Jozankei Onsen Attractions: Sapporo’s Backyard of Gorges, Autumn Leaves and Kappa Legends
Jozankei Onsen is in Minami Ward, Sapporo, and remains administratively part of the city. It is about an hour from downtown by car or bus, and there is no direct rail line. You go straight from the city to a hot spring town surrounded by gorges and forest, which is why it is called “Sapporo’s backyard.” Because only buses and cars serve it, the hot spring street stays quiet and resort-like. Jozankei onsen sits about an hour from downtown Sapporo by car or bus.
Jozankei is known for three things: the gorge’s autumn leaves, the kappa legend and day-trip hot springs. Many people do not stay overnight. They hike to see the maples, soak at an inn in the afternoon and return to Sapporo for dinner.
Sapporo’s Backyard: A Hot Spring Gorge One Hour From the City
Jozankei Onsen’s address is Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido. It lies in a forested gorge on the upper Toyohira River. A direct bus from JR Sapporo Station takes about an hour. It is one of the easiest Hokkaido hot springs to visit as a big-city day trip.
Being so close, Jozankei is very flexible. Soak for half a day and return, or stay a night and walk the trails. Nearly all main sights are within walking distance along the gorge. Only the Hoheikyo Dam needs a separate shuttle.
160 Years of Hot Springs: The Monk Mizumi Jozan and the Name of This Gorge
Jozankei gets its name from the monk Mizumi Jozan, who developed the hot spring. The springs opened in the 2nd year of Keio (1866) and have about 160 years of history. Jozan Gensen Park recreates the landscape where the springs were found.
This history adds interest to a stroll. Everything from Jozankei Shrine to Gensen Park and the stream trails grew around one line of springs. Chloride spring water flows in large volume, so several large inns can operate at once.
Autumn Gorge: A Sweep of Red, Yellow and Orange From Early to Mid-October
Jozankei’s most famous season is autumn. The foliage is forecast to peak from about early to mid-October each year, when the whole gorge turns red, yellow and orange, contrasting sharply with the water of the Toyohira River, which is why it is ranked the top leaf-viewing spot near Sapporo. Jozankei autumn is the area’s most famous season, with the foliage forecast to peak from early to mid-October.
The main spots are Futami Suspension Bridge beside the hot spring street and Hoheikyo Dam (separate shuttle needed). National Route 230 jams on weekends, and shuttles queue too. Go on a weekday and leave early. Peak timing shifts yearly with weather.
2026 Jozankei autumn leaves information: The Jozankei Tourism Association has not yet announced the specific peak dates for 2026, but it has announced the seasonal shuttle buses for the “Jozankei Five Great Autumn Leaves,” all departing from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center, with same-day tickets on a first-come basis at the counter: the guided “Momiji Kappa Bus” runs October 1 to 21 (¥700 per seat, about 70 minutes); the “Hoheikyo Dam Liner” to the Hoheikyo electric bus stop runs October 3 to 25 (¥1,000 round trip; the electric bus needs a separate round-trip ticket, ¥1,200 for adults); and the “Momiji Gondola Liner” to the Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort for the autumn-leaf gondola runs October 1 to 20. The shuttle buses run from early to late October, which can serve as a timing guide for planning a 2026 Jozankei autumn-leaf trip.
Kappa Legend: More Than Twenty Statues Hidden Around the Hot Spring Street
The kappa is Jozankei’s mascot, drawn from the legend passed down in this gorge. More than twenty kappa statues, each with a different shape and expression, hide along the hot spring street. Finding them makes a fun walk for children and couples taking photos.
The most iconic are the towering “Kappa Daio” (Kappa King) in Futami Park and the Kappa Family Wish Hand Bath at a corner of the street, where you pour spring water onto the dish on a kappa’s head and make a wish. These stops are all free and, strung together, make a walking route through the street.
How to Get to Jozankei: Kappa Liner, Jotetsu Bus and Driving Compared
There is no direct rail line to Jozankei, so the only options are buses and driving. The two kinds of buses are quite different, and choosing wrongly can cost you a lot of time.
Kappa Liner: Reserved Direct Limited Express Bus, About 60 Minutes
The most recommended option is the direct limited express bus designed for tourists, the “Kappa Liner” (かっぱライナー号). It boards at stop 27 at JR Sapporo Station and also stops at Odori Nishi 1-chome and Susukino on the way, which is convenient for travelers staying downtown.
