One cold winter night, a stillness settles over the small hot spring village of Jozankei as they watch in silence the full-scale installation of flickering lights from lamps made of ice and snow, creating this simple yet magical site.
Jozankei Yukitouro starts early February, the same period as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Here’s a short photo essay of our experience…
Jozankei Yukitouro
Jozankei Shrine, Higashi 3 Chome, Minami-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
February 2-5, 2017 (18:00-21:00)
Website: www.jozankei.jp/yukitouro/
Related Blog Post: SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL: Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido! (First Timer’s Guide)
Jozankei is a hot spring discovered by ascetic monk Miizumi Joza. The shrine was founded to enshrine Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess.
The mini-festival that started in 2011 was created to attract more visitors and entertain guests staying at the nearby onsen resorts.
There was not much to see but we were attracted by the myriad of lighted lamps made of snow leading to the shrine.
The shrine is near the ‘Jozankei Jinja Mae’ bus stop. People usually go to Jozankei via public bus service, car, or shuttle buses run by hotels for their customers from the city center. It takes around 70-minutes from the city center to the Jozankei Shrine by car.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the brown Torii, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine.
Smiles spread across every person’s face as we walked up to the shrine!
It’s a 5-minute walk up the stairs and slippery pathway.
You’ll notice kappa statues and mascots around the shrine, the guardian deity of forests and water.
Guest can send their wishes and thoughts for someone special through lighting a candle.
There are two types of lamps–one made of snow and one made of ice. The lamps are created with a unique bucket giving it their shape.
A candle is placed inside to light up each lamp.
If you have time to spare from the Sapporo Snow Festival, make a quick detour to the Jozankei Yukitouro. It’s a magical site worth seeing.
Entrance is free, and everyone is invited from hotel guests, staff, and individuals around the world to witness the beautiful vibrant atmosphere.
What to bring:
1. You should wear at least three layers of clothes to keep you warm outside (thermal underwear, a sweater, and a thick overcoat or a proper winter garment). A knitted hat or ear warmers and gloves are also recommended.
2. I strongly suggest good shoes. The roads are very slippery.
3. Camera!
4. Money for food, the food stalls are a little more pricey than the usual.
5. A good time!
Jozankei Yukitouro
Jozankei Shrine, Higashi 3 Chome, Minami-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
February 2-5, 2017 (18:00-21:00)
Website: www.jozankei.jp/yukitouro/
Live an Awesome Life,
Abi of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our experience was courtesy of the Sapporo City government. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
Learn more: www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/
P.S. Best to go in early February for Jozankei Yukitouro and check the dates online.
Don’t miss the Sapporo Snow festival in Odori Park. Held in early February, the festival is one of Japan’s largest winter events, attracting visitors from all over Japan and around the world.
Related Blog Post: SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL: Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido! (First Timer’s Guide)
