The Jozankei hot springs were discovered in 1866, when the monk Miizumi Jozan opened a healing spa in the upper part of the Toyohira river. Jozan cut through the forest to develop the land and put a great amount of work into bringing injured and sick people to the spa for healing. Eventually his enthusiasm led up to building bridges and roads, and slowly the spa's reputation spread out. When the industry of mining and lumbering arose and many workers arrived into the area, restaurants and shops started to increase in number. The area, blessed with splendid nature and bountiful waters continues to grow into one of the finest hot spring spa in Hokkaido.