Car-Free Travel in Hokkaido: The Guide to Hokkaido’s Onsen by Bus [Part 1]

Toyako Onsen

Lake Toya Onsen (Toyako Onsen) is a charming hot spring resort located on the shores of Lake Toya in southwestern Hokkaido. The onsen water in Lake Toya is renowned as some of the best in Hokkaido for beautiful skin, known for their healing properties, helping to cleanse the skin and relieve fatigue.

Most hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan in the area offer stunning views of the lake, making them famous for their open-air baths where you can soak while admiring the scenery. Furthermore, from late April to the end of October, a firework event is held every single night. It is the perfect destination for those who want to relax in high-quality hot springs while enjoying an amazing view of the lake and the scenery.

How to Get to Toyako Onsen from Sapporo by Bus

There are also direct buses available from Sapporo Station to Toyako Onsen, which take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Please note that this route has many stops, so pay close attention to ensure you get off at the correct destination.
You can reserve your seat for this bus via the link below.

Bus booking

Sapporo Station to Toyako Onsen

Toyako Onsen to Sapporo Station

Things to do in Toyako Onsen

Silo Observatory Deck

Silo Observatory is located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is a must-visit spot on the western shore of Lake Toya (Toyako). It offers a stunning panoramic view of the lake’s crystal-clear blue water, the Nakajima Islands sitting right in the center, and the majestic peaks of Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa Shinzan. After taking in the scenery, you can enjoy shopping at the on-site gift shop, which features a wide variety of local Hokkaido specialties and unique souvenirs.

Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival

This annual event is held every single night from late April to the end of October. For about 20 minutes, approximately 450 fireworks light up the night sky above Lake Toya, creating a breathtaking collaboration with their reflection on the lake. During the festival, special firework-viewing cruises are available, allowing you to enjoy the show from a unique perspective out on the water.

Mt. Usu Ropeway

Mt. Usu is one of the prominent peaks surrounding Lake Toya and is well-known as an active volcano. To reach the summit, you can take a ropeway that offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Usu, Mt. Showa Shinzan, and Lake Toya all at once. Once at the top, there are several scenic spots within talking distance, allowing you to witness the raw traces of past volcanic activity while enjoying the magnificent landscape. The summit station is fully equipped with a restaurant, cafe, and gift shop, making it a perfect place to rest after your short hike.

Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen is a popular onsen destination with excellent access, located only about an hour from central Sapporo.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy the changing scenery of the town–from cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer to beautiful snowscapes in winter. However, it is most famous for its stunning autumn colors, making it one of the best autumn leaves viewing spots in Hokkaido. The town is also well-known for the legend of the Kappa, a mythical Japanese water creature. You will find numerous Kappa statues scattered throughout the streets. It is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature while discovering Japan’s unique traditional Kappa culture.

How to Get to Jozankei Onsen from Sapporo by Bus

While Jozankei Onsen is located about an hour from Sapporo and is relatively easy to access, the bus is the only public transportation to get to the area directly. The bus from Sapporo Station to Toyako Onsen, which we provide on our website, also stops at Jozankei on the way to Toyako Onsen. If you get off at the Jozankei bus stop, the onsen town is just a short walk away.
You can reserve your seat for this bus via the link below. Please make sure to select “Jozankei” as your drop-off point when booking.

Bus booking

Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen to Sapporo Station

Things to do in Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Gensen Park

Jozankei Gensen Park is located in the heart of the onsen town. Inside the park, you can enjoy relaxing by several public onsen such as foot baths and knee baths. You can also visit “Ontama-no-yu,” where you can make your own soft-boiled “onsen eggs” using the high-temperature hot spring water. You can purchase a set of three raw eggs in a net at the Jozankei Bussankan shop located nearby. While waiting for your eggs to cook, please keep a close eye on them, as birds circling above may try to snatch them!

Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge

Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular viewing spots in Jozankei Onsen as it is easily accessible while strolling through the town. The combination of the vibrant red suspension bridge and the surrounding trees and river is truly beautiful. While you can walk down to the riverbank to enjoy the contrast between the red bridge and the forest, the view of the surrounding scenery from the bridge itself is also incredibly captivating.

Jozankei Bussankan Shop

Jozankei Bussankan offers a wide variety of local specialities and souvenirs. Not only can you purchase raw eggs here for making “onsen eggs” at the nearby Jozankei Gensen Park, but you can also enjoy freshly steamed Onsen Manju (sweet bean paste steamed buns) from a historic shop dating back to 1926. These treats are incredibly popular and often sell out by the morning, so we highly recommend getting there early. In keeping with the town’s Kappa legend, the shop also carries a vast selection of Kappa-themed goods. Picking up some unique Kappa souvenirs is a great way to remember your trip to Jozankei Onsen.

Summary: Plan Your Onsen Trip in Hokkaido

While Hokkaido is strongly associated with winter activities, it is also an incredibly popular destination for its onsen towns. In this first part, we introduced Toyako Onsen and Jozankei Onsen, two iconic spots with easy access from Sapporo and the airport.
In our next article, we’ll explore more must-visit onsen towns. Visit our website to find the best bus routes for your next Hokkaido trip. Have a wonderful trip in Hokkaido!