Jōzankei is Sapporo's mountain onsen escape, a hot-spring district tucked into a gorge on the road toward Shikotsu-Toya country. Steam, river bridges, ryokan baths, and autumn foliage make it feel far removed from the city's grid.
It works as a day trip for public footbaths and scenery, or as an overnight if you want the full ryokan-and-bathing rhythm. Autumn is the showiest season, but winter snow and summer greenery both suit the valley.