The ride takes about 60 minutes, and the official website lists a one-way adult fare of ¥1,700 (¥1,460 with the online reservation discount), the fastest of all the options. Seating is all-reserved, and you must book by 17:00 the day before riding at the latest; in peak autumn-leaf season it often fills up early. Departures and fares follow the operator’s announcements on the day, so check the boarding point and departure time once more before you set out to avoid going to the wrong platform. There is luggage space on board, but seats are limited in peak season, so if you carry a large suitcase we suggest queuing early at the boarding point.
Jotetsu Bus Express 7 and 8: No Reservation Needed but 20 Minutes Longer
If you cannot book the Kappa Liner or your schedule is unsettled, take Jotetsu Bus Express routes 7 and 8. These ordinary route buses run more often than the limited express and need no reservation. They offer far more flexibility for last-minute trips.
The trade-off is a longer ride, about 1 hour 20 minutes, with more stops. The fare is cheaper, about ¥1,000 one way, though the actual amount follows the operator’s announcement. Several stops serve the hot spring town, so check which one is closest to your inn or sight before getting off. Local residents use this route daily, with departures concentrated in daytime and noticeably fewer in the evening, so check return times first.
Driving Along National Route 230: About 40 to 50 Minutes but Jammed in Peak Season
Driving is the fastest way. From central Sapporo, take National Route 230 south; the drive takes about 40 to 50 minutes, and you can easily add stops that only work by car, such as Jozankei Dam and Lake Sapporo, for the greatest flexibility.
The biggest problem is autumn. On October leaf-season weekends, traffic on National Route 230 surges and jams, parking runs short, and the Hoheikyo parking lot fills up fast. To drive for the leaves, go on a weekday and set out early. In winter the road is snowy and icy, so make sure your rental has snow tires and drive slowly. Nakayama Pass along the way is a popular rest stop, where you can try the local specialty fried potatoes, a treat only drivers get.
Best for Saving Money: A Day-Trip Package With Round-Trip Bus From Sapporo Plus a Bath Voucher
If you plan a day trip, the best value is a day-trip hot spring package such as the “round-trip hot spring day pass.” It usually includes a round-trip bus ticket between Sapporo and Jozankei plus a bath voucher usable at a designated hot spring inn, and the total is cheaper than buying them separately.
You can buy these packages online on travel platforms or at the on-site ticket counter. The list of participating inns is fixed, so check that your chosen inn is on it before buying, and read the voucher’s valid hours carefully. Contents, prices and participating inns follow the seller’s announcements on the day. Most bath vouchers are single-use and exclude towel rental, so check before you go.
What Are Jozankei’s Must-Visit Sights? 12 Highlights From Gorge Foliage and Dam to the Kappa Tour
Jozankei’s sights fall into two groups: strolling spots within walking distance of the hot spring street, and the Hoheikyo Dam, which needs a separate shuttle. Below are 12 highlights in the order that is practical to walk them.
Futami Suspension Bridge: Jozankei’s Best Autumn-Leaf Photo Spot
The Futami Suspension Bridge is a bright red bridge spanning the Toyohira River and the most recognizable landmark in all of Jozankei. From Futami Park in the center of the hot spring street, it is about a 5-minute walk along a flat, easy promenade that ordinary visitors can reach with no trouble. The futami suspension bridge is a bright red bridge spanning the Toyohira River.
In autumn, looking down from the bridge, you see the mountainside of leaves reflected in the water of Maizuru-no-fuchi pool below. The red bridge, red leaves and emerald stream come together to form a postcard-quality scene. From June 1 to October 31, the hot spring street hosts the “Jozankei Summer Light Road” illumination, with venues around Jozankei Shrine, Jozan Gensen Park and Iwato Kannon Hall. The bridge deck is narrow, so in peak season, mind the flow of people when taking photos.
Where can you park to visit the Futami Suspension Bridge by car? The bridge and Futami Park have no dedicated lot. The Jozankei Tourism Association recommends the “Times Jozankei Tourist Parking Lot” (タイムズ定山渓観光駐車場) at Jozankei Onsen Higashi 4-chome, next to Hotel Milione (the former sports park parking lot). It is open 24 hours with 54 spaces, costs ¥500 per 24 hours and has public restrooms. Walk to the hot spring street center and the Futami Park promenade. Spaces fill quickly on autumn weekends, and officials warn they are limited, so arrive early on a weekday or take a bus.
