Jozankei: Gorge Trails, River and Hot Spring

Jozankei combines a hot spring resort landscape shaped by green gorges with trails along the Toyohira River and a hot spring. Jozankei Onsen is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Nature trails, water activities and places connected with the history of the spa town are central to planning your trip.

Futami Suspension Bridge and River Landscape

The Futami Suspension Bridge is a landmark of Jozankei. From the bridge, you can enjoy views of Futami Rock and Kappa-fuchi; it also leads to the Futami-Jōzan nature trail. Wildflowers bloom there in spring, and the leaves change color in autumn. The present bridge was built in 1955. It is an unstiffened suspension bridge over the Toyohira, measuring 23 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.

Walking and Hiking Trails

The Futami-Jōzan Trail is a loop about 2.5 kilometers long. It runs upstream along the Toyohira from Futami Park to Akaiwa-no-ma and passes over the Futami Suspension Bridge, through Kappa-fuchi Park, Iko-no-Hiroba and Shin-Sui Park. As a walking trail, it lies within the park area of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and offers access to the gorge and valley scenery characteristic of Jozankei. Water and forest shape the landscape along the route throughout the year. Part of the trail may be rerouted; check the current route before setting out.

Asahidake offers a different natural setting: its rich mixed forest is suited to forest bathing, where you can relax in nature. Asahidake is also suitable for preparatory hikes in early spring. Access to the trail up Yuhidake is behind Jōzankei Shrine, at the back of the shrine grounds. As access conditions may change seasonally, check them before your hike.

Water Activities

The Jōzankei-Toyohira River Canoe Trail is a loop about one kilometer long. Its starting point is about a ten-minute walk from the Jōzankei Onsen settlement; impressive scenery can be seen there in summer and autumn. Check seasonal availability separately. The approximately 2.5-kilometer walking trail and the shorter canoe loop on the water offer different ways to explore the area.

On Nordic walking tours, certified instructors from the All Japan Nordic Walk Federation guide you through nature. The activity is available seasonally; check the dates before booking. Sapporo-Jōzankei rafting offers two different route options: a calm standard route downstream with views of the gorge, and a dynamic white-water route when snowmelt raises the water level. Availability from the operator may change; confirm it before booking.

Hot Springs and History

The water from the Jōzankei spring is colorless and clear. It is a high-temperature natural sodium chloride hot spring with a mild salty taste and neutral, low-osmotic properties. Jozankei’s history as a spa town began in 1866, when the ascetic monk Jōzan discovered the spring with guidance from the Ainu. The area was named Jōzankei in recognition of Jōzan’s contribution to establishing the spa town.

Iwato Kannon Hall offers another perspective on the area’s history. It was established in 1936 with the aim of promoting the development of Jōzankei Onsen. A 120-meter-long cave within the hall houses 33 statues of Kannon. Historic shrine architecture in the Shinmei-zukuri style can also be seen in Jozankei.

Jozankei for Your Hotel Stay

When planning your stay, consider whether you are most interested in walking trails through the gorge landscape, seasonal water activities, or the hot springs and history of the spa town. These different interests can help give your trip to Jozankei a clear focus. Search for a hotel in Jozankei and plan around the activities that appeal to you most.

Discover more destinations: Shibetsu District, Iwamizawa, Ashoro District, Odori, Rishirifuji, Koshimizu, Oshidomari, Kato District

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.