Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 299 reviews
Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan is a four‑star ryokan set in the Jozankei hot‑spring valley outside Sapporo, offering a careful blend of traditional Japanese rooms and contemporary comforts. Guests find tatami flooring, shōji screens and dedicated relaxing areas alongside modern in‑room amenities such as air conditioning, coffee machine, refrigerator and flat‑screen TV. Several room categories are advertised with their own hot spring baths, so the property functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido for shared bathing and as an option for guests seeking rooms with private onsen facilities.
Public amenities include an open‑air bath, communal hot spring pools, a sauna and a small spa and wellness area, while on‑site dining focuses on local Hokkaido produce delivered in set meals and an à la carte Asian breakfast; guests frequently mention evening meals and breakfast as highlights. The property maintains a 24‑hour front desk, free private parking and accessible public areas, and many room types explicitly list a “hot spring bath” within the room description, making it a practical choice for travellers who prioritise direct access to bathing facilities.
Practical details include flexible room configurations for couples and families, daily housekeeping, and private bathrooms with bidets in guest rooms; check‑in and check‑out times are standard for the region. Reviews note wood‑lined soaking tubs and private outdoor onsen in some units, a relaxed no‑shoe policy in the ryokan areas, and easy access to nearby mountain views and seasonal attractions such as ski areas and parks outside Sapporo. These combined features position the property as a straightforward, well‑appointed traditional stay with both communal and private onsen options.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen offerings
Multiple types of baths praised across reviews: private in-room onsen, several outdoor private baths, and public onsens. Guests highlighted high-quality water, long opening hours, and peaceful, beautifully designed bathing areas.
Delicious and generous meals
Many guests enjoyed the kaiseki dinners and breakfasts, describing them as visually appealing, plentiful and a highlight of the stay. The property also offers late-night snacks (free ramen) and complimentary frozen treats in the lounge.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as very friendly, helpful and accommodating — from check-in assistance and matcha service to arranging shuttle transport and adapting meal seating times when requested.
Clean, comfortable and authentic rooms
Rooms are clean, spacious for Japan, tastefully decorated with traditional elements (tatami, wooden baths), comfortable yukata/tabi provided, and useful in-room amenities (pillow selection, tea/coffee).
Great location and thoughtful amenities
Guests appreciated the scenic setting at the foot of the mountain, convenient shuttle service to Sapporo, communal hangout areas with tea/coffee, and overall authentic ryokan experience.
Negative Reviews
Limited or inflexible dinner timing
Several guests found dinner time options restrictive or the dinner service rushed; some wished for earlier or more flexible seating to fit local activities.
Food can be fixed and not suitable for picky diets
The multi-course Japanese menus are traditional and sometimes heavy on raw fish; a few guests (pescatarian or fussy eaters) had limited alternatives and found the offerings less suitable.
Check-in communication could be clearer
At least one guest reported unclear procedures at arrival and felt hurried during front-desk interactions; better explanation of in-room check-in would help.
No easy onsen availability indicators
Guests suggested an availability indicator (TV or web portal) for public/private baths so they don’t walk down only to find them occupied.
Some services are pricey
A few guests noted that extras such as massages and certain dinner options seemed expensive relative to portion/expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary but most are designed for 1–2 guests; there are family-style rooms for more guests. Cots and extra beds are generally not provided, so check the room capacity when booking.
Yes — all rooms feature a private natural hot spring bath, and the property also offers a large public bath, an open-air bath, and reservable private baths.
The ryokan operates a free shuttle between Sapporo Station and the property with advance reservation required; Kappa Liner buses and taxis also serve Jozankei from Sapporo and the airport.
Take the JR train to Sapporo Station, then use the hotel shuttle or a Jotetsu/Kappa Liner bus to Jozankei; driving or a direct taxi from the airport typically takes about an hour or more depending on traffic.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English assistance is usually available at reception, so a translation app or basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
Guests should wash thoroughly before entering baths, bathe nude (no swimwear), avoid putting towels in the water, and follow posted rules; guests with tattoos are advised to use private or in-room baths if concerned about restrictions.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Private baths and in-room onsen are available and can be requested at check-in or reserved where provided.
Jozankei village has souvenir shops, cafes and small convenience outlets; for larger supermarkets or extensive shopping, head to central Sapporo.
The ryokan serves multi-course (kaiseki) dinners and an à la carte/Asian-style breakfast, with options for private or in-room dining; inform the ryokan of dietary restrictions in advance when possible.
Nearby highlights include Jozankei Dam Museum, Jozan Fountainhead Park with footbaths, Hoheikyo Onsen, riverside walks and seasonal foliage viewing, plus ski and outdoor activities in winter and nearby resorts.