck with a 360-degree view where you can see the beautiful seas of Hokkaido, including distant Ishikari Bay. At the summit, there are cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy ice cream and light meals.
Canoeing and SUP to enjoy autumn foliage from above the river are also popular. You can also enjoy beautiful autumn foliage and rich autumn nature in various situations while mountain climbing or strolling near the river. The colors and atmosphere of the autumn foliage differ slightly by location, so please try to find your favorite scenery.
Example: Autumn Foliage Gondola
Information:
Schedule: Usually around October 1-20, 9:30-15:30 (Last upward ride: 15:00)
Access: Board the Autumn Foliage Gondola Liner (bus) from near Jōzankei Tourist Information → About 30 minutes → Sapporo International Ski Resort
Fare: Adults 1,500 yen (junior high school and above), Elementary students 800 yen
Website: https://www.sapporo-kokusai.jp/autumn/
Canoeing/SUP (Summer)
Source:Official website
If you visit Jōzankei in summer, enjoy canoeing and SUP, which are very popular activities in Jōzankei, in the afternoon.
The canoe activities provided by various companies usually involve paddling about 1km round trip on the beautiful Toyohira River canoe course with fresh greenery. The course has a water depth of 1m and gentle river flow, making it an activity that can be safely enjoyed by adults and children alike.
When you're in the canoe, you can feel the cool coldness of the river from the nearby water surface, spending a cool and comfortable time. Green spreads as far as the eye can see in 360 degrees, and you can slowly enjoy the sight of aquatic plants and wild birds.
In summer, you can also get off the canoe and play in the river, making it a very popular activity with children. If you don't mind getting wet, enjoy the beautiful summer Toyohira River with SUP, standing on a board and moving through the river.
Example: AMUSE SPORTS Canoe Experience
Information:
Schedule: May 7 - November 9
Access: Jōzankei (bus stop) → Walk 15 minutes → 1-chome Jōzankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (near Tamagawa Bridge)
Admission: Adults 4,500 yen (tax included), Children 3,500 yen (tax included), Infants 2,000 yen (tax included)
Website: https://amuse-sports.com/
Snowshoeing/Snow Hiking (Winter)
Source:Official website
In winter, try snowshoe experiences that anyone from adults to children can easily enjoy. Wear snowshoe walking equipment and stroll through the snowy world with a guide, feeling like you're playing in the wild.
Forests with deep snow accumulation are normally inaccessible, but with snowshoes, you can enter and freely explore inside. The snow-covered trees have an enchanting beauty that you'd want to watch forever.
Since Jōzankei is rich in wildlife, you might also find wild animal footprints in the snow. What I enjoyed most was playing in the snow - jumping into the snow, lying down, and playing in the fluffy fresh snow.
For those who want to enjoy winter sports more seriously, you can ski at Sapporo International Ski Resort. In that case, you could skip the subsequent area exploration and dedicate the entire afternoon to skiing.
Example: Sapporo Hot Spring Hotel [Jōzankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta] Activities
Information:
Schedule: Late December - March
Access: Around Jōzankei Onsen area
Admission: Adults 3,300 yen, Elementary school and under 1,650 yen (Snowshoes + bathing)
Website: https://www.morino-uta.com/activity/
https://jozankei.jp/enjoy/snowshoes/
3:00 PM: Fully Enjoy the Nature of Jōzankei
From 3:00 PM, let's tour the tourist spots and scenic locations of Jōzankei to enjoy the rich nature even more deeply.
From Futamitsuri Bridge to Iwato Kannondo Temple is about a 7-minute walk, so you can move there quickly. From these two spots to Jozankei Dam takes about 35 minutes by bus and on foot. Adjust the spots you want to see and find the right balance for your visit.
Futamitsuri Bridge
At 3:00 PM, first let's go to Futamitsuri Bridge.
Futamitsuri Bridge is a bridge that spans the Toyohira River flowing through Jōzankei. The bridge is 23 meters long and relatively small. The width is about 1.5 meters, only wide enough for two people to pass. The beautiful red color that stands out against the valley's nature has become a symbolic spot of Jōzankei.
The small bridge spanning the valley surrounded by nature is most beautiful in autumn. There are many ginkgo trees around the bridge, and the red color of the bridge looks very beautiful and photogenic among the golden, glowing ginkgo trees.
The view from the bridge is also spectacular. The valley dyed in autumn colors of red, brown, and yellow is breathtakingly beautiful. In autumn, it's a very popular spot where many people visit to take photos.
Of course, the green glowing scenery of spring and summer, and the snowy winter landscape are also must-see beautiful sights. Please try taking memorable photos of your Jōzankei trip here.
- Address: Jōzankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-598-2012
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/spot/105/
Iwato Kannondo Temple
Source:Jozankei Official
At Iwato Kannondo Temple, 33 statues of Kannon (Buddhist goddess of mercy) are lined up inside a cave. It was built in 1936 to comfort the souls of people who died in road construction accidents connecting Otaru and Jōzankei. Even now, many people visit to offer prayers.
