[winter][ Hokkaido Sapporo City]Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path Winter festival and illuminations
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Festival is a major winter event held in the Jozankei Onsen hot spring town in Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Jozankei Onsen is an onsen town with good access, about an hour by car from the center of Sapporo, and its natural scenery and historic hot spring facilities attract many tourists. This event is loved by locals and tourists alike, featuring fantastic snow candles that brighten up the snowy winters of Hokkaido. Approximately 1,000 snow candles light up the entire onsen town, and the sight of the warm light reflected in the snowy scenery is so beautiful that it leaves a deep impression on the hearts of those who have visited once. In particular, at the main venue, Jozankei Shrine, special lanterns made of snow are set up, inviting visitors into a fantastical world. The event is usually held from late January to early February, and by visiting during this bitterly cold period, you can fully experience the unique winter charms of Hokkaido. In addition to snow candles, hot drinks and snacks provided by local hot spring inns are also sold at the venue, so you can warm up your cold body while enjoying the beautiful scenery. This event also plays an important role by bringing local people together and communicating the culture and warmth of Hokkaido to visiting tourists.
What is the Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path? A fantastical winter sight
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Festival is a major winter event held in the Jozankei Onsen hot spring town in Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Jozankei Onsen is an onsen town with good access, about an hour by car from the center of Sapporo, and its natural scenery and historic hot spring facilities attract many tourists. This event is loved by locals and tourists alike, featuring fantastic snow candles that brighten up the snowy winters of Hokkaido. Approximately 1,000 snow candles light up the entire onsen town, and the sight of the warm light reflected in the snowy scenery is so beautiful that it leaves a deep impression on the hearts of those who have visited once. In particular, at the main venue, Jozankei Shrine, special lanterns made of snow are set up, inviting visitors into a fantastical world. The event is usually held from late January to early February, and by visiting during this bitterly cold period, you can fully experience the unique winter charms of Hokkaido. In addition to snow candles, hot drinks and snacks provided by local hot spring inns are also sold at the venue, so you can warm up your cold body while enjoying the beautiful scenery. This event also plays an important role by bringing local people together and communicating the culture and warmth of Hokkaido to visiting tourists.
Forest of Prayer: A mysterious space woven with light and images
Another highlight of the Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path is the Forest of Prayer, a fascinating spot that invites visitors into another world. In this area that appears after passing through the Snow Candle Area, the lights on the trees are fused with images, making you feel as if you have entered a scene from a fantastic movie. The light design changes every year, and is ingeniously created by local artists and designers, so even repeat visitors will never get bored. In this area, not only light but also sound effects are used, making the entire forest feel like one giant work of art. The most beautiful time is from dusk to night, when the lights shine in the dim forest, separating visitors from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and providing a quiet, healing time. The Forest of Prayer is also a special place not only for tourists but also for local residents. Many people visit with their family and friends, and the mysterious space is loved as a place to connect hearts. It is also a popular photo spot during the event, and many people post photos on social media, so its appeal tends to spread even more every year. This Forest of Prayer is an experience you should not miss when visiting the Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro.
Access and tourist information: How to enjoy the Yukitoro and hot spring town
To enjoy the Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path, it is a good idea to know about access and tourist information in advance to make your trip more enjoyable. Jozankei Onsen can be easily accessed by car from central Sapporo in about an hour, or by taking a bus bound for Jozankei Onsen. Buses also depart from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station, and are well-maintained so that even first-time visitors can arrive without getting lost. The event venue, Jozankei Shrine, is located in the center of the hot spring town, so it is recommended to stroll around the hot spring town after visiting the Snow Lantern Path. There are many quaint inns and hotels in the hot spring town, where you can enjoy open-air baths and dishes made with local ingredients. In addition, beautiful nature spreads around the hot spring town, and you can enjoy the majestic scenery along with the winter snowscape. In particular, Hoheikyo Onsen, which is close to Jozankei Onsen, is a popular spot for tourists, where you can enjoy an open-air bath with natural spring water. In addition, in the hot spring town, events selling local specialties and experiential programs introducing local culture are sometimes held in conjunction with the Snow Lantern Path. These activities provide tourists with an opportunity to interact with the local culture and people, making their trip even more enriching. When visiting Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro, planning to enjoy the entire hot spring town will ensure you get the most out of Hokkaido's winter.
[Winter Festivals and Illuminations]Other recommended spots
Sapporo Snow Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Odori Venue: A short walk from Odori Subway Station Susukino Venue: A short walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Subway Station on the Namboku Subway Line Tsudome Venue: A 5-minute walk from Sakaemachi Subway Station on the Toho Subway Line
Obihiro Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Obihiro City
A free shuttle bus is available from in front of Obihiro Kosei Hospital.
Lake Akan ICE, Love, Akan <Fuyukabi> Winter festival and illuminations
HokkaidoKushiro City
A bus runs from Kushiro Station to Lake Akan 3 to 4 times a day.
Asahikawa Winter Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Asahikawa City
Free shuttle bus available from JR Asahikawa Station
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
During the event, a free shuttle bus will be running around the accommodation facilities in the hot spring town, and can be used from the bus stop closest to the facility.
Tokachi River Swan Festival <Sairinka> Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otofuke Town
From Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, take the bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Chitose City
Take the bus bound for "Shikotsu Lake" from New Chitose Airport
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Kamikawa Town
Direct bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen
Otaru Snow Light Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otaru City
Approximately 8-10 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station to the canal venue