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Mamma Mia

Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥3000 |
Opening Hours | 17:00 - 24:00 midnight |
Closed | - |
Contact | 011-1232-6885 https://manmami-ya.owst.jp/ |
Notes | Japanese dining, private rooms available, party plans, smoking/non smoking, reservations advised, uber eats available |
Location / Getting There | The restaurant is one block north of route 36. It is in the Susukino area of Sapporo. It is a 3 minute walk from Susukino subway station. Alternatively, it is only a 1 minute walk from Hosui Susukino subway station (Toho line), exit 2. 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 2 Chome-3-3 Nakakoji, facing south |
Mamma Mia is a very popular restaurant and bar in Sapporo. Although the name suggests Italian, Mamma Mia is predominantly a Japanese seafood restaurant. It has three levels and it caters well especially for groups and large parties. They have private rooms here that can fit up to 36 people. They have party plans and that always popular ‘all you can drink’ (nomihodai) option. The food here is primarily Japanese seafood, grilled meat, and salads. As this restaurant is quite popular, it is recommended to make a reservation beforehand.
The party plan courses range from ¥7000 to ¥4000 per person which includes set dishes and the nomihodai. They have some delicious sashimi here, plus grilled eel, oysters, and a large quantity of grilled skewered meat (mainly chicken), and salads. The restaurant is well known also for its handmade tofu. The drink menu has Sapporo Classic on tap, cocktails, wines, authentic shochu, plum wine, and sake. For a good taste of predominantly Japanese seafood, Mamma Mia is good choice for a night out on the town. Suitable for couples, groups and large groups.

Urahoro Shrine

Admission | - |
Opening Hours | 8:00 - 20:00 |
Closed | - |
Contact | 011-5576-2448 |
Notes | Shinto shrine, parking available |
Location / Getting There | The shrine is located along route 38. It is overlooking the town of Urahoro. It is a 16 minute walk from Urahoro train station. 18-1 Higashiyamacho, Urahoro, Tokachi District, Hokkaido 089-5612 |
During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe). In the latter half of the Meiji period, the small shrine was relocated to a location near the entrance to Forest Park in Urahoro. In 1923, the main shrine was built overlooking the town and stands as it is today. In 1996, the shrine building was renovated, and in August, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the shrine was celebrated.
The grounds are also home to other points of interest. Nearby the main shrine, there is Nyukami Shrine. This shrine houses a sacred object. In the forest behind the shrine there was an old oak tree with two bumps that looked like breasts. In the Taisho era (1912-1926), an old woman named Yoshida prayed to this tree and the worship of the ‘milk goddess’ originated. The tree was destroyed by a typhoon in 1962 but the two humps of the tree were preserved and place in Nyukami Shrine. In 2015, a “Business Card Dedication Station” was built in the area, so that riders can pray for traffic safety. Next to Nyukami Shrine is Mizuko Shrine. The deities enshrined here are to comfort and protect the souls of water children.
1st and 15th of every month | Prayers for the safety of the Imperial Family, peace for the nation, and peace for the Urahoro worshippers. |
January 1 | New Years Day. Prayer for the safety of the Imperial Family, peace for the nation, and a good harvest for the year. |
January 15 | The burning of old Shinto prayer cards and charms. Prayer for good health. On the day before the first day of spring, there is the purification the evil spirits. The doors of the main shrine are opened to offer thanks to the Milk God and prayer for spring. |
June 30 | Grand purification ceremony and Nagoshi-no-harai (summer purification). A Shinto ritual to purge the sins and impurities of the past six months and pray for good health. |
August | On the evening before the last Sunday of the month, There is the summer portable shrine procession festival (Mikoshi & Yoimiya Festival). The portable shrine is purified the night before the main festival, and the gods are notified that the big festival will be held tomorrow. On the last Sunday of the month, the portable shrine will be paraded through the town to pray for the safety of each family and the prosperity of each company. |
September 20 | Autumn Grand Festival Prayers and dedication events are held for the Ujigami (local deity), which has been handed down from the pioneers. The doors of the main shrine are opened to offer thanks to the Goddess of Milk and pray for the autumn. The god of the land and the god of agriculture are invited to give thanks for the year's harvest and to pray for the safety. Prayers are offered to the gods for the healthy growth of children who are three, five, and seven years old. Prayers are offered for the harvest and labor to the gods of the 24 shrines in Urahoro Town. |
December 31 | New Year's Eve Purification Ceremony and Nightfall Festival is held to purify the sins and impurities of the year from the body and soul using dolls, and to pray for good health in the New Year. |
December 30 to January 5 | The shrine grounds are illuminated. |

