Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 346 reviews
Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei sits on a wooded slope in the Jozankei hot-spring valley, about 26 km south of central Sapporo. The property blends contemporary comfort with ryokan traditions across fifty-seven rooms that face either the town or the forest; suites and select rooms include private view baths and some feature in-room open-air hot-spring tubs. Interiors favour natural materials and seasonal motifs, and in-room amenities range from Wi‑Fi and western beds to traditional futons and yukata for evenings.
Thermal water is a central feature: the hotel draws from multiple onsen sources and offers a variety of bathing options. Communal large baths on the second floor include outdoor tubs, jacuzzi jets and a sauna with gender rotations; the detached Mori no Yu bathhouse on the grounds provides a quiet, forested setting and uses 100% source-flowing water without reheating or dilution. For guests seeking privacy there are reservable time-limited private baths and several room types with attached baths, making it a practical choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Jozankei.
Dining emphasises seasonal Hokkaido ingredients through set menus and multi-course kaiseki presentations focused on local seafood, vegetables and handcrafted sweets; there are also casual dining spaces and a small shop for local souvenirs. Services include a reservation-only shuttle from central Sapporo, front-desk assistance, and accessibility options such as some barrier-free rooms and wheelchair lending. Overall the property suits travellers looking for a full onsen experience — a well-equipped ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido that balances traditional bathing culture with contemporary comforts.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizant…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional food and beverage offerings
Multiple reviewers praised the dinner and breakfast as excellent, often highlighting traditional Japanese dishes, well-prepared meals, and the lounge’s free-flow drinks and snacks (sake, beer, juices, finger food).
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Guests consistently noted very kind, polite and helpful staff who accommodated requests quickly (e.g. temperature adjustments, lamp replacement) and explained dishes in English when needed.
Relaxing onsen experience and private in-room baths
Many reviews highlighted the variety of onsen options, the relaxing public baths and rooftop/private tubs, and guests loved views from private onsen baths when available.
Comfortable lounge and hotel amenities
The lounge, library/bookstore and communal areas were appreciated for being roomy and relaxing; amenities such as massage chairs, snacks and evening refreshments were frequently mentioned as highlights.
Peaceful location and well-maintained ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers enjoyed the tranquil Jozankei setting, authentic ryokan feel, generally clean facilities and a well-kept property that felt relaxing and restorative.
Negative Reviews
Limited shuttle and transport options
Several guests found the shuttle timetable and public transportation options restrictive given the location; more frequent or varied shuttle times were suggested.
Occasional communication issues
At least one reviewer reported not receiving a reply to emails sent via the booking platform, causing uncertainty about whether messages were received.
Some rooms and decor feel dated
A number of guests felt parts of the property and room decor were showing age and could benefit from renovation to refresh the appearance.
Private onsen size and occasional cleanliness concerns
A few reviewers mentioned the private in-room onsen could be small for some users, and one guest reported hair and debris in the private tub on arrival, indicating occasional housekeeping lapses.
Onsite parking/signage could be clearer
Guests requested clearer signage and information about onsite parking and whether it is complimentary, suggesting the current parking information can be confusing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single to suites suitable for couples and small families; some larger suites and multi-room options are available. Contact the hotel for group bookings or special bedding arrangements.
Yes — the hotel draws from multiple private hot-spring sources and offers large public baths, private/reservable baths and some rooms with open-air (rotenburo) baths. Note that guests with tattoos may be restricted from public bathing areas.
A complimentary scheduled shuttle runs between the hotel and Odori (Showa Building area) but advance reservation is required. Check your booking or contact the hotel to reserve a seat on the shuttle.
Typical routes take about 75–90 minutes: train to Sapporo then subway and a Jotetsu bus to Jozankei, or a direct taxi/car transfer. Many guests use the hotel shuttle from Odori after reaching central Sapporo.
Staff provide basic English service, though Japanese is the primary language; many guests recommend a translation app for detailed requests. The hotel’s reservation staff can assist in English for bookings and access questions.
The property offers tatami-style rooms, kaiseki or course meals featuring Hokkaido seasonal ingredients, and traditional onsen bathing options for an authentic ryokan stay. Select rooms include private hinoki or open-air baths for a more private experience.
The hotel sits in Jozankei Onsen with nearby attractions such as Jozankei Futami Park, Jozankei Dam, Jozankei Shrine and riverside walking trails. Ski areas and nature spots are within a short drive, depending on season.
There is a nearby bus stop (Daiichi Hotel-mae) served by local buses to Sapporo, and the hotel offers on-site parking for guests. Public transport plus the hotel shuttle are common ways to reach the ryokan from central Sapporo.
Standard check-in generally starts at 15:00 and check-out is typically by mid-morning (confirm your booking for the exact time). Inform the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive late; guests should check in early enough to be served on-site dinner if requested.
Private baths are available in some rooms and there are reservable private bathing options on the property; pets are not permitted. Small souvenir shops and guest facilities are nearby, while larger supermarkets are located in central Sapporo reachable by bus or subway.