| Area | Size 78.4 km² Depth 363 m |
| Things to see | Jozankei Dam |
| Notes | Scenic drive, photography spot, toilets at lake, observation deck, parking available |
| Getting There | The lake is a 50 minute drive from central Sapporo. Head south taking Route 230 heading towards Jozankei. Turn right onto Route 1 just before the town of Jozankei, and head along the 'Otaru Jozankei Road'. This winding road leads to the lake. Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301 |
If you are looking for a nice scenic drive, Lake Sapporo is only an hour away from the central Sapporo. The lake is actually an artificial lake that was formed with the construction of Jozankei Dam in 1989. The drive up crosses over the dam and the winding road has beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The lake has two observation points with ample parking plus toilet facilities. These observation decks offer relaxing views over the lake and are a good spot to get some photos in any season, especially during the autumn and winter.
Besides the views at this peaceful spot, the lake is popular for canoeing and you can also find the occasional fisherman standing at its banks. During the summer, rainbow trout, whitespotted char, and ito fish (an east asian fish from the salmon family) are game to be caught. During the winter, Japanese pond smelt can be found. There are walking paths down to the water from the car parking and if you bring a packed lunch, there are some nice spots to sit and eat. For a nice day out, the drive around the lake is a scenic one, in any season!
| Opening Hours | All day |
| Contact | 011-598-2012 |
| Notes | Autumn leaves viewing spot, parking nearby for 20, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | This bridge is in Jozankei. It's a 15 minute walk or a 3 minute drive from central Jozankei. From Sapporo it's a 45 minute drive. Take route 230 and it's a right hand turn off from this road. 1 Chome-61 Jozankeionsenhigashi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302 |
The town of Jozankei is up in the mountains outside of Sapporo. There are numerous rivers that run through and by it. This landscape makes for some really beautiful scenic spots. The Nishiki Bridge and Maizuru no Toro water pool is one of these locations. The bridge is quite small but it crosses a small gorge that offers a nice view that overlooks Toyohira river. The view is especially stunning during the Autumn. The trees overhang the river and the autumn leaves are reflected in the water creating a kaleidoscope of color. Even during the winter, it is a stunning view.
To get to the bridge you will need a car if coming from Sapporo. There is nowhere to stop and park on the bridge but there is a small parking area just past it. The drive into Jozankei takes about forty five minutes. For those who are staying in the town of Jozankei, it is about a twenty minute walk from the very centre of town. This makes for a nice peaceful stroll where you can take in the views of the mountains and rivers. The river pool, which is part of the river here, is a popular spot for people to canoe along and on occasion you can see people enjoying the water.
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | During the winter (depending on snow conditions) |
| Contact | 011-662-2424 http://www.nankoen.co.jp/gmpmg/ |
| Notes | BBQ area, hiking trails, toilets, playground, BBQ area, park golf, parking for 544 cars |
| Park Golf | 18 holes fee Adults ¥270 / Children ¥120 / 65 years and older ¥180 27 holes fee Adults ¥400 / Children ¥180 / 65 and over ¥270 4-hour ticket Adults ¥700 / Children ¥360 / Over 65 years old ¥500 |
| Location / Getting There | The park is a 20 minute drive west from Sapporo into the mountains. Parking is free. JR Bus 41 "Nishino Fukui Line" departing from JR "Hassamu Station" JR Bus Kotoni 41 Nishino-Fukui Line from "Kotoni Subway Station" It's a 5 minutes walk from "Fukui 10-chome" or get off at "Gotenzan Park" 423 Fukui, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0012 |
This large recreational space (which was originally an old quarry) can be found up in the mountains and was opened in 2009. The park was the first of its kind, found in the west ward of Sapporo. It is easily recognizable by its pyramid shaped mountain overlooking the whole area. The park has BBQ cooking huts for use (enquire at the office), plus a playground for the kids, a ball game space for football and basketball, and a 27 hole park golf course on the grounds. During the summer, there are fireflies that converge at the ‘firefly waterway’ which also has a restored windmill running.