Futami Park and Kappa Daio: The Start of the Promenade
Futami Park lies between the hot spring street center and the Futami Suspension Bridge, and it marks the start of the whole gorge promenade. It is also the first good spot to photograph the Toyohira River gorge. A towering “Kappa Daio” statue stands in the park, the star of the kappa tour, and almost everyone takes a photo here.
The path from the park follows the gorge, with viewing platforms where you can stop to watch the water. The whole walk takes about 5 minutes. The stretch changes with each season: fresh green in spring, red leaves in autumn and snow in winter, making it Jozankei’s most classic walking route. The park is open outdoor space, so mind your step on wet winter surfaces. Parking and a restroom sit next to the park, the most convenient meeting point before and after a stroll through the hot spring street.
Futami Foot Bath: A Free Foot Bath Newly Opened in Late 2024
“Futami no Ashiyu” (Futami Foot Bath) is a foot bath facility newly built on December 20, 2024, located in the Futami Park area, adding a free rest stop on the most popular walking route. Soaking your feet on the way back from the bridge relieves most of the leg fatigue.
Because it is a new facility, it is clean and the layout is roomier than the older foot baths, and soaking your feet in snowy scenery in winter is especially memorable. Bring your own towel to dry your feet; shops and inns in the hot spring street sell them. Opening hours and whether it is closed in winter follow the daily announcements of the City of Sapporo and the tourism association. It sits right next to the main path, so it is easy to find even if you are just passing, with no need for a detour.
Jozan Gensen Park: Free Foot and Hand Baths Where You Cook Your Own Onsen Egg
Jozan Gensen Park is in the center of the hot spring street, a park recreating the original landscape where Mizumi Jozan discovered the springs, and Jozankei’s most fun free attraction. The park has both a foot bath and a hand bath, so you can sit down for a soak at any time.
The most popular feature is the “onsen egg pot.” Buy raw eggs at the nearby local products shop, cook them for about 13 to 15 minutes, and fish out your own onsen egg. Children especially love this, and many choose it for afternoon tea. Admission is free, and the park is open every day from 7:00 to 21:00. Opening hours and facility maintenance follow on-site notices. The park is small, so a leisurely visit takes about 30 minutes and makes a good midway stop on a walk through the hot spring street.
Kappa Family Wish Hand Bath: Pour Water on the Kappa’s Head and Make a Wish
At a corner of the hot spring street stands a cute “Kappa Family Wish Hand Bath.” The way to play is unusual: scoop up spring water and pour it into the dish on the kappa’s head while making a wish, a small ritual handed down in Jozankei and the most photographed spot in the street.
This is also a hand bath, and dipping your hands in its warm water while passing through winter snow feels wonderful. It is free, always open, and right on the main walking route, fitting neatly into the kappa tour. The street hides more than twenty kappa statues of different designs to collect as you walk. The officials also run a kappa-collecting campaign; if you bring children, pick up a map at the tourist information center first, which gives the walk more of a goal.
Hoheikyo Dam: An Arch Dam Chosen as One of Japan’s 100 Dam Lakes
The Hoheikyo Dam is Jozankei’s most spectacular sight, chosen as one of the “100 Best Dam Lakes of Japan.” An arch dam is wedged between steep gorge walls, and in autumn the leaves on both sides press right down to the water, a scale quite different from the delicate hot spring street. The hoheikyo dam is considered one of the 100 best dam lakes in Japan.
When water is released, the jet bursts out and raises a rainbow in the sunlight, a scene many photographers come to wait for. The grounds have an observation deck and dining, and a full loop takes about 1 to 2 hours. Water release, open periods and facility operations follow the managing authority’s announcements, and it is usually closed in winter. You cannot drive in directly from the hot spring street; you must transfer to a shuttle. Confirm the access method before you go, since this is where most people trip up.
Hoheikyo Electric Bus: The Last Stretch Ordinary Vehicles Cannot Enter
The trickiest part of Hoheikyo is this last stretch. To protect the environment, neither ordinary vehicles nor route buses may enter the dam area. They can only park at the “Hoheikyo parking lot.” From there, transfer to the park’s eco-friendly electric bus or walk through the tunnel yourself.
