JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE ( Japanese notation: 定山渓ネイチャールミナリエ）

There is a hot spring area called Jozankei Onsen, located about an hour’s drive (approximately 29 kilometers) from Sapporo.Thanks to its close proximity to the city, Jozankei has long been a beloved destination—not just among Sapporo residents, but among many others as well.

In the past, Jozankei was seen as an aging hot spring town, but in recent years it has undergone redevelopment.Now, the area features stylish new hotels, gourmet spots, and regularly hosts various events—making it a popular destination once again.

I personally love Jozankei Onsen and often stay overnight when I visit. There’s even a favorite hotel I always choose when I go. One event I particularly recommend is the “Jozankei Nature Luminarie,” which began in 2016 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the hot spring’s opening. I'd love to introduce it to you.

To briefly introduce the event:

• It’s a lighting performance that artistically represents the forest, water, and flowers using light.

• The hot spring town and surrounding forests are beautifully illuminated with illuminations and projection mapping.

• The event runs for a long period, from early June to late October.

One important point to note is that this event is exclusively for guests staying at hotels in the Jozankei area.

Soak in the soothing hot springs at your hotel, take a peaceful stroll through the beautifully illuminated forests of Jozankei, and savor a delicious meal.It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing and unforgettable holiday.

And what’s truly surprising is that this hot spring town, surrounded by mountains, is actually part of Sapporo City.If you’re planning to stay in Sapporo for two nights or more, I highly recommend spending one night in the city and another in Jozankei to fully enjoy both sides of Sapporo.

When it comes to Japanese onsen (hot springs), some international visitors may feel a bit unsure about the manners or customs, and that might keep them from fully enjoying the experience.But don’t worry—there really aren’t any overly strict rules!I’m planning to share a simple guide to onsen etiquette on this website in the future.Trust me—soaking in a Japanese hot spring is such a wonderful and relaxing experience!

Official Website : https://jozankei.jp/event/luminarie/