Jozankei Shrine Sapporo
Jozankei Shrine offers a serene escape, especially magical during its winter Snow Candle Way festival with thousands of glowing candles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Snow Candle Way festival
Jozankei Shrine Sapporo
Best Time
Snow Candle Way festival
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Jozankei Shrine offers a serene escape, especially magical during its winter Snow Candle Way festival with thousands of glowing candles.
"The snow-covered torii gate and shrine buildings gave the entire place a mysterious, almost magical aura."
🎯 Book Kappa Liner Early
Seats on the Kappa Liner bus fill up fast, especially during the Snow Candle Way. Book in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Watch for Slippery Grounds
The grounds can be slippery, especially in the evening. Wear appropriate footwear and be cautious.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snow Candle Way Festival
Jozankei Shrine grounds
Thousands of snow candles illuminate the shrine, creating a breathtaking, romantic winter wonderland.
Snow-Covered Torii Gate
Entrance to Jozankei Shrine
A picturesque torii gate dusted with snow, offering a serene and iconic photo opportunity.
Kappa Statues
Around Jozankei area
Discover charming statues of the mythical kappa hidden in terraces and corners, adding a whimsical touch.
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Planning Your Visit
Winter Magic: Jozankei Shrine's Snow Candle Way
Getting to Jozankei Shrine
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Book Kappa Liner Early
Seats on the Kappa Liner bus fill up fast, especially during the Snow Candle Way. Book in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Watch for Slippery Grounds
The grounds can be slippery, especially in the evening. Wear appropriate footwear and be cautious.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
The contrast of the red shrine against the white snow is stunning. Great for winter photography.
☕ Grab Snacks Nearby
Family Mart across the road offers snacks to boost your energy. Try the Heinz omelette rice onigiri!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Kappa Liner Early
Seats on the Kappa Liner bus fill up fast, especially during the Snow Candle Way. Book in advance to secure your spot!
👟 Watch for Slippery Grounds
The grounds can be slippery, especially in the evening. Wear appropriate footwear and be cautious.
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
The contrast of the red shrine against the white snow is stunning. Great for winter photography.
☕ Grab Snacks Nearby
Family Mart across the road offers snacks to boost your energy. Try the Heinz omelette rice onigiri!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Shrine
Jozankei offers footbaths and scenic walks. It's worth visiting even without onsen access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jozankei Shrine for its serene beauty, especially during winter's Snow Candle Way festival, describing it as a magical and romantic experience. The snow-covered torii gate and the glowing candles create a picturesque scene. However, some find the public transportation to be crowded and infrequent, and the grounds can be slippery.
"We visited Jozankei Shrine first thing in the morning, and it felt like stepping into a quiet, sacred world. The snow-covered torii gate and shrine buildings gave the entire place a mysterious, almost magical aura. It was completely still—no other visitors around—just us, the fresh snow, and the silence of the forest.
The path leading up to the shrine was peaceful and undisturbed, and we took our time soaking in the atmosphere. The contrast of white snow against the dark wood and red accents of the shrine made for such a beautiful and calming scene. It felt like we were witnessing a side of Hokkaido that few get to see.
Though simple in design, the shrine held a certain quiet power. Standing there in the crisp morning air, it was easy to feel a deep connection with nature and the history of the place.
This wasn’t just another stop—it was a genuinely serene moment that stayed with us."
Crumpled Nomad
"Is just a little shrine, nice for photoshoot during winter. the red roof really popped out in the snow white. I parked at the seicomart beside the entrance staircase of shrine."
Ph Chew
"Good experience but its very crowded even came quiet early, ard 615pm. They open from 6-9pm. And be careful of slippery grounds."
Desmond Lai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Sapporo. The Kappa Liner is a popular option, but it's advisable to book in advance due to high demand during events like the Snow Candle Way. Alternatively, bus 7J from a specific stop (check maps) is often less crowded and guarantees a seat. +2
Public transport can be challenging as buses are infrequent and can get very crowded, especially during peak times. Planning your travel and booking in advance is recommended.
Yes, parking is available. Some visitors have noted parking at the Seicomart near the shrine entrance.
