The Futami Suspension Bridge is a landmark of Jozankei: from the bridge, you can look out over Futami Rock and Kappa-Fuchi, and it leads to the Futami-JÅzan Nature Trail. This brings together a striking structure and access to river and forest landscapes. Jozankei Onsen is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is a hot spring resort shaped by green gorges. Trails, hot springs, and local history offer different focal points for your stay.
Futami Suspension Bridge and Valley Trails
The present-day Futami Suspension Bridge was built in 1955. This unstiffened suspension bridge spans the Toyohira River and is 23 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. Wildflowers bloom there in spring, and the leaves change colour in autumn. The views and access to the nature trail make the bridge a distinctive landscape feature in its own right, as well as part of the route through the surrounding area.
The Futami-JÅzan Trail is an approximately 2.5-kilometre circular route from Futami Park along the Toyohira River upstream to Akaiwa-no-ma. It crosses the Futami Suspension Bridge and passes through Kappa-Fuchi Park, Iko-no-Hiroba, and Shin-Sui Park. Water and forest define the landscape year-round; the walking trail also leads through the gorge and valley scenery characteristic of Jozankei in the Jozankei area of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Part of the route may be diverted, so it is advisable to check the route before setting out.
Mount Asahidake offers a different kind of hiking experience: its rich mixed forest is well suited to forest bathing, and the mountain is suitable for preparatory hikes in early spring. The access point for the hiking trail up Mount Yuhidake is also easy to locate: it is behind JÅzankei Shrine, at the back of the shrine grounds. Access conditions may vary by season; check them before your visit.
Water Trails and Seasonal Activities
The JÅzankei-Toyohira River canoe route offers an approximately one-kilometre circuit. Its starting point is about a ten-minute walk from the JÅzankei Onsen settlement; the route offers impressive scenery in summer and autumn. The ten-minute walk refers to the walk to the starting point, while the kilometre distance refers to the circuit itself. As seasonal operating dates should be checked separately, it is advisable to check availability for your preferred dates.
For rafting in Sapporo-JÅzankei, there are two routes to choose from: a standard route that follows the river downstream at a leisurely pace, with views of the gorge, and a dynamic white-water route when water levels are higher due to snowmelt. The options differ in current conditions and water levels.
For Nordic walking, certified instructors from the All Japan Nordic Walk Federation lead you through nature. The activity is available seasonally, so check the dates against your travel period before booking.
Hot Springs and Local History
The JÅzankei spring is a colourless, clear natural sodium chloride hot spring. Its water has a mildly salty taste and is neutral, low in osmotic pressure, and high in temperature. These properties add a distinctive hot spring element to the gorge and forest landscape.
Jozankei's history as a hot spring resort began in 1866, when the ascetic monk JÅzan discovered the spring under the guidance of the Ainu. The area was named Jozankei in recognition of JÅzan's contribution to establishing the hot spring resort. Iwato Kannon Hall was built in 1936 in the hope of developing the JÅzankei Onsen area. It houses 33 Kannon statues in a 120-metre-long cave. Another cultural highlight is the historic shrine architecture in the Shinmei-zukuri style, which can be seen in Jozankei.
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Jozankei, choosing a clear focus can help with your trip planning: would you mainly like to explore trails through the forest and gorge, plan seasonal activities on the water, or learn about the hot spring resort and its history? You can compare the conditions mentioned for trails and seasonal activities with your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Iwamizawa, Muroran, Teshikaga, Menashi District, Kamishihoro, Shibetsu District, Ashoro District, Urakawa.
For the broader travel overview: Hokkaido.
