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[2026 Latest Guide] What's the Best Way to Get from Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen? A Detailed Look at Travel Times and Fares
Known as Sapporo's secluded hot spring retreat, Jozankei is a popular tourist destination surrounded by rich nature. With excellent access from central Sapporo, it's an easy and delightful place to visit. This article provides a detailed guide to the main transportation options from Sapporo to Jozankei—bus and car—including travel times and fares.
The Main Choice Without a Car! Choose a "Bus" to Suit Your Needs
Several bus services operate from Sapporo city to Jozankei, allowing you to choose based on your travel purpose and budget. Some hotels also offer free shuttle buses for guests with reservations. Let's explore the features of each to find the best option for your travel style.
1. Comfortable Direct Service with a Guaranteed Seat! The Jotetsu "Kappa Liner Bus" [Reservations Required]
This convenient, reservation-only direct bus connects Sapporo Station and Jozankei Onsen in about 60 minutes. It's the perfect choice for those who want a non-stop journey with a guaranteed seat. You can also book "Day Trip Bus Tour" and "Accommodation-Exclusive Bus Tour" plans.
■ Travel Time: Approx. 60 minutes
■ One-Way Fare:
・Standard: 1,700 yen
・Online Reservation Discount: 1,460 yen
■ Boarding Location: Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (in front of Hokuren Bldg.), Platform 27
■ Reservations:
・Kappa Liner Bus Reservation Line: 0120-737-109 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
・Online Reservations: From the Jotetsu Bus Reservation Form
2. Another Option! The Donan Bus "Sapporo-Lake Toya Route" [Reservations Required]
This is a suburban route bus connecting Sapporo and Lake Toya Onsen, but it can be used to get to Jozankei as it stops there along the way. Advance reservations are also required for this service.
■ Travel Time: Approx. 60 minutes
■ One-Way Fare: 1,300 yen
■ Boarding Location: In front of Sapporo Station, east side of Nippon Life Sapporo Building, Platform 7
■ Reservations:
Online reservation is required at least 2 hours before the first departure of the day.
・Online Reservations: From the Donan Bus Online Reservation Site
3. Travel Anytime with a Local Bus: The "Jotetsu Bus"
This is a standard local bus that you can board without a reservation. With frequent services, it's convenient for those who want to travel flexibly according to their own schedule.
■ Travel Time: Approx. 80 minutes
■ One-Way Fare: Adult 1,000 yen, Child 500 yen
■ Boarding Location: Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (south side of Tokyu Department Store)
■ Route Numbers: Rapid 7H, Rapid 7J, Rapid 8J
Take Advantage of the Convenient Luggage Storage Service!
If you arrive at Sapporo Station and plan to head straight to Jozankei by bus, carrying large suitcases or luggage can be a hassle. In such cases, use the "Luggage Storage Service" operated jointly by Yamato Transport and Jotetsu Bus to enjoy light, "hands-free sightseeing."
You can drop off your luggage at the "Yamato Transport Sapporo Ekimae Sales Office," located within walking distance from the JR Sapporo Station South Exit. The fee is 500 yen (tax included) for same-day pickup and 1,000 yen (tax included) for next-day or later pickup. It's the perfect service for a trip to Jozankei, which is easily accessible by bus from Sapporo Station.
■ Yamato Transport Sapporo Ekimae Sales Office
・Location: 1F Sunmemoria Bldg., 1-chome, Kita 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
・Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Pickup until 7:30 PM)
・Service: Temporary Luggage Storage
・Fees:
Same-day pickup: 500 yen
Next-day or later pickup: 1,000 yen *An additional 1,000 yen is charged for each subsequent day.
・Details: Yamato Transport Jotetsu Bus
Enjoy a Relaxing and Flexible Drive by "Car/Rental Car"
You can access Jozankei from central Sapporo via local roads. This option is recommended for those who want to enjoy a flexible journey, stopping at tourist spots along the way. The typical route is to head south on National Route 230, and the travel time is about 50 minutes.
Enjoy Your Trip with the Right Transportation for You!
Jozankei is a delightful hot spring town to explore, offering not only the beauty of its ravines in every season but also footbaths and handbaths scattered throughout the onsen town, as well as stylish cafes.
When choosing your mode of transport, consider the time, cost, and your travel style to find the best way to fully enjoy your trip to Jozankei.
*All prices include tax.
*All information is current as of April 2026.
*All published information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.


