Jozankei Ryokan 2026: Yurakusoan vs. Hanamomiji Private Onsen

If you're searching for a Sapporo ryokan, the name Jozankei likely keeps popping up.

Initially, I wasn't sure what it was, but it turns out it's a place name – a renowned hot spring town!

After researching for an onsen getaway, I've compiled a comparison of two Jozankei ryokans based on official information.

At first glance, both seemed appealing and quite similar, but upon closer inspection, the key difference lies in your group size.

Yurakusoan is ideal for two, while Hanamomiji shines for three or more.

I've explained why below.

Why Jozankei Appears When You Search for Sapporo Ryokan

The reason is simple: Sapporo city itself has very few traditional onsen ryokans. Most accommodations in the city center are business hotels. While their location is convenient, they don't offer the classic hot spring experience. So, when you seek a ryokan, your search naturally extends to the nearby areas.

Three main candidates typically emerge: Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu, and Jozankei. Among these, Jozankei is the closest to Sapporo, just about a 1-hour drive away. Noboribetsu takes over 1.5 hours.

When traveling with parents or children, a 30-minute difference in travel time can be quite significant. That's why Jozankei frequently appears in searches for Sapporo ryokans.

What Kind of Town is Jozankei and When is the Best Time to Visit?

Jozankei's history dates back to 1866 when a Buddhist monk named Miizumi Jozan discovered its hot springs and established a therapeutic onsen resort. The town was later named after him and the valley (kei).

Today, it's considered one of Hokkaido's top three onsen resorts, attracting 2.4 million visitors annually. Locals affectionately call it Sapporo's backyard retreat.

The area boasts 56 different hot spring sources, gushing out an impressive 8,600 liters (over 2,270 gallons) per minute. These sodium chloride springs are colorless and transparent, with a slightly salty taste. This unique mineral composition is known to keep you warm long after your bath.

The onsen town is compact enough to explore on foot, stretching along both sides of the Toyohira River. You'll find free foot baths scattered throughout, and whimsical Kappa (mythical river imp) statues are everywhere. Even the express bus from Sapporo is called the Kappa Liner!

The best time to visit is during the autumn foliage season. Hokkaido's official tourism site highlights mid to late October as Jozankei's prime autumn viewing period. This year, the forecast predicts the peak will be around October 17th, 2026.

The red Futami Suspension Bridge, spanning the Toyohira River, is a popular photo spot and is just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the onsen town.

Our Criteria for Choosing These Two Ryokans

Jozankei alone has dozens of accommodations. To narrow down the options, I applied four filters on Trip.com:

Ryokan, rating 9.0 or higher, over 200 reviews, and free cancellation.

The free cancellation option accounts for potential itinerary changes, and a high number of reviews ensures the rating reflects broad guest satisfaction.

After applying these filters, Yurakusoan and Hanamomiji consistently appeared at the top of the search results.

Key Differences at a Glance

Looking purely at the numbers, Yurakusoan seems to come out ahead. It has a higher rating and nearly twice as many reviews, plus it's closer to the heart of the onsen town.

However, the answer changes significantly when you consider your group size.

Public Baths Aren't the Main Comparison Point

Initially, I considered comparing the number of public baths, but I soon realized that wasn't very helpful.

Both ryokans have gender-segregated public baths. Yurakusoan explicitly states they have no mixed-gender public baths. Hanamomiji's 2nd-floor Momijiyu operates on a gender-swapping schedule: women can use it from 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and men from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM the next morning.

Essentially, public baths are not places you visit together with your travel companions. Everyone goes separately. Whether you're a couple, family, or friends, you'll split up by gender in the public baths. Once I understood this, the comparison narrowed down to the private open-air baths.

The Real Difference: Private Open-Air Baths

Both ryokans offer private baths, but their characteristics are completely opposite.

Yurakusoan has four private open-air baths (kashikiri-buro) on the first floor. They vary in material: a cypress leaf bath, a ceramic bath, a cypress wood bath, and a rock bath. These are free to use and require no reservation. You simply check the lamp at the entrance to see if one is vacant, then step in. They are available from 3:00 PM until 10:00 AM the next morning, with a suggestion of around 45 minutes per group.

Capacity is crucial here. Only the cypress wood bath accommodates 1-4 people, while the other three are designed for 1-2 people. Essentially, they are geared towards couples or pairs.

Also, amenities are minimal, with only a hairdryer and no shampoo or body wash. The expectation is that you'll cleanse yourself in your room's bathtub before heading to the private onsen. This isn't a major inconvenience, as all guest rooms include a bathtub.

Hanamomiji offers three private open-air baths (kashikiri-buro): Maruyu and Kakuyu on the second floor, and Amanoyu on the twelfth floor. These cost ~$14 for a 60-minute session and require advance or same-day reservation.

