Jozankei Yuraku Soan 定山渓 ゆらく草庵 （共立リゾート） 定山溪悠樂草庵飯店

Jozankei Yuraku-Souan (Kyoritsu Resort) is a modern hot spring inn that soft-opened in November 2022 and held its grand opening in February 2023. Located at 228-1, Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo, it sits in the heart of the Jozankei Onsen area—often called Sapporo’s “backyard retreat.” It is about 45 minutes by car from central Sapporo, roughly 65 minutes from Kitahiroshima IC via Routes 36 and 230, and about 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport. For those using public transit, the Jotetsu Bus from JR Sapporo Station takes about 70 minutes, while the reservation-based “Kappa Liner” reaches Jozankei in about 55 minutes. From the “Jozankei Shrine-mae” bus stop, the inn is around a 5-minute walk.

Designed around a “grass-roof hermitage” concept, the interior has a calm, traditional Japanese atmosphere, with tatami flooring in the lobby and throughout the hotel. Guests remove their shoes indoors, creating a relaxed ryokan-like experience. The seven-story property (plus one basement floor) has 102 guest rooms in total, including twins, deluxe twins, fours, Japanese-Western rooms, and universal-access rooms—making it suitable for couples, families, and small groups.

A defining feature of the accommodations is that every room is equipped with its own natural hot spring bath. The guest rooms combine traditional Japanese elements—such as tatami spaces and low-profile beds—with spacious soaking tubs made of aromatic wood like cypress or Japanese cypress. Guests can enjoy their private onsen anytime they like, making the property ideal for anniversaries, special-occasion trips, or relaxing stays for couples and pairs.

The large communal bath area, “Iwabuki no Yu,” offers a variety of ways to enjoy Jozankei’s sodium-chloride hot spring water. The indoor area features cypress and rock baths, along with the “Musou-yu” clear-water bath. Outdoors, guests will find open-air baths, jar baths, a hot stone area, waterfall-style baths, and a sauna—all arranged to take advantage of valley views and seasonal mountain scenery. The spring water is clear, rich in heat-retaining minerals, and said to help with neuralgia, joint pain, back pain, cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery, and general wellness.

Four types of private open-air baths—Hinoki, Ceramic, Hiba, and Rock—are available for complimentary use. Reservations are not required; simply check the availability light at the entrance and enter whenever the bath is free. The different styles make them enjoyable for longer stays or onsen-hopping.

After bathing, guests can stop by the relaxation lounge “Zen,” where complimentary treats are offered: ice pops in the evening and cultured dairy drinks in the morning. These small, free amenities are a signature of Kyoritsu Resort properties and are appreciated by returning guests.

Meals focus on Japanese kaiseki cuisine featuring local Hokkaido ingredients. Dinner consists of a seasonal course with appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled dishes, tempura or fried items, hot pots, rice, and dessert—balancing seafood, meat, and vegetables in a simple but ingredient-driven style. Breakfast features both Japanese and Western items, including rice, side dishes, salads, egg dishes, and bread, designed so guests can sample many items in small portions.

One beloved nightly tradition is the inn’s “Yonaki Soba,” a light bowl of classic soy-sauce ramen served as a complimentary late-night snack. It is especially popular after a bath or as a small bite before bed, and is one of the most appreciated services among repeat visitors.

Facilities include a restaurant, lounge, bar, gift shop, esthetic salon, massage area, banquet space, and smoking area. A tea room occasionally hosts matcha service, and all rooms include a hand-crank coffee mill. Guests can also borrow colorful yukata robes (first-come, first-served), adding a fun touch to the in-house experience.

The inn provides free on-site parking for about 67 vehicles, with both multi-story and flat spaces available. Check-in begins at 15:00, and check-out is at 11:00. Located on the eastern side of Jozankei Onsen, the property is within walking distance of local footbaths, shrines, and small walking paths, making casual exploration easy.

Overall, Jozankei Yuraku-Souan is a contemporary hot spring retreat featuring private onsen baths in every room, a richly varied communal bath area with four free private open-air baths, and a tranquil, tatami-lined interior. While it does not offer large-scale resort activities, it is designed for guests who want to unwind at their own pace—combining private bathing, enjoyable kaiseki meals, and thoughtful complimentary amenities. Couples, families, multigenerational groups, and friends will all find it a comfortable and well-balanced base for a relaxing onsen getaway.