A Magical Stroll through Illuminated Mist
With approximately 2,400k annual visitors, Jozankei Onsen (定山溪温泉) is undoubtedly one of the most popular hot spring districts in Hokkaido. It takes less than an hour’s drive from the city center of Sapporo. Better known as “Sapporo’s Annex (札幌の奥座敷)”, the name showcased its continuous popularity, as well as proved its long-lasting historical and cultural charm.
Jozankei Onsen is a land imbued with 160 years of history. Under the guidance of the Ainu people, the Shugendo (修験道) monk Miizumi Jozan (美泉定山) discovered the hidden hot springs. Driven by a deep desire to heal others, he founded an onsite spa resort, making it the birth of Jozankei Onsen in the year 1866. Currently, there are 56 hot spring sources in this area.
Today, its rich history lives on as a timeless tale etched into the very land of the town. Organised by the Jozankei Tourism Association, the Summer Lantern Festival allows the tourists to walk through the adventurous story of pioneering spirit, which is illuminated by the glowing lights, and to connect with the memories and spirits of the pioneers woven into this very earth.
There are seven locations featured in the performance: from Jozankei Shrine, Yukemuri Slope, Jozan Hot Spring Park, Tsukimi Bridge, Iwato Kannon Hall, Jozankei Ohashi Bridge, and Taro no Yu. Visiting all of them will take around 1.5 hours on foot. Anyone is welcome to view them freely in the Jozankei Onsen area, except the Jozankei Shrine venue is only open to hotel guests.
Ichi no Akari, Jozankei Shrine (壱ノ灯，定山溪神社)
The path leading to the shrine, where the gods are believed to gather in the sacred grove that formed the foundation of the settlement, marks the boundary between this place and everyday life. Visitors bow and pray to the main shrine. This shrine enshrines five deities along with its founder, Mizumi Jozan, standing as a gateway leading from the ancient stories toward the future.
Ni no Akari, Iwato Kannon Hall (弐ノ灯，岩戸観音堂)
In the heart of this town stands a Kannon Hall, where the watchful light has been burning for 90 years, as a cherished reminder of peace. This shrine was built to commemorate those who died while working on the construction of the road connecting Otaru and Jozankei Onsen. Lanterns donated by geishas who were active in Jozankei at the time are enshrined on the ceiling.
San no Akari, Jozan Gensen Park (参ノ灯，定山源泉公園)
Jozan Gensen Park was opened to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Miizumi Jozan, the founder of Jozankei Hot Springs. A place to reflect its history, where Gods gathered in the sacred grove that formed the foundation of the settlement of Jozankei Onsen, and Misaki Jozan first encountered the riverside hot spring, gazing up at the starry sky as it pours down.
Shi no Akari, Taro-no-yu Footbath (四ノ灯，足のふれあい太郎の湯)
The footbath at the entrance of Jozankei Onsen is uniquely octagonal. This design aimed at embracing the visitors with nature, while allowing the visitors to look into each other's eyes and truly connect. Filled with soft light, the footbath was a place to enjoy encounters, and Jozankei thus became a town where the guardian spirits of the forest and water reside.
Title: Summer Lantern Festival (定山溪夏灯路)
Date: 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026
Location: Jozankei Shrine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Organiser: Jozankei Tourism Association
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