Jozankei Onsen is famous as the inner sanctum of Sapporo. It's nice to spend some time relaxing at a hot spring inn, but even if you just stop by on a drive, there's plenty to enjoy. The key word here is "Jozan Gensen Park"! Jozansen Park is located at the foot of Tsukimi Bridge in the center of Jozankei Onsen town. It opened in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Buddhist monk Miizumi Jozan, who developed Jozankei Onsen.

Anyone can enter the park for free between the hours of 7am and 9pm, and there are plenty of ideas to keep visitors entertained, such as a statue of Biizumi Jozan and face-in panels.

The most popular of these is the foot bath! It's a convenient way to enjoy Jozankei Onsen, so visitors take off their shoes one after another and dip barefoot into the foot bath. However, towels and other items are not provided, so you will need to bring your own.

Another experience you should definitely try here is the "Ontama no Yu" bath. Using the hot spring water, which is over 80 degrees Celsius, you can make onsen eggs (hot spring eggs).

It's easy to make! Just hang a raw egg in a net on a stick and leave it in the ontama water for the specified time.

For those who think it's a hassle to prepare raw eggs and nets, don't worry! You can purchase eggs in nets at the souvenir shop "Jozankei Products Center" located across Tsukimi Bridge.

The hot spring eggs made in the hot spring are super soft and delicious! If you don't have a bowl you can't eat them on the spot, but if you buy eggs at the Jozankei Products Center they'll provide you with bowls and salt for free, so it's a real treat.

Even if you don't book a hotel, you can enjoy the hot spring atmosphere by going to Jozan Gensen Park. There are also several other places in the hot spring town where you can enjoy foot baths and hand baths, so it might be worth exploring.

<Interview cooperation> Jozankei Products Hall Co., Ltd. Contact: 011-598-2178 Location: 4-chome, Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Official site: http://www.j-bussankan.co.jp/ Business hours: 8:00-21:00 Jozankei Tourism Association Contact: 011-598-2012 Address: 225-1 Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo Official website: https://jozankei.jp/ Business hours: 9:00-17:00