Onnenai Visitor Center

Admission | Free |
Opening Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 April - October 9:00 to 16:00 November - March |
Closed | Tuesdays New Year Holidays |
Contact | 011-5465-2323 |
Notes | Museum, information center, restrooms, *wheelchair access, walking paths *contact center prior to arrival for special parking access |
Location / Getting There | About 40 minutes by car from Kushiro Station, there is a parking lot along Route 53. For public transport take the 'Akan Bus' Tsurui Line / Hororo Line to the Onnenai Visitor Center Bus Stop. The center is a 5 minutes walk away from the parking. Onnenai, Tsurui, Akan District, Hokkaido 085-1145 |
The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland. It is a point of contact between the marsh and the forest that leads down to the national park. It is here, that visitors can learn about the marsh, take a break, plus enjoy the walking courses throughout the year.
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At the center, via video panels, you can learn about the plants and animals that live in the national park. This area can be visited in any season. The lush greenery in spring, the golden leaves in autumn, the winter snow, and during the summer months of July and August, you can see the marsh lit by the glow of fireflies. Cross-country skiing is possible in the winter, and you can rent skis and snowshoes free of charge from the facility. There are three separate walking courses from the center. The shortest being a short ten minute course. the middle course is 2 kilometers, and the longest course is around 3.1 kilometers. Free and paid guided nature walks are available. Cross-country skiing is possible in the winter, and you can rent skis and snowshoes free of charge from the facility.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Admission | Free |
Opening Hours | 9:30 - 16:30 |
Closed | Wednesday |
Contact | 0154-56-2345 |
Notes | National park, parking available, walking trails, museum |
Location / Getting There | The national park is to the north of Kushiro City. It is about a 25 minute drive north from the centre of the city. To get an observation deck overlooking the marshland, take the JR train to Kushiroshitsugen Station (4 stops from Kushiro station) via the Semmo Line. 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 084-0922 |
The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. ‘Shitsugen’ translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation. The park also contains the largest tracts of reed beds in Japan! The Kushiro river, which originates from Lake Kussharo, winds its way through much of the park and ends in the harbor of Kushiro City.
In 1967, the wetlands were designated as a national natural monument. For this reason, access to the park is limited to keep the preservation of the area. There observation points to view the marshlands. These being the Toro Sarurun Observatory, the Yumegaoka Observatory, the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, and the Tenbo Terrace. From these vantage points you can enjoy the marshlands. There are a couple of small walking trails near these observatories. The vegetation of the park consists reeds, peat moss wetlands, and black alder thickets. The wild species that can be seen here include the red crowned crane, huchen salmon, siberian salamander, and dragonflies.
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Iruka Bar

Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥660 - ¥770 per drink ¥1000 food |
Opening Hours | 19:00 - 03:00 |
Closed | Sundays |
Contact | 011-1520-6610 |
Notes | Bar, no sit down charge, smoking, seating 15, seafood, sake, shochu, no parking, take out available, Japanese menu only |
Location / Getting There | The bar is located in central Susukino, Sapporo. It is a 3 minute walk from Susukino subway station. The bar is in a small alley just off Susukino Minami Nakadori 3 Chome-6-17 Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0806 |
The Iruka Bar is a great little place in Susukino, Sapporo. The name ‘Iruka’ means dolphin in Japanese. This bar has that cool, dark, laid back, smokey feel to it. The staff and the owner are very friendly and welcoming. This place seems to be a hidden popular go to place for the locals, especially for those who want to unwind after a day at work. The background jazz music really adds to the atmosphere. It is a small place, and it is a smoking establishment, so be warned for those who don’t want to be in a smoky bar.
The bar is best for drinking alone, couples, and only small groups as there are only a couple of small tables and a counter. The menu, is only in Japanese. This bar is popular for its extensive sake list. There are many different kinds of shochu here as well to enjoy. And what goes well with sake? Seafood. If you love oysters, Iruka has some large oysters that can be had raw, or cooked. Both are delicious! For around ¥500, you can also enjoy other seafood dishes, plus pickled dishes, chicken, and noodles. They have a take out option as well! This is a great bar to check out. It’s down a small alleyway, and up a narrow flight of stairs.

Bar Lit 9

Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥600 per drink ¥500 sit down charge |
Opening Hours | 20:00 - 03:00 |
Closed | Mondays |
Contact | - |
Notes | Bar, sit down charge, no parking |
Location / Getting There | The bar is located in central Susukino, Sapporo. It is a 3 minute walk south down the main road from Susukino subway station. Take elevator to the 9th floor. Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Minami 6 Jonishi, 3-chome, New Olympia Building 9F |
Bar Lit 9 is a cool little bar located in downtown Susukino, Sapporo. It is in the New Olympia building, on the 9th floor. It is run by the super friendly owner, Kaori. She is always happy to have a chat and to keep the good times flowing. There is a large counter area as well as a few tables that can fit up to four people. This bar opened in 2021 and due to the popularity of the owner, it has its regulars who come in to enjoy the atmosphere. At the bar you can find an array of cocktails plus beer on tap.
As with most establishments in the area, there is a sit down charge of ¥500. This place is good for any situation, whether you are on your own, on a date, or with a group of friends. There is an all you can drink option which is great for parties. The bar is quite easy to find. On the main street that runs down the center of Susukino, look for a bar called Bar España. There is an entrance to the elevator next to this bar. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and Bar Lit 9 is around the corner. Their door is always open which is a plus when deciding on a bar to go. Pop your head in and have a drink. It’s a fun place!