Sapporo Jozankei: Snowshoe hike with onsen & lunch

Summary

Snowshoeing from Sapporo to Jozankei with forest silence, wildlife, and hot springs

You’ll walk through snowy forests near Sapporo with a local guide, try snowshoeing even if you’re new to it, spot wildlife tracks in untouched powder, enjoy lunch in Jozankei village, and soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring — all moments that linger long after your boots dry off.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen close, you’ll hear the fox before you see it,” our guide Takashi grinned as he handed me my snowshoes outside the van. I’d never worn these before — they looked like tennis rackets for giants — but Takashi showed us how to strap in, laughing when I fumbled with the buckles. The air out here was sharper than in Sapporo city, almost fizzy in my nose. We’d driven maybe 80 minutes from downtown, but it felt like another world already.

The snow was deep enough that every step made a soft crunch — not loud, just this gentle hush underfoot. I kept stopping to stare at the way the powder clung to tree branches; it looked fake somehow, too perfect. Takashi pointed out animal tracks (fox? rabbit? I’m still not sure) and told us stories about winters growing up in Hokkaido. At one point we just stood there listening — no cars, no voices except ours — and I realized how rare that kind of quiet is. It’s funny what you notice when you’re not distracted by anything else.

Lunch was in Jozankei town, where steam curled up from little vents along the street and everything smelled faintly of miso soup and wet cedar. There were a few options — I went for soba noodles because my toes needed warming up. Afterward came the onsen part: sliding into that hot mineral water while snowflakes drifted down around us. My skin tingled from the cold and heat mixing together; honestly, I didn’t want to get out. Takashi said locals swear by these baths for aches after hiking or snowshoeing — can’t argue with that logic.

I keep thinking about that silent patch of forest and how small we all felt under those heavy trees. If you’re looking for a day trip from Sapporo that’s more than just sightseeing — something slower, quieter — this snowshoe hike with onsen is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoeing and Onsen Experience

• Snowshoe walk in Hokkaido forest
• Traditional Japanese Onsen bath

Top questions

How far is Jozankei from Sapporo?

It’s about an 80-minute drive from central Sapporo to Jozankei by minivan.

Is this snowshoe hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome and the guide gives full instructions before starting.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sapporo, transportation by 4WD minivan, use of snowshoe gear (with warm clothing if needed), guided hike, coffee or tea with snacks, lunch options in Jozankei, and entrance to a traditional hot spring (onsen).

Will we see wildlife during the hike?

Wildlife spotting is likely; guides often point out animal tracks or sightings along the trail.

Can I join if I have health concerns?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy; moderate fitness is needed.

Do I need special equipment?

No special equipment is needed; all snowshoe gear is provided as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Sapporo by 4WD minivan, use of snowshoes (plus warm clothing if you need it), guidance throughout the hike with local stories along the way, coffee or tea paired with local snacks during your break in the woods, several lunch choices once you reach Jozankei village, and entry to a traditional Japanese hot spring before heading back.