1-Day Trip: The Ainu & Jozankei Hot Bath/温泉
Joined 2025
This unique day tour combines a deep dive into the rich heritage of Japan’s Indigenous Ainu people with the rejuvenating experience of a natural hot spring in Jozankei. Begin your journey at the Ainu Cultural Center where you will learn in detail of The Ainu people and their culture. Then, unwind in the healing waters of a Jozankei onsen, surrounded by forested mountains and seasonal beauty. It’s a perfect balance of cultural enrichment and serene relaxation—all in a single unforgettable day.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Inside Sapporo St at the South Exit in front of The Circular White Stone Structure
- For this tour we will meet at 9a.m. inside of Sapporo Station in front of The Circular White Stone Structure. Then we will use a subway and public bus to get to our first destination.
The Ainu Cultural Center/Museum
Learn "all you want to know" at The Ainu Cultural Center/Museum. We will arrive here between 10:40a.m. to latest 11:00 a.m.
•Explore the Indigenous culture of Hokkaido and enjoy a nature-
filled walking tour of Jozankei. This immersive day trip starting
from Sapporo Station blends history, culture, scenic beauty capped off with a therapeutic relaxing hot bath(温泉).
Title: Tour Highlights
• Learn all about The Ainu, an indigenous ethnic group in
Hokkaido at The Ainu Culture Promotion Center.
•Take a guided walk through the picturesque hot spring town of
Jozankei (known for its hot springs, forest trails, and river views).
•Along the way, enjoy a hot “footbath” to soothe your aching feet.
Enjoy a seasonal local lunch.
•Experience a 1-1.5 hour hot spring bath(温泉)at a very well
established Jozankei hot spring bath hotel.
The Jozankei Information Museum
At The The Jozankei Information Museum I will give the guests an over-view of Jozankei, share brouchures, maps, etc., of the area. Then a quick look through/study of the mini-museum(that explains the sights and history of Jozankei).
•The Jozankei Onsen Tourist Information Center in Sapporo houses a modest yet insightful mini museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Jozankei area. This small exhibition space features various historical photographs of the Jozankei area.
•The museum displays provide a window into the development of Jozankei as a prominent hot spring resort and its cultural heritage.
Hana no Yu Hotel Restaurant
1:00-2:00p.m. LUNCH TIME
Here guests will enjoy various lunch meals appropriate for any given season. Popular lunch dishes include:
• Udon and soba
• Tonkatsu
• Fried Oysters
• Fried Rice
• cold beer and various beverages
• and so much more.
Affordable and delicious.
Onsen/Hot Bath Experience
By 3:00pm or alittle after, arrive at either The Shika no yu Hotel or Hotel Milione Onsen Hotel in Jozankei to enjoy a hot bath for 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Guests at either of these hotels will be given a towel set upon entry(body and face towel).
SHIKA no YU Bath:
Shikanoyu Onsen in Jozankei stands out as a historic and rejuvenating hot spring retreat, offering guests a unique blend of tradition, natural beauty, and modern comfort. The sodium-chloride spring water, known for its skin-friendly properties and lasting warmth, flows directly from the source beneath the bathhouse, providing a genuine and soothing bathing experience.
Complemented by cypress water baths sourced from the Toyohira River's headwaters, it offers a refreshing and invigorating retreat.
With its rich history, natural hot springs, and comprehensive facilities, Shikanoyu Onsen offers a memorable and authentic Japanese onsen experience in the heart of Hokkaido's Jozankei region.
Hotel Milione Onsen Hotel:
Guests can enjoy multiple onsen options, such as indoor baths, open-air baths with mountain views, saunas, footbaths, and jet baths. The sodium-chloride spring water is known for its therapeutic benefits, including relief from muscle pain and fatigue.
With its comprehensive facilities and serene natural surroundings, Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione offers a memorable onsen experience for visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion in Hokkaido.
Bus Stop for Return Bus back to Sapporo Station.
Will catch either the 5pm or 5:30pm bus back to Sapporo St and back to the orginal meet up point inside of Sapporo Station.
Back at original meet up point inside of Sapporo St.
By 6:30pm (earliest at 6pm) we will arrive back at Sapporo St and back to the orginal meet up point/The White Circular Stone Structure inside of Sapporo St. Tour Ends at 6:30pm/latest.
Ending Point
At Sapporo St at the south door exits(at the White Circular Structure)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• The tour guide fee is included in the price.
• Admission Fee to enter The Ainu Cultural Museum
• Fee for Hot Bath/Onsen Experience includes towel set.
• Transportation costs for subway and bus (for guide).
• Lunch is NOT included. Each guest will buy their own lunch.
• Transportation other than subway and bus.
• Any snacks or souvenirs.
• Personal drop offs or escorts to hotels after the tour.
• Public transportation fee (for guest): approximately 1.500 yen
Tour Important Information
•As part of this tour involves a hot bath/onsen experience, guests may NOT have tattoos. Those guests with tatoos will NOT be permitted/allowed to enter the bathing area. Please NO TATTOOS.
•Clothes worn should be appropriate for the season. There will be some
walking involved in this tour so good walking shoes and appropriate
clothing.
•An native English speaking guide will be with you at all times to provide
help and knowledge.
•The tour price is based on PER PERSON. This price includes:
***the services of the tour guide.
***any/and all admission tickets(Ainu Center) involved in this tour.
***the admission fee(and towel set) for the hot bath experience.
• LUNCH is EXCLUDED and will be paid for by each guest.
This tour will be offered on Friday, Saturday or Sunday only. The tour starts at/from 9a.m. and will conclude between 6:00 to 6:30p.m.
Tour starts from Sapporo St., and will finish at Sapporo St.
Important message from the supplier
I am available Monday, Friday and Saturday. For other days, I would require at least a 14 day advance notice. Most of my tours would start at 8 or 9a.m. from Sapporo Station and conclude at /between 6:00 to 6:30.m. at Sapporo St(in case of the 1 Day Tour). If requested, I could meet you in the lobby of your hotel in the morning of the day of the tour as well.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Scott E.
I am an American male bi-lingual (English & Japanese)tour guide based/living in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. I have lived here several decades and I very familiar with the best places to see in Sapporo and outside of Sapporo/ other areas of Hokkaido. I can take you to the standard/well known sightseeing spots as well as "off the beaten path spots" that many overseas guests are unaware of. My tours are fun, on schedule, informative and transportation-wise very timely and smooth. Less time commuting and more time at location enjoying each point of interest. I have many years experience guiding tours in Sapporo and out to other areas of Hokkaido as well. Most of my tours are 1 day tours usually starting at 8 or 9a.m. and concluding at 6p.m. I basically use public transportation(buses, JR trains, and subways). I do own my own personal car and for guided tours with only 1 guest or small groups 2-3 guests, my private car is available for use. Meet up locations is usually at Sapporo Station in the morning but I can arrrange to meet you in the lobby of your hotel if requested. I look forward to guiding you here in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido. Tour guide Scott. Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
$208/ per person