The round-trip fares announced on the electric bus website are ¥1,000 for adults in the regular season (early May to the end of September) and ¥1,200 for adults in the busy season (October to early November), and ¥600 / ¥700 one way. The Reisui Tunnel itself can be walked through for free, about 30 minutes one way. If you don’t have a car, in the 2026 leaf season (October 3 to 25) the Jozankei Tourism Association runs the “Hoheikyo Dam Liner” from the tourist information center to the electric bus stop, ¥1,000 round trip, 3 trips a day, with same-day tickets on a first-come basis. Whether shuttles exist at other times, and their departures and operating periods, follow that year’s announcements, so be sure to check before you go.
Hoheikyo Onsen: Authentic Indian Curry After Your Soak
Hoheikyo Onsen is the most talked-about day-trip hot spring facility in the Jozankei area, famous for two things: a spacious open-air bath, and authentic Indian curry served at the restaurant inside, paired with freshly baked flatbread, a fairly rare combination in a hot spring facility. Hoheikyo onsen is the most talked-about day-trip hot spring facility in the Jozankei area.
Many people visit Hoheikyo Dam first, then soak and eat curry before heading back to Sapporo. This makes for a very smooth route. Because it is so well known, weekend and leaf-season mealtimes have lines, so avoid the peak. Check the shop’s announcements on the day for opening hours, bathing fees and restaurant serving hours. The facility’s rest area lets you lie down for a while after bathing, before eating, a routine many regulars follow.
Iwato Kannon Hall: 33 Kannon Statues in a 120-Meter Cave
Iwato Kannon Hall is the most atmospheric place on the hot spring street. It looks unremarkable from outside, but walk in and you find a cave about 120 meters long, with 33 Kannon statues placed in order along its walls, dim and cool, a completely different world from the street outside.
Originally built to pray for the souls of those who died while the road was being cut, this site carries local history beyond sightseeing. The visit can be done within 20 minutes, ideal for filling time while waiting for a bus. The hall is free, but praying inside the cave costs extra. The cave is slippery and dimly lit, so slow down and follow the on-site rules. The entrance sits right beside the main road of the hot spring street, marked by a small sign. Many people walk past it, so find it on a map first.
Shiraito Falls: A Water Feature Left by the Jozankei Power Station
Jozankei’s Shiraito Falls are small, but their origin is interesting. The water is the return flow from the Jozankei Power Station. Completed in 1909, it still operates as one of Hokkaido’s oldest working hydroelectric plants, so the falls are a by-product of industrial heritage.
The falls sit beside the path from the hot spring street toward the gorge. The thin stream, like white silk among the trees, makes good photos. It looks completely different with autumn leaves or frozen in winter. You don’t need to stay long, as visitors usually walk it with the gorge promenade. In winter the path may be closed because of snow, so follow the signs on site. Treat the falls as a stop along the walk, not a main destination.
Jozankei Shrine: Stone-Step Autumn Leaves and the Main Venue of the Summer Light Road
Jozankei Shrine sits high in the hot spring street, normally a quiet local shrine with its stone steps flanked by woods; in autumn the climb passes a beautiful tunnel of red leaves, one of the few high vantage points in the street.
Its longtime claim to fame is the winter “Snow Light Road,” when about 1,000 snow candles fill the grounds. That event held its final run from January 27 to February 3, 2026. In summer, it is the main venue of the 2026 Summer Light Road, which combines projection mapping with mist and lights and admits only guests staying at lodgings in the Jozankei area. The steps ice over in winter, so take special care going up and down.
Night Illumination: The Summer-Only Jozankei Summer Light Road
Jozankei at night is not boring. From June 1 to October 31, the hot spring street holds the “Jozankei Summer Light Road.” In 2026, the venues are around Jozankei Shrine, Jozan Gensen Park, Iwato Kannon Hall and the foot bath, lit from 19:00 to 21:30 (from 18:00 in September and October). The Jozankei Shrine venue admits only guests staying in the Jozankei area, with entry tickets issued by the lodgings.
Jozan Gensen Park is also one of the Summer Light Road venues. The winter “Snow Light Road” held its final run in 2026, so for future winter night events please follow the tourism association’s announcements. This is also the main reason to stay a night rather than make a day trip: with trails by day and lights by night, the schedule works. Event dates and content follow each year’s announcements. Lighting on the night paths is limited, so wear comfortable shoes and follow the on-site flow instructions.
