Jozankei Onsen is famous as Sapporo's backyard hot spring retreat. While relaxing at a traditional onsen ryokan is wonderful, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the area, even on a casual stop during a drive. The key to this is Jozankei Gensen Park!

Jozankei Gensen Park is located at the foot of Tsukimi Bridge in the center of the Jozankei Onsen town. It was opened in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Miizumi Jozan, the Buddhist monk who founded Jozankei Onsen.

The park is open to everyone for free from 7 AM to 9 PM. You'll find various features to keep visitors entertained, such as a statue of Miizumi Jozan and photo cutout boards.

Among the attractions, the most popular is, of course, the footbath! As an easy way to enjoy Jozankei's hot spring water, visitors line up to take off their shoes and socks and soak their feet. However, towels are not provided, so you'll need to bring your own.

Another must-try experience here is the "Ontama-no-Yu." You can make your own "ontama"—short for onsen tamago, or hot spring eggs—using the natural spring water, which is over 80°C (176°F).

Making them is simple! Just place a raw egg in a net, hang it from a hook, and let it soak in the Ontama-no-Yu for the designated amount of time.

Don't worry if you find it a hassle to prepare raw eggs and a net! You can purchase eggs that are already in a net at the Jozankei Bussankan, a souvenir shop just across the Tsukimi Bridge.

Onsen eggs made in the actual hot spring water are exceptionally creamy and delicious! While you can't eat them on the spot without a bowl, if you buy your eggs from the Jozankei Bussankan, they'll provide a bowl and salt for free. They've thought of everything!

Even without booking a stay at a ryokan, you can get a taste of the onsen experience at Jozankei Gensen Park. There are several other places in the onsen town where you can enjoy footbaths and handbaths, so it might be fun to look for them.

＜取材協力＞
Jozankei Bussankan Co., Ltd.
Contact: 011-598-2178
Location: Nishi 4-chome, Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Official Website: http://www.j-bussankan.co.jp/
Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Jozankei Tourist Association
Contact: 011-598-2012
Location: 225-1 Higashi 3-chome, Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM