Just an hour outside of central Sapporo lies the region of Jozankei, a gorgeous area rich in nature known for its relaxing onsen baths.
And now, art collective NAKED, INC. has made the area all the more magical, with an illuminated nature walk in Jozankeifutami Park. The summer event is called the JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE-WATER LIGHT VALLEY- (hereinafter Jozankei Nature Luminarie). So here’s what you need to know about the event.
What is the Jozankei Nature Luminarie?
Image: PR times
With the beautiful nature of Jozankei as its backdrop, the Jozankei Nature Luminarie is an illumination event, where various spots throughout Jozankeifutami Park are lit up in a magical spectacle, available to those staying in accommodation at Jozankei Onsen.
Now in its seventh year, the illumination has returned once again to the delight of many, taking inspiration from the surrounding valley and river to light up the natural scenes that are otherwise hard to enjoy by night. This night setting makes for the perfect sightseeing activity during the heat of summer.
On the walk, you’ll be following the footsteps of a kappa, a mischievous human-like amphibian of Japanese folklore, adding to the mystery and magic of the experience.
What to expect
You’ll find many different illuminated scenes and projection mapping artworks throughout the walk, ranging from the decorated bridge to interactive rippling river spots. Let’s take a look at some of the exhibits.
Welcome Light Lake
Image from 2021 event. Image: PR times
As you first step in to the Jozankei Nature Luminarie, you’ll be greeted by fairy lights and warmly lit trees.
River Road
Image: PR times
Then, look out for the River Road, where flowers are projected onto the path, and you feel as though you are walking on water.
Forest Water Ripple
Image: PR times
Step through the ripples of water and look out for the elusive kappa footprints.
Futami Valley
Image: PR times
Arguably the highlight of the event, once you come to the Futamitsuri Bridge, you’ll find a cascade of flower petals all along the bridge, and the surrounding valley lit up in all sorts of colors.
A bit about Jozankei Onsen
Despite the name, Jozankei Onsen is not just a single onsen (hot spring), but instead a hot spring town that makes up a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
The town has plenty of ryokan (traditional inns), restaurants, and shops, so is quite well-developed in comparison to some other hot spring towns in the north.
The area is around a 65-minute trip from Sapporo Station on the Jotetsu Bus for Jozankei-Shako-Mae, or around 50 minutes by car.
Jozankei Onsen
Sadayamakei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Sapporo
011-598-2012
When and where to visit the Jozankei Nature Luminarie
Event run time: June 1, 2022 until October 23, 2022.
Event opening times:
June-August: 19:00-21:00
September-October: 18:0…