Tickets and Tours
Jozankei has few paid items, mainly shuttle transport and day-trip soaks. Below are the paid items most often put into an itinerary; prices and hours always follow each operator’s announcements on the day.
Jozankei Day-Trip Hot Spring Package: Bus Ticket Plus Bath Voucher Is the Best Value
This is the most useful ticket for day-trippers. It usually includes the round-trip bus fare between Sapporo and Jozankei plus a bath voucher usable at a designated hot spring inn, and the bundle price is cheaper than buying them separately.
You can buy it online or ask at the ticket counter on site. The usable inns are a fixed list, so before buying, check that the one you want to soak at is included. Also check the voucher’s valid hours and whether a towel is included. Actual contents and prices follow the seller’s announcements on the day.
How Much Does a Jozankei Trip Cost? Transport, Shuttle and Bathing Fees
Jozankei’s cost structure is simple: bus fare, dam shuttle, day-trip soaking, plus whether you want a nice meal. The following are rough ranges; actual costs follow each operator’s announcements on the day.
Round-Trip Transport: Buses From About ¥1,000 One Way
The Kappa Liner is ¥1,700 one way for adults (¥1,460 with an online reservation), so a round trip comes to about ¥3,000; the Jotetsu Bus Express 7 and 8 are about ¥1,000 one way, noticeably cheaper, just 20 minutes longer. This is the most basic and most easily estimated item of a Jozankei trip.
If you plan a day-trip soak, a package with round-trip bus and bath voucher is usually cheaper than buying separately and is the most direct way to save. If you drive, add fuel and parking, and with more people the per-person cost can actually be lower.
Hoheikyo Shuttle: Electric Bus ¥1,000 to ¥1,200 Round Trip
The Hoheikyo Dam electric bus costs ¥1,000 round trip for adults, or ¥1,200 in the busy season. If you walk through the tunnel instead, it is free, about 30 minutes one way. In the 2026 leaf season, the Hoheikyo Dam Liner from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center to the electric bus stop costs ¥1,000 round trip. With an electric bus round-trip ticket, adults pay ¥2,200 in total.
Adding the Hoheikyo Dam raises your transport cost noticeably compared with walking only the hot spring street. If time or budget is tight, walk just the hot spring street and the Futami Suspension Bridge. You still get the full Jozankei autumn-leaf experience.
Day-Trip Soaking: The Going Rate for One Bath at One Inn
Most hot spring inns in Jozankei offer day-trip bathing at the usual day-trip hot spring level, far cheaper than staying overnight. To save money, check whether towels are charged separately; at many facilities you pay extra for towels or bring your own.
Dedicated day-trip facilities such as Hoheikyo Onsen have their own pricing and let you eat right inside. If you only want to experience Jozankei’s spring water, soaking once at one inn is plenty, with no need to stay overnight just for the bath.
What Is Free? A List of Jozankei’s Free Sights
Jozankei is budget-friendly because its most classic spots are free: the Futami Suspension Bridge and gorge promenade, Futami Park and Kappa Daio, the foot and hand baths at Jozan Gensen Park, the Futami Foot Bath, the Kappa Family Wish Hand Bath, and the kappa tour of the whole hot spring street.
Jozankei Shrine and Shiraito Falls are also free, and the Summer Light Road is free at all venues except the Jozankei Shrine venue, which is for lodging guests only. The cost of one onsen egg is almost negligible. Combined, admission costs for a half-day trip can be pushed close to zero.
Overnight Stay or Day Trip? Where the Costs Differ
The total for a day trip is basically bus fare plus bathing fee, one of the cheapest hot spring trips in Hokkaido. Staying overnight moves the budget up a tier, because Jozankei inns are mostly priced as one night with two meals, with dinner usually a buffet or kaiseki.
Stay a night if you want to see the night illumination, soak slowly two or three times, or your companions have limited stamina. If you only want to see the leaves, take photos, and soak, a day trip is entirely enough. Spend the money you save on food in central Sapporo.
What to Watch for in Jozankei: Season, Shuttle and Itinerary Reminders
Although Jozankei is close to Sapporo, if you miss a few key details it is still easy to make a wasted trip.
In Leaf Season, the Biggest Enemies Are Traffic Jams and Shuttle Queues
Early to mid-October is Jozankei’s most crowded time of the year. If you drive, National Route 230 is badly jammed on weekends and the Hoheikyo parking lot fills quickly; if you take the bus, the Kappa Liner fills up early and the dam shuttle also has a line.
