Drama of a successful proposal after achieving 'Total Relaxation' in the sauna! Jozankei Shikanoyu announces the final results of the '2nd General Election' chosen by 1,421 people!

Jozankei Shikanoyu, the oldest inn in Jozankei Onsen, operated by Hotel Shikanoyu Co., Ltd. (Location: 3-32, Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido), is pleased to announce the final results and winners of the "2nd Shikanoyu General Election," a popular facility voting event for its large public baths, held from May 16, 2026 (Sat).

The total number of votes received from hot spring enthusiasts and sauna lovers nationwide during the event was '1,421 votes.' This was a heated battle for pride between the two major factions representing our large public baths: the 'hot spring' of the renowned Shikanoyu, which has been gushing since the opening of Jozankei, and the authentic 'sauna' that has captivated many fans since its introduction in 2022. We are here to announce the outcome of this intense competition.

[Final Voting Results] The wall of history was thick! The 'Hot Spring Faction' defends its throne.

The highly anticipated final voting results are as follows:

- Hot Spring Faction: 942 votes

- Sauna Faction: 749 votes

The winner of the 2nd General Election was the 'Hot Spring Faction,' staking the prestige of the renowned Shikanoyu, boasting 130 years of history since its opening! While the Sauna Faction showed an evenly matched contest at the interim announcement, they ultimately fell short in the latter half. However, we received many passionate messages and support from numerous sauna enthusiasts, including day-trip bathers. The close contest clearly conveyed the deep love for Shikanoyu from both factions.

[With Gratitude] Announcing the winners of the pair accommodation tickets and other prizes.

From those who voted for the victorious 'Hot Spring Faction,' winners of luxurious prizes, including pair accommodation tickets, were determined through a rigorous lottery.

[First Prize] Hanamomiji Pair Accommodation Ticket (1 winner): Mr. Sato, Sapporo City

[Second Prize] Shikanoyu Pair Accommodation Ticket (2 winners): Mr. Takada, Tomakomai City / Mr. Nakata, Hiroshima Prefecture

[Third Prize] Shikanoyu Day-Trip Bath Ticket (5 winners): Mr. Saito, Sapporo City / Mr. Nakagawa, Sapporo City / Mr. Nakamura, Kitahiroshima City / Mr. Horibe, Kitahiroshima City / Mr. Yamashita, Osaka Prefecture

Congratulations to all the winners.

[Staff's Top Picks] 'Good Comment Award' overflowing with love.

Furthermore, this time, from the messages received during voting, our staff selected comments that deeply impressed us as the 'Good Comment Award.' We would like to share some wonderful comments that convey real experiences and dramas at our inn.

[Good Comment Award] Shika Sauna Hat (2 winners)

Mr. Okada, Asahikawa City (Sauna Faction)

'I came here with my girlfriend, who loves both hot springs and saunas, and the next day I was leaving as her husband. This was all thanks to being able to sort out my thoughts while achieving 'total relaxation' in the sauna for over an hour. Shikanoyu is the best!! I'll be back for our anniversary next year.'

Mr. Hashimoto, Bihoro Town (Sauna Faction)

'My life has changed. Everything was perfect. I was so impressed by how hot it could get with the auto-löyly... The amount of stones was overwhelming. The heat wave service was also amazing! I will definitely come back.'

[Good Comment Award] Shikanoyu Monaka (2 winners)

Mr. Osaka, Sapporo City (Hot Spring Faction)

'The wonderfulness of alternating baths!! It's a blessing to be able to reset in the "Buddha's Bath" when I feel like I'm going to get too hot. For the first time, I was soothed by the scent while listening to the sound of the river in the "Wound Bath." This is what a famous hot spring is all about.'

Ms. Yoshikawa, Sapporo City (Sauna Faction)

'When I use the Shikanoyu sauna, I feel that it's not just a place to stay, but a place that remains in people's memories. The time spent doing 'gaikiyoku' (outdoor bathing) in the Jozankei air and the scent of Shikanoyu. In that quiet time, the fatigue from work and my worries gradually unravel. I love Shikanoyu.'

[Good Comment Award] Logo Towel & Original Bath Salts (2 winners)

Ms. Otani, Sapporo City (Hot Spring Faction)

'The heat of the sauna was great, but the moment I soaked in the Shikanoyu hot spring, my skin and brain rejoiced, feeling glad to be alive. The power of the water, which can only be experienced here, is the best!!'

Ms. Nakatsuka, Sapporo City (Hot Spring Faction)

'A famous hot spring with 130 years of history! I am celebrating my 50th birthday! Coming to Shikanoyu makes me feel glad to be alive. It gives me the energy to want to come back again. Thank you.'

From Shikanoyu, to everyone.

We hope you enjoyed the second Shikanoyu General Election.

Hot springs and saunas, which offer a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, provide a time for resetting the mind and body, offering deep healing at times and vitality for tomorrow at others.

It's a time when fatigue can easily accumulate without us realizing it due to changes in our living environment or the seasons. When that happens, please take a short break from your daily routine and visit Jozankei, surrounded by rich nature, for a moment of respite.

We are here today, with the best bath temperature and a piping hot sauna, sincerely awaiting your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again at the next General Election!

About Jozankei Shikanoyu

○ Large Public Bath: Shikanoyu

Featuring a renowned hot spring said to have healed injured wild deer, as well as an authentic sauna opened in 2022 and a cold bath using water from the source of the Toyohira River. All bathtubs in the large public bath are meticulously adjusted by the 'Yumori' (bath attendant) to achieve the perfect balance, considering the subtle differences in sensation due to the season and outside temperature. We strive every day to create the best bathing experience, with craftsmanship that guides us to the most comfortable balance for our guests amidst ever-changing conditions, and with gratitude for the blessings of the earth.

○ Inn Overview

Opened in 1897. It is the oldest inn in Jozankei that is still in operation, having opened as the third establishment. Located in the heart of the hot spring town, about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo, it boasts an excellent location overlooking the mountains of the national park and the Toyohira River valley. With 170 guest rooms, a famous hot spring, and an authentic sauna, the inn also offers various facilities and events to enrich your stay, including a table tennis lounge and Shikanoyu SALON. While inheriting the tradition of a long-established inn, it is a hot spring inn that can be enjoyed by everyone from adults to children.

- Location: 3-32, Jozankei Onsen Nishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo, 061-2303 Hokkaido - Facility Size: 170 rooms - Access: 2-minute walk from the "Yunomachi" bus stop (approx. 70 minutes) via Jōtetsu Bus from JR Sapporo Station. - URL: https://shikanoyu.co.jp/shikanoyu - Phone Number: 011-598-2311 (Main) - Operating Company: Hotel Shikanoyu Co., Ltd.