Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 324 reviews
Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei perches above a wooded valley in Jozankei, Hokkaido, pairing contemporary design with traditional bathing culture. The property’s bathing facilities include spacious public open-air baths with valley views, a sauna and a salon for beauty and massage, while several room types feature en-suite open-air hot-spring baths so guests can soak privately; year-round thermal water is drawn from local springs. This combination of communal and in-room bathing, set against a riverside backdrop, frames the hotel as a considered ryokan with private onsen in Hokkaido for travelers who want both privacy and authentic onsen experience.
Rooms emphasize warm timber finishes, large windows and modern amenities; suites and select doubles include dedicated onsen tubs and small seating areas overlooking the river. Public spaces are curated with a collection of artworks, a 24‑hour library and a gold-leafed chashitsu tea room, plus a café-bar and an on-site shop offering local souvenirs. Dinner is presented as multi-course cuisine that highlights Hokkaido seafood and seasonal produce in a signature restaurant, and reservations for dinner and treatments are recommended to secure preferred times.
Practical services include a scheduled shuttle to Sapporo, complimentary Wi‑Fi, onsite parking and staff assistance with reservations and local activities such as scenic walks in the surrounding national-park landscape. The hotel suits couples and families seeking a restful onsen retreat and is often chosen by guests comparing a ryokan with onsen Aomori and northern Japan stays. With attentive service, a focus on bathing and cuisine, and a calm riverside setting, it offers a measured alternative to larger urban hotels.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei
Positive Reviews
Private in-room and quiet public onsen
Many guests praised the private onsen in their rooms as clean, well‑heated and relaxing; the guest‑only/public onsen was also described as lovely and often very quiet.
Excellent breakfast and dinner
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned high‑quality meals (including multi‑course dinners) with good variety and taste; several noted meals were included in the room rate and considered great value.
Stunning views and peaceful location
Guests highlighted spectacular mountain, snow and autumn‑leaf views from rooms, the lobby and dining areas, plus easy access to nature trails—an overall calming, resort atmosphere away from crowds.
Attentive, friendly staff and useful shuttle
Staff were described as exceptionally friendly, helpful and accommodating (including assistance with bookings and special requests); complimentary shuttle service to/from Sapporo was noted as convenient.
Spacious, clean and well‑designed rooms and facilities
Many reviewers praised large, well‑appointed rooms with tasteful modern/Japanese design, comfortable public spaces, convenient indoor parking and overall cleanliness.
Negative Reviews
Sleep comfort and light issues
Some guests reported sleep problems due to firm beds or unsuitable pillows, and a few mentioned bright/green indicator lights from switches in bedrooms that affected sleep.
Distance and accessibility concerns
A number of reviewers noted the property sits across the river and can require a walk to the main park or attractions, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility despite shuttle options.
Food suitability and dietary restrictions
While food quality was praised, several guests said traditional Japanese/kai‑seki menus feature many fish/seafood items and that travelers with allergies or children may need to request alternatives several days in advance.
Restaurant ambience and dinner pacing
A few reviewers felt the restaurant décor was plain and that dinner service could feel rushed, with courses arriving quickly rather than at a relaxed pace.
WiFi speed and some facility details
A small number of guests experienced slow WiFi (notably slow photo uploads), and minor facility notes included comments that the massage room could be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most standard rooms are designed for two adults; the hotel also lists family-room types—check specific room details or contact the hotel for bookings for larger groups. Cribs and extra beds are not available.
Yes — the property has public hot-spring baths, open-air baths and a sauna, plus some guest rooms feature en‑suite open‑air onsen. Public onsen hours include daytime and late‑night windows; check the hotel for the current schedule.
Some room types include private in‑room onsen; for separate private-family (kashikiri) baths you should contact the hotel directly to request availability and reservation. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from communal baths, so consider a private option if needed.
The hotel provides a free shuttle from JR Sapporo (North exit) — you should reserve the shuttle when booking or notify the hotel in advance. There is no regular direct airport shuttle listed; airport transfers are usually by taxi, car or public bus and take around 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport.
By road New Chitose Airport is roughly a 90‑minute drive and Sapporo city center about 45–50 minutes by car; you can use the hotel shuttle from JR Sapporo or regional buses that serve the Jozankei onsen area. Allow extra time in winter for road or weather conditions.
Staff at the property can assist in English and Japanese. For other languages, request assistance in advance so the hotel can prepare.
The hotel offers an on‑site restaurant with buffet breakfast and multi‑course dinners, plus a café bar serving drinks and light items through the afternoon and evening. Special dietary requests can be handled if notified in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the property. The hotel operates an on‑site shop/amenities corner with basic items and souvenirs; full supermarkets are available in Sapporo a short drive away.
Standard check‑in begins at 14:00 and the listed check‑in window ends in the early evening; check‑out is by 11:00. You should inform the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance, especially if you need the shuttle.
The hotel is within a short walk of Jozan Gensen Park and close to Jozankei Shrine, parks and scenic walking trails; Jozankei Dam and seasonal activities such as nearby ski resorts are a short drive away. The area is known for valley walks, river views and onsen‑town atmosphere.