The inside of the building is like a tunnel, with a narrow path wide enough for one person to pass. Along the path, Kannon statues are enshrined one by one together with flowers.
The dark path with water droplets falling creates a slightly anxious but very mystical atmosphere. When I entered, I was impressed by the quiet space where the sound of water droplets falling echoed throughout the tunnel.
You need to pay 300 yen to the temple when entering. Please experience the history of Jōzankei and Hokkaido's development at this mystical spot.
- Address: 4-377 Jōzankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-598-2012
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/spot/165/
Jozankei Dam
Source:Jozankei Official
Jōzankei Dam is a large dam used to supply water to Sapporo. It's also popular as a spot where you can enjoy the surrounding great nature and powerful scenery. Downstream there is a park called "Jōzankei Dam Downstream Park" and a dam museum.
There is a walking path where you can see the dam's water discharge outlet up close, and I was lucky enough to see the water discharge. When water is released, a rainbow appears very close to where you're standing, providing a precious experience where you can almost touch it with your hand.
If you climb the stairs of the walking path all the way to the top, you can view Sapporo Lake (the dam lake) from the observation deck. There are 400 steps, so climbing is tough, but you can enjoy exercising while appreciating the surrounding great nature.
- Address: Jōzankei 8-ku, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-598-2513
- Official Website: https://www.hkd.mlit.go.jp/sp/toyohira_damu/kluhh4000000b7ql.html
4:30 PM: Heal Your Tired Body at Jōzankei Hot Springs and Sauna
At 4:30 PM, let's refresh ourselves at facilities where you can enjoy hot springs. Jōzankei, one of Hokkaido's major hot spring spots, has many resort hotels and facilities with natural hot springs and saunas. Here we introduce three recommended facilities that non-hotel guests can also use for day visits.
Jozankei View Hotel
Source:Official website
Jozankei View Hotel is a large resort hotel where you can enjoy various hot springs and saunas. The spa and sauna are available for non-guests, and there's also a large indoor pool where you can swim and play in swimwear.
Since Jozankei View Hotel is a large hotel, both the baths and saunas are spacious and roomy. On the basement 1st and 2nd floors, there are extensive large public baths and semi-outdoor baths where you can bathe while viewing the trees. You can enjoy various types of baths including jacuzzis and cascading baths.
The sauna was just renovated in 2024. You can relax in the latest rooms with creative lighting and aromas, including a Black Cool Room with a dark space atmosphere.
- Address: 2-111 Jōzankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours:
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Last entry: 8:00 PM)
- Weekends/Holidays: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last entry: 2:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 011-598-3339
- Official Website: https://www.jozankeiview.com/dayuse/
Jozankei Shika no Yu
Source:Official website
Jozankei Shika no Yu is a hot spring hotel where you can enjoy mineral-rich onsen. The historic building and hot springs have a retro Japanese atmosphere. Even non-guests can use the hot springs and sauna, and bath towels can be borrowed for free.
While it's a traditional-style building, the bathhouse and sauna have been renovated and are new and clean. Since it's located along the Toyohira River, you can relax while soaking in the hot water and listening to the sound of the river.
My favorite is the low-temperature bath, where you can bathe thoroughly in lukewarm water without getting overheated, and fatigue disappears instantly.
The latest auto-löyly saunas come in two types: stadium-style and circle-style. If you want to enjoy hot springs with a traditional and calm atmosphere, use Shika no Yu.
・Address: 32 Jozankei Onsen Nishi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating hours: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
・Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 011-598-2311
・Official website: https://shikanoyu.co.jp/shikanoyu/
Kyujitsu Building
Source:Jozankei Official
Kyujitsu Building is a facility with hot springs, a restaurant, and a relaxing lounge. It just opened in April 2025, with the concept of "spending holidays that are slightly more luxurious than everyday life."
Kyujitsu Building has regular baths as well as outdoor baths, reclining-style baths where you can lie down while soaking, and an aroma sauna using herbs from Jozankei.
All baths are designed for maximum relaxation with carefully considered seating depth, reclining angles, and stylish, atmospheric lighting. After bathing, take a break in the lounge with large skylights and windows offering excellent openness, while gazing at the magnificent Mount Yuhidake outside the window.
If you want to relax at the latest trendy spot known for its stylishness and comfort, be sure to check out Kyujitsu Building.
・Address: 101 Jozankei Onsen Nishi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Operating hours: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
・Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
・Phone number: 011-598-2141
・Official website: https://www.kyuujitsu.com/
5:30 PM: Departing Jōzankei
After a good rest, depart from each facility in Jozankei around 5:30 PM and head back to Sapporo.
For the return trip, use the regular Jotetsu buses that operate after 5:00 PM. The direct bus service Kappa Liner's last bus from Jozankei to Sapporo is at 3:00 PM.
