Jōzankei, Hot spring valley in Minami-ku, Japan.
Jōzankei is a hot spring valley in Minami-ku surrounded by mountains and dotted with thermal bathing facilities. The landscape shifts with each season, with traditional inns scattered along a river that winds through the gorge.
Buddhist monk Miizumi Jōzan discovered hot springs in 1866 while exploring the mountainous area and built the first bathing facility there. This founding launched the valley's growth as a therapeutic bathing destination.
The valley hosts traditional ryokan inns where guests share thermal baths and participate in seasonal celebrations that remain central to daily life. Communal bathing serves as a social activity that ties the community together across generations.
Visitors can reach the valley by bus from central Sapporo, with the journey taking about one hour. The best time to visit depends on personal preference, as each season offers different experiences.
The water contains rare minerals that give it distinctive healing properties and set it apart from other thermal baths. This natural composition makes each bath a different experience depending on which spring source it comes from.
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