Go on a weekday if possible, set out early, and book the Kappa Liner in advance. If you can only go on a weekend, visit the Hoheikyo Dam first, then return to the hot spring street to avoid the afternoon crowd peak.
Check the Two Shuttle Legs to Hoheikyo and the Last Buses First
The most common mistake on the way to the Hoheikyo Dam is not checking the return time. The trip involves two transfers: the seasonal Liner bus to the parking lot, then the electric bus into the park. The return runs in reverse, so missing the last bus on either leg is a big problem.
Before you set out, check that day’s shuttle times and last departures at the Jozankei Tourist Information Center or on the website, and leave a buffer. In winter, the dam grounds are usually closed and the shuttles do not run, so focus on the hot spring street and soaking.
Overnight Stay or Day Trip? Suggested Side-Trip Routes
Jozankei’s biggest advantage is the day trip: many people leave Sapporo in the morning and are back for dinner. But to see the summer Light Road night illumination (the Jozankei Shrine venue admits only lodging guests), we suggest staying overnight.
If you drive, you can link Jozankei Dam, Lake Sapporo and Nakayama Pass on the way, or extend toward Otaru. To compare inn room types, bath huts and meals in more depth, see our separate guide to Jozankei lodging.
Jozankei Onsen FAQ
Q: How many days should I plan for Jozankei?
A day trip is plenty. Leave Sapporo by bus in the morning and reach the hot spring street before noon. Walk the Futami Suspension Bridge and Gensen Park, then visit the Hoheikyo Dam in the afternoon. Pick an inn for a soak on the way back, and reach Sapporo for dinner. Only if you want the night illumination or several leisurely soaks do you need to stay a night.
Q: Can I visit Jozankei without a car?
Yes, it is easy. From the South Exit of JR Sapporo Station, the Kappa Liner takes about 60 minutes direct. The Jotetsu Bus Express 7 and 8 take about 1 hour 20 minutes, at about ¥1,000 one way. The Futami Suspension Bridge, Futami Park, Jozan Gensen Park and Iwato Kannon Hall on the hot spring street are all within walking distance. Only the Hoheikyo Dam requires transfers to a shuttle bus and the electric bus.
Q: When are the autumn leaves at Jozankei most beautiful?
In about early to mid-October each year, the whole gorge turns red, yellow and orange. The Futami Suspension Bridge and the Hoheikyo Dam are the two main stages. The actual timing shifts earlier or later with the weather each year, so check the tourism association’s foliage report before you go. Traffic and shuttle queues are at their worst during this period, so choose a weekday and set out early.
Q: Can I drive into the Hoheikyo Dam myself?
No. To protect the environment, neither ordinary vehicles nor route buses may enter the dam area. Park only at the Hoheikyo parking lot in front of the Reisui Tunnel (free). From there, take the park’s eco-friendly electric bus (adult round trip ¥1,000, ¥1,200 in the busy season) or walk through the tunnel (free, about 30 minutes one way). In the 2026 leaf season (October 3 to 25), the Hoheikyo Dam Liner runs from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center to the parking lot for ¥1,000 round trip. The grounds usually close in winter.
Q: Can I soak in Jozankei’s hot springs without staying overnight?
Yes, and it is the most common way to enjoy it here. Most hot spring inns offer day-trip bathing, and dedicated day-trip facilities such as Hoheikyo Onsen do too. The best value is a day-trip package that includes a round-trip bus ticket from Sapporo and a bath voucher. The hot spring street also has free foot baths, such as Jozan Gensen Park and Futami Foot Bath, where you can experience the water without changing clothes.
Q: Is Jozankei worth visiting in winter?
Yes, but plan differently. Winter has no autumn leaves, and Hoheikyo Dam grounds are usually closed. Shuttles stop, so focus on the hot spring street. Soak in snowy scenery and dip your feet in snow. Rooms are noticeably cheaper than in leaf season.
Q: Why are there kappa everywhere in Jozankei?
More than twenty kappa statues with different shapes and expressions hide along the hot spring street, and finding them is a walking game in itself. The best known are “Kappa Daio” in Futami Park and the “Kappa Family Wish Hand Bath,” where you pour spring water onto the dish on a kappa’s head to make a wish.