The capacities differ: Amanoyu and Kakuyu accommodate up to 5 people, and Maruyu up to 3 people. This means the whole family can enjoy a bath together.

The amenities are also much more comprehensive. You'll find shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and even bathing chairs for seniors and children. The changing rooms include towels, basic cosmetics, and complimentary drinks.

To summarize, Yurakusoan offers a free, repeated private bath experience for two, while Hanamomiji provides a more comprehensive, paid experience for larger groups to enjoy together.

Yurakusoan is Perfect for Couples or Two Travelers

If you're traveling as a couple, on a honeymoon, or even sending two parents on a trip, Yurakusoan is the ideal choice.

All four private open-air baths are free and require no reservations. You can enter as many times as you like, provided they are vacant. The different tub materials offer a fun variety to try.

Furthermore, every guest room features a natural cypress onsen tub. This means even if the public private baths are occupied, you can enjoy a hot spring soak in the comfort of your own room, anytime you wish.

The Iwabuki-no-Yu public bath also offers excellent facilities. Located on the basement level, it includes cypress and rock baths, open-air baths, a dry sauna, a cold plunge pool, and even bedrock bathing.

They also pay attention to small comforts. In the evenings, they offer complimentary Yonaki Soba (soy sauce ramen) as a late-night snack, and you'll find ice cream and probiotic drinks in the post-bath relaxation area.

It's conveniently located only about 750 feet from the onsen town. This relatively new ryokan, opened in winter 2023, has already garnered 489 reviews.

One minor drawback is that the private baths are first-come, first-served, so you might experience a wait during peak seasons.

▶ Check Yurakusoan Availability ◀

Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan Reviews & Deals, Sapporo 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

3HAHOTEL5 (Trip.com Hotel 5% Discount Code)

(No minimum spend, up to ~$11 discount, until 09/30/2026)

Hanamomiji for Three or More, or When Traveling with Parents

When your group size exceeds two, the situation changes. At Yurakusoan, if three or more people want to bathe together, only the cypress wood bath is an option. Since it's free and first-come, first-served, you might have to wait for it to be available, which can be challenging during the busy autumn foliage season when the ryokan is fully booked.

Hanamomiji, on the other hand, has two baths that accommodate up to 5 people. Paying ~$14 guarantees your time slot, and it's a small price for the convenience and certainty. These private baths are exclusively for overnight guests.

If you're traveling with parents, there are additional benefits. Both the public baths and private baths are equipped with bathing chairs for seniors. There's even a wheelchair lift to the second floor. The changing rooms feature massage chairs, a relaxation area, and complimentary drinks. These thoughtful amenities clearly indicate that the facility is designed with guests traveling with parents in mind.

Hanamomiji also offers access to three public baths. The 12th-floor Fugetsu offers panoramic views of the Jozankei mountains, while the 2nd-floor Momijiyu features indoor baths, a jacuzzi, and open-air baths. Additionally, guests can use Shikanoyu at its sister property, Kanoyu, which also includes saunas and cold plunge pools.

Dining is another advantage. Hanamomiji's rates, including both breakfast and dinner, were comparable to Yurakusoan's basic room-only prices. The onsen town has limited restaurant options, and most close early in the evening. For travelers with parents, having meals conveniently provided at the ryokan is often preferable to searching for dining options late at night.

▶ Check Jozankei Hanamomiji Ryokan Availability ◀

Hanamomiji Reviews & Deals, Sapporo 2026 | Trip.com3ha.in

If Both Are Fully Booked

Jozankei during autumn foliage season fills up quickly. If your top choices are unavailable, consider these alternatives: Daiichi Hotel Suizantei is rated as Sapporo's top local-style accommodation and is known for its spacious rooms. Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta includes breakfast and dinner, with excellent evening meal reviews. If your budget allows, Chalet Ivy Jozankei often ranks highly among Asia's best onsen hotels.

▶ Explore More Jozankei Accommodations ◀

How to Get There from Sapporo

Both ryokans operate free shuttle buses, departing from the same location.

The boarding point is the group bus stop at JR Sapporo Station's North Exit.

Both shuttles are reservation-only and exclusively for overnight guests. It's best to book your shuttle when you reserve your room, as they can fill up or be unavailable on certain dates.

This is far more convenient than transferring with luggage. While the Kappa Liner express bus is an option, there's no need to pay if you're a guest with access to a free shuttle.

In summary, if you're a party of two, Yurakusoan is your best bet; for three or more, Hanamomiji is the way to go.

The peak foliage is around October 17th, 2026, and rooms sell out quickly. Booking a plan with free cancellation is highly recommended for peace of mind.

※ This content is compiled from official accommodation guides and booking site information. Rates and operating procedures are current as of September 2026 and are subject to change. Autumn foliage peak dates are also updated regularly, so please reconfirm before booking. Official site images cited.