Shogetsu Grand Hotel 定山渓温泉 章月グランドホテル 定山溪悠樂草庵飯店

Jozankei Onsen Shogetsu Grand Hotel is a historic hot spring retreat with roots dating back to 1934. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Jozankei valley, it sits at 239, Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo. The hotel is about a 40–50 minute drive from central Sapporo and roughly 80–90 minutes from New Chitose Airport via expressway. Guests can also arrive by a paid shuttle bus from Sapporo Station or by local route bus. In April 2021, the property underwent a major renovation themed around the phases of the moon, refreshing its lobby, guest rooms, lounges, and other key spaces.

The hotel offers around 50 guest rooms, all facing the valley of the Toyohira River. The main room type following the renovation is the Superior Twin, featuring twin beds, a sofa, warm wood tones, and moon-inspired lighting and artwork. Additional room types include spacious 60 m² family rooms combining a living room and Japanese-style area, as well as premium rooms with private onsen-view baths—ideal for group stays or special occasions. All rooms include a TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, washlet toilet, Wi-Fi, and large windows framing the dramatic valley scenery.

The hot springs use natural sodium-chloride spring water, supplied primarily through free-flowing (kakenagashi) style. Both the large indoor bath and the open-air bath face the valley, allowing guests to soak while enjoying seasonal views through wide windows or terrace spaces. The clear mineral water is known for helping relieve neuralgia, muscle pain, cold sensitivity, and chronic skin issues, and is appreciated for its lasting warmth. Two private baths—“Meditation Bath” and “Mountain Stream Bath”—are also available, each designed with windows overlooking the river for a more secluded experience.

One of the hotel’s greatest highlights is its extensive lounge service. Every seat in the lounge offers valley views, and guests can enjoy complimentary food and drink presentations that change throughout the day. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with local sweets—Jozankei’s famous Daikoku Manju—and tea. From 16:00 to 22:00, the hotel’s signature “Honey Buffet” lets guests sample a wide selection of honeys from around the world, pairing them with yogurt, bread, and other light items.

From 17:00 to 18:00, draft beer is served freely as an after-bath refreshment. From 19:00 to 21:30, the “Night Sweets” service features ice cream, seasonal parfaits, cakes, and other desserts. Later in the evening, infused liquors, nuts, and late-night snacks are offered, while the following morning brings sweets, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Many guests note that the lounge alone provides an unusually high level of satisfaction throughout the stay.

Dinner is centered around Japanese kaiseki cuisine, with courses that change seasonally and showcase Hokkaido’s seafood, vegetables, and meats. A typical menu flows through starters, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled items, hot pots, rice, and dessert. While the presentation incorporates modern touches, the flavors remain authentically Japanese. Breakfast is served either as a set meal or semi-buffet, featuring grilled fish, small side dishes, egg preparations, salads, rice, and miso soup in a balanced lineup.

Facilities on site include a gift shop, bar corner, lounge, private baths, and an esthetic treatment room. The shop offers original honey products, sweets, and local specialties from Jozankei and Hokkaido. The esthetic salon provides body and facial treatments ideal for unwinding alongside the hot spring experience. The property is fully equipped with Wi-Fi, making workcation-style stays possible, though the atmosphere encourages guests to disconnect and slow down.

The hotel is located near the entrance of the Jozankei Onsen district, with the nearest stop being “Jozankei Shrine-mae” when arriving by local bus. A hotel-arranged shuttle from Sapporo Station’s north exit (reservation required) takes about 50 minutes. Guests arriving by car will find on-site parking available. Walking paths, shrines, and footbaths around the area are easily accessible from the hotel.

Overall, Jozankei Onsen Shogetsu Grand Hotel is a refined, adults-oriented retreat built around three key features: valley-view guest rooms and lounges, natural free-flowing hot spring baths, and a generous, time-based lounge service. Rather than offering large-scale resort activities or pools, it caters to couples, pairs, and small groups looking to savor scenery, cuisine, hot springs, and a peaceful, slow-paced stay.