Jozankei is a good day trip option, especially for its scenic beauty and events like the Snow Candle Way. However, some travelers suggest that for a more relaxed experience, an overnight stay might be preferable. +1
It's recommended to travel from Sapporo to Jozankei. Traveling directly from the airport to Jozankei might be tiring on your first day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Jozankei Shrine itself is generally free. However, if you plan to use specific services like the Kappa Liner bus or onsen facilities, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during popular events.
The shrine's office hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but the shrine grounds are accessible 24 hours a day for prayers.
While the shrine is free to enter, specific events like the Snow Candle Way festival might have associated costs or require special access. It's best to check the official event details closer to the date.
For facilities like Hoheikyo Onsen, reservations are generally not required for walk-ins, but booking the bus in advance is crucial.
Yes, you can visit Jozankei Shrine even if you cannot use onsen facilities. The shrine grounds, footbaths, and scenic walks are still enjoyable.
📸 📸 Photography
The snow-covered torii gate, the shrine buildings with their red accents against the white snow, and the illuminated snow candles during the festival are prime photography locations.
Early mornings offer a serene and less crowded experience for photography. During the Snow Candle Way festival, evenings provide a magical, candlelit ambiance.
Embrace the contrast between the white snow and the dark wood or red elements of the shrine. Consider capturing the soft glow of the snow candles for a romantic feel.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near the shrine or any sacred site.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for evening shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive winter scenery, while a telephoto lens can isolate details. Ensure your gear is protected from the cold and moisture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the Snow Candle Way festival, the sight of thousands of glowing candles can be magical for all ages. However, be mindful that the grounds can be slippery, so ensure children wear appropriate footwear and are supervised closely. If visiting outside of the festival, the footbaths offer a relaxing way for everyone to warm up their feet.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To maximize your photographic opportunities, aim for early mornings to capture the pristine snow without crowds, or visit during the evening festival for the enchanting candlelit scenes. Remember to pack warm clothing and ensure your camera gear is protected from the cold and potential moisture. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing the best of the candlelit ambiance.
❤️ Couples Seeking Romance
The serene setting, with the soft light reflecting on the snow, offers a truly magical experience that feels straight out of a fairytale. Beyond the festival, the tranquil beauty of the shrine and the surrounding natural landscape provide a peaceful backdrop for couples. Enjoying a quiet moment together amidst the snow-covered trees and the gentle ambiance of the shrine can be a deeply connecting experience. Consider visiting during the early spring to avoid heavy snow but still enjoy the serene beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Snow Candle Way
Visitors can walk along paths lined with these glowing candles, creating a deeply romantic and serene atmosphere. The soft light against the pristine snow offers a unique and memorable experience, often described as stepping into a fairytale. The festival is a testament to the community's spirit, with many candles handcrafted by locals. It's a chance to experience a quieter, more intimate side of Hokkaido's winter festivities, distinct from the larger Sapporo Snow Festival. The event draws visitors seeking a peaceful yet visually stunning encounter with winter.
While the festival itself is a major draw, the surrounding Jozankei area also offers other winter charms. Visitors can enjoy footbaths and scenic walks, making it a well-rounded winter destination. The contrast of the warm glow of the candles against the cold, crisp air is a sensory delight that many travelers cherish.
Navigating Transportation to Jozankei
An alternative bus route, such as bus 7J, is mentioned by travelers as a more reliable option for securing a seat, often departing from a specific starting point. It's crucial to research these routes and schedules beforehand, as bus frequencies can be low, with departures sometimes only once an hour.
For those who prefer not to rely solely on buses, taxis are an option, but they can be expensive, and traffic can be heavy, particularly on weekends. Some visitors suggest that if Hoheikyo Onsen is your sole destination in Jozankei, the transportation challenges might make it less worthwhile unless better access is available.
Photography Opportunities
During the Snow Candle Way festival, the shrine transforms into a photographer's dream. The thousands of glowing snow candles create a magical ambiance, perfect for capturing romantic evening shots.
The soft, warm light of the candles against the dark, snowy backdrop provides a unique photographic opportunity that is both serene and captivating. For the best results, consider visiting during the early morning for a peaceful, uncrowded experience and soft natural light, or during the evening festival for the enchanting candlelit scenes. Remember to dress warmly and protect your camera equipment from the cold and moisture to ensure you can capture all the beauty Jozankei has to offer.
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