Complete Guide to the Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro 2025: Dates, Highlights, and More!

Up north in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s biggest city, you’ll find the annual Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro event taking place in late January. Slightly removed from the central area of Sapporo, the remote Jozankei Shrine offers magical illumination during the coldest time of year. With a thousand candles embedded in the snowy ground, the entire area is lit in a warm glow for its visitors.

Jozankei Shrine is located in the small hot spring town of Jozankei Onsen inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park. From the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, simply take the Jotetsu Bus towards Jozankei Onsen. You’ll find that buses depart approximately every hour, and it’ll take just over an hour to reach your destination. From the bus terminal in Jozankei Onsen, it’s a quick walk to Jozankei Shrine, as the entire town is relatively small.

Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro — which means Snow Candle Way — is a fairly new event that began in 2011. Before, hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the area were separately providing snow candles decorated with the spirit of hospitality, but they decided to gather all the candles in one area, starting the Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro. The thousand candles drew many visitors who marveled at the unique sight. Since then, Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro has been held every winter and has become a regular Sapporo tradition.

There will also be an Inori-no-mori — “prayer forest” — installation. This beautiful illumination will bring lights to the forested area, where the snowy branches will be brought to life with projected light art in the darkness.

Jozankei Onsen Nukumori no Yado Furukawa is a traditional hot spring inn designed to make you feel right at home. From the warm wooden interiors to the shared library of books and the complimentary drinks, you’ll undoubtedly feel like family during your stay.

Choose between western-style rooms, Japanese-style tatami rooms, and fusion rooms. Each room has its style, furniture, and unique feel — whether in the style of a mountain hut or a blend of Japanese and western elements. There are rooms especially suited for larger families, several of which are over 530 square feet (50 square meters).

Their three-floor spacious bathhouse is the perfect place to unwind after an evening spent outdoors in the snow. You can choose from an outdoor garden bath with a waterfall, a bath lined with natural Jozankei stones, a traditional steam sauna, and more.

You certainly won’t be disappointed by the food, either. The seasonal kaiseki dinner course draws from local seasonal flavors that you can’t find anywhere else, and you can choose between a buffet breakfast or a traditional Japanese breakfast depending on the plan.

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