Jozankei – 定山渓

Visit on the Taste of Japan Tour

October 7–8, 2026

The Onsen Town nestled in a picturesque valley

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Culture & Local Life

Jozankei sits 35 km from Sapporo in a deep river gorge — it’s Hokkaido’s most beloved onsen-gai (hot spring resort town). Mid-October sees the valley erupt in reds, oranges and golds, with the Toyohira River reflecting the foliage perfectly.

The local Ainu cultural heritage is quietly present here — the gorge name derives from the Ainu word nupuri (mountain), and small placards along the riverbank trace the indigenous history of the land.

Culinary Specialties

一 Kaiseki Ryori 懐石料理 · Multi-course haute cuisine

The pinnacle of Japanese gastronomy. At Yuraku Souan, expect a procession of 8–12 small dishes showcasing Hokkaido’s seasonal bounty — snow crab, matsutake mushroom, yam tofu, and lacquered river fish, all arranged with painterly precision.

二 Zangi ザンギ · Hokkaido-style fried chicken

Hokkaido’s beloved answer to karaage — chicken marinated deeply in soy, ginger and garlic, fried crunchier and more robustly flavoured than its southern cousins. Ubiquitous at ryokan breakfasts across the island.

三 Hokkaido Dairy 北海道乳製品 · Soft-serve, cheese & butter

Hokkaido produces 50% of Japan’s dairy. The soft-serve ice cream here — milk-forward, barely sweet — is genuinely one of Japan’s finest foods. Look for it at rest stops near the resort.

Off The Beaten Path

一 Kappabuchi night walk

The small gorge pool is said to be home to a kappa (river imp). At dusk, with steam rising from the hot springs and lanterns reflecting on the water, the legend feels entirely plausible. A short, atmospheric stroll from most ryokan.

二 Futamitsuri Suspension Bridge at sunrise

Most guests sleep in, so the bridge over the Toyohira gorge is entirely yours in the early morning, with mist rising through the maple canopy below.

三 Onsen foot bath hopping

Three free public ashi-yu (foot-bath) stations are dotted along the main street. Bring a small towel and spend an hour moving between them — a quintessentially unhurried Hokkaido afternoon.