Regular buses operate until around 8:00 PM. However, after 5:00 PM, the frequency decreases to 1-2 buses per hour, so it's recommended to check the departure times in advance. It's also good to confirm the location of the bus stop you'll be boarding from.
While you'll have dinner in Sapporo, since you'll be on the bus for over an hour, those who get hungry should buy light snacks or drinks to eat on the bus before boarding.
6:30PM: Enjoy Food Hopping & Bar Hopping in Sapporo
After arriving in Sapporo at 6:30PM following your one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Jōzankei District, it's time for dinner. In Sapporo, we recommend enjoying the night to the fullest by food hopping and bar hopping through multiple establishments in Susukino, Hokkaido's premier entertainment district.
First, let me introduce three establishments where you can have a proper dinner to start your evening after returning from your Jōzankei District adventure.
Sumiyaki Jingisukan Ishida (Grilled Jingisukan Ishida)
Source:Tabelog
Sumiyaki Jingisukan Ishida is a restaurant where you can enjoy Jingisukan made with Shibetsu Suffolk, a premium brand meat. You can savor tender Suffolk meat with exceptional freshness and quality, along with a rich variety of Hokkaido natural wines.
While there are many Jingisukan restaurants serving this famous Hokkaido specialty in Sapporo, Jingisukan Ishida is the only place where you can eat Shibetsu Suffolk Jingisukan. When the healthily-raised Suffolk meat is grilled over charcoal until fluffy, it achieves a surprisingly tender texture.
Thanks to their thorough commitment to meat freshness, they even offer yukke (raw meat dish), which is rare for lamb. If you're interested, why not give it a try during your Sapporo to Jōzankei District itinerary?
・Address: 2F, 2-9 Kita 1-jo Nishi 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
・Regular holiday: Irregular
・Phone number: 011-252-9708
・Official website: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/sumiyakijingisukanishida/reserve
Sushi Miyakawa
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Miyakawa is a famous sushi restaurant representing Hokkaido. It was awarded three Michelin stars in 2017. The interior features a beautiful white wood counter with 7 seats and one private room, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere.
The "omakase course" features nigiri sushi and side dishes using the freshest seasonal seafood. The sophisticated side dishes, including the abalone liver paste that impressed me, are all designed to enhance the flavor of sake.
The sushi rice uses red vinegar, characterized by its acidity. It melts gently in your mouth with a subtle sour taste spreading, further enhancing the deliciousness of seafood like sea urchin, a Sapporo specialty - perfect after a day of exploring during your one day trip from Sapporo to Jōzankei.
If you want to experience truly moving sushi in Sapporo, spend the best time at Sushi Miyakawa.
・Address: 1F Lichtlare Maruyama, 2-2 Kita 4-jo Nishi 25-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Business hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
・Regular holiday: Wednesday
・Phone number: 011-613-2221
・Official website: http://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
Oga (Ishikari Nabe)
Source:Official website
Oga is a restaurant where you can enjoy Hokkaido's local cuisine and Japanese food. They serve Ishikari nabe, a local dish from Hokkaido, as well as local cuisine from Akita in the Tohoku region, and seafood dishes like crab.
What I want visitors to Oga to try is "Ishikari nabe," a local dish created by Hokkaido fishermen. Ishikari nabe is a dish where salmon and vegetables are simmered in a large pot and seasoned with miso. Oga's Ishikari nabe uses a blend of five types of miso and includes rich Hokkaido butter.
The salmon is well-infused with the flavors of miso and butter, and when you taste it, the fluffy warmth and umami spread simultaneously in your mouth. It truly warms your entire body as if soaking through you - ideal for warming up after your Jōzankei District day trip.
If you've gotten cold during your one day trip itinerary between Jōzankei and Sapporo during the cold season, please try the Ishikari nabe at Oga at the end of your day.
・Address: 8F Sun Three Building, 1 Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Business hours: Weekdays 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Holidays 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
・Regular holiday: Irregular
・Phone number: 011-242-3328
・Official website: https://oga-sapporo.com/
For Enjoying Exquisite Cuisine in Sapporo, We Recommend Getting Guided to Local Favorites
If you want to enjoy exquisite gourmet food and drinks in Sapporo after your Sapporo to Jōzankei District adventure, consider joining a tour where local guides introduce you to recommended establishments.
In this tour, you'll meet with a guide at 6:00 PM and visit 3 bars and restaurants over 3 hours. From a diverse selection including izakaya, bars, ramen restaurants, and cafes, they'll introduce recommendations tailored to your preferences - perfect for concluding your one day trip itinerary.
The gourmet experience you should definitely enjoy in Sapporo is fresh seafood caught in cold waters. At one of the recommended Japanese izakaya, you can enjoy sashimi and small fish dishes that rival restaurants, paired with alcohol.
Especially for those spending several days in Sapporo, participating in this tour and getting information about Sapporo's recommended gourmet spots from guides will make your stay more enjoyable after your Jōzankei District day trip.
・Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA sign outside Susukino Station, 4-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Tour area: Susukino
・Start time: 6:00 PM
