Hatagoya Jozankei Shoten 旅籠屋 定山渓商店 定山溪旅籠屋

Hatagoya Jozankei Shoten is a casual hot spring inn in Jozankei Onsen—Sapporo’s classic mountain retreat—created by renovating a 47-year-old lodge once known as “Keiryuso.” While the building retains the retro charm beloved by locals, it has been reimagined with contemporary design touches and a playful theme of “Yakiniku × Sake × Onsen × Sauna.” Located along the Toyohira River on the west side of the hot spring district (Jozankei Onsen Nishi 2-chome 5), it offers a quiet yet convenient base close to the town center.

Access is straightforward: it’s about a 50-minute drive from JR Sapporo Station and roughly two hours from New Chitose Airport via expressway. Buses to Jozankei Onsen also depart from JR Sapporo Station and Makomanai Station; from the “Jozankei Ohashi” stop, the inn is within walking distance. A clearly visible sign marks the entrance, making it easy to find even by car. On-site parking is available, making the inn suitable for road trips and rental-car travelers.

The concept is “More freedom, more spontaneity.” As the official site puts it: “The only thing you decide is who you travel with—what you do is entirely up to your mood.” The property is adults-only (guests must be junior high school age or older), with a relaxed atmosphere aimed at couples, small groups, and solo travelers looking for an easygoing getaway rather than a traditional ryokan experience.

Guest rooms—both Japanese-style and Western-style—are simple and understated. While the structure preserves a retro lodge feel, bedding, lighting, and furnishings have been updated to modern, comfortable standards. Rooms are spacious enough to accommodate larger luggage, and many guests note the balance between compactness and coziness. All rooms include essentials such as a TV, refrigerator, yukata, towels, and free Wi-Fi.

The onsen area, inherited from the former Keiryuso, is one of the inn’s highlights. The indoor bath uses natural hot spring water (partially circulated and diluted) and features a generous tub for unhurried soaking. The open-air bath offers fresh mountain air and close-up views of Jozankei’s seasonal scenery. Bath hours are long—extending from evening into late night and again in the early morning—allowing guests to enjoy the hot springs at their own pace. Day visitors are also welcomed.

For sauna lovers, the small but characterful “Atsu-Atsu Atsukan Sauna” is a key attraction. This compact sauna, renovated from the original lodge facility, features hand-selected materials, warm lighting, and attentive temperature control. Though modest in size, it provides a satisfying, sweat-inducing experience, complemented by an on-site cold bath and a smooth flow into the relaxation lounge. The layout encourages a proper hot–cold cycle and a comfortable cool-down afterward.

Dining centers on yakiniku, served at the inn’s in-house restaurant operated by the “Jozankei Meat Shop.” Dinner is a course-style yakiniku experience featuring high-quality beef, pork, and chicken, alongside seasonal items and local specialties. Guests can grill at their own pace, making the meal relaxed, social, and perfect for conversation. Compared with formal ryokan kaiseki cuisine, the style is more casual and free-flowing, ideal for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without ceremony.

For guests who enjoy drinks, the on-site “Liquor Shop Jozankei Shoten” and “SAKE Lounge” are standout features. The selection includes more than 100 Japanese sake labels—from famous names like Juyondai, Denshu, and Aramasa NO.6 to everyday favorites—allowing guests to explore and compare freely. Prices are kept approachable, similar to a casual izakaya, making it easy to sample multiple varieties. The lounge also serves beer and highballs, offering a comfortable place to unwind after a bath or chat late into the night.

Facilities include a front desk and lobby, lounge spaces, a small shop, and a corner stocked with board games, shogi, and go. Amenities in guest rooms are intentionally minimal; instead, guests pick up what they need from a self-serve amenities station near the front desk—reinforcing the inn’s emphasis on freedom and flexibility. The entire building is non-smoking, and the interior maintains a clean, simple, uncluttered aesthetic.

Overall, Hatagoya Jozankei Shoten is a hot spring inn that prioritizes relaxed enjoyment over traditional formality. Its casual retro building, natural hot springs, themed yakiniku dinners, expansive sake selection, and intimate sauna all combine to create a stay that feels spontaneous, comfortable, and fun. For adults looking for a laid-back onsen trip in Jozankei—whether with close friends, a partner, or on a solo retreat—this inn is an appealing and distinctive option.