If you want to stretch your legs even further, take a walk up to Mt. Goten which has two viewing platforms. The springtime is especially popular for its beautiful flowers. Even though this large recreational space is up in the mountains it is actually not that far from central Sapporo. It is about a twenty minute drive from central Sapporo. The road winds its way west up through the mountains until you reach the park of Gotenzan. Take advantage of the ample free parking here, that has enough space for 550 vehicles! For those without access to a vehicle, you can take the bus up from Kotoni station in Sapporo.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 - ¥1500 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 20:00 Sapporo store 9:00 - 20:00 Asahikawa main store 9:00 - 16:00 Asahikawa ski links |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-792-8507 Sapporo store 0166-85-6014 Asahikawa main store 0166-72-2311 Asahikawa Ski Links https://www.fukuyoshicafe.com/ |
| Notes | Coffee store, restaurant, soup curry, wifi available, parking available, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in east Sapporo. Car needed to get there (15 minute drive from Sapporo station). From the closest station, Motomachi subway station (Toho Line) it's a 30 minute walk east. 3 Chome-3-3 Fushiko 9 Jo, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0869 *For Asahikawa locations see below |
The Fukuyoshi brand formed in 2013, is the creation of a merger between two Japanese companies dating back over eighty years. The Fukui Seisakusho company (founded in Asahikawa in 1948), and the tea shop “Yoshikawaen” (established in 1945). The result of this merger has bought in three fantastic cafe/restaurants to the Hokkaido region. There are two of these cafes in Asahikawa, and one is the city of Sapporo. At these restaurants you can find some delicious teas, coffees, ice creams, and some great curries, including mouth watering soup curries.
The main cafe in Asahikawa has been renovated from the historic building “Kitajima Flour Mill”, which was built around 1914. The store in Sapporo also has a lovely rustic feel, as it was renovated from a brick stable originally built in 1955. The menu has a lot to choose from with three main type of dishes. Each is equally delicious. Fukuyoshi has soup curries with a dozen to choose from (the hamburger and vegetables curry is delicious), plus they have curry and rice dishes, and they also have hot skillet beef hamburg sets. Fukuyoshi is famous for its coffees and its ice cream so make sure you try these too!
| Opening Hours | 11:30 - 3:00 |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | info@ganso-yokocho.com http://www.ganso-yokocho.com/ |
| Notes | Alley of 17 ramen restaurants, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Sapporo in Susukino district. This small street is just a 2 minute walk from Susukino subway station 3 Chome Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805 |
Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, better known as ‘Ramen Alley’ is a famous street that is often busy with hungry tourists and nationals alike. This small alley is well known for its long history and is also a popular sightseeing spot. It is the birthplace of ‘Miso Ramen’ and is also the first to put ‘Sapporo Ramen’ on the map and make it a nationwide name. Ramen Alley began way back in 1948 with the opening of eight ramen houses. There are now currently 17 different ramen restaurants that line the alley. These ramen stores are often busy with people lining up to get in.
Each store has its own opening and closing times, usually from midday until late at night. The alley itself is open from lunch until the early hours in the morning. You will find the alley can get quite busy around midnight due to many patrons getting hungry after a night out drinking in Susukino. Every restaurant has its own unique style and distinct flavor. Many of the shops have an English menu to cater for the tourists. Ordering is easy and the staff are friendly. If you are in Sapporo, and looking for a good meal while experiencing a little history, look no further than Ramen Alley.
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-32-4111 |
| Notes | Park by Otaru harbor, 32 parking spaces, lunch spot |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru by the water. It's a 14 minute walk from Otaru canal. The park is by the Shin Nihonkai Ferry Otaru Ferry Terminal. 8-1 Chikko, Otaru City 047-0008, Hokkaido |
This is a small park in Otaru. It can be found right by Otaru Harbor and it overlooks Otaru Port. Being next the Shin Nihonkai Ferry terminal, you can get some great views of the ships coming in and all the vessels anchored in the harbor. The park itself has a few odd seafaring items located on the grounds. At the centre of the park, there is a covered landing that has a distinctive boating veneer. It has a crows nest built on top, plus it is flanked by two large anchors, and a small stage for performances.
To one side of the park there is a huge sea buoy to take a look at. It served as a sea anchor for boats and was installed back in 1933. The buoy was capable of anchoring 12,000 tonne class vessels. It has a diameter of four metres and was anchored to the sea bed via a 6 tonne weight attached to an 80 meter chain. It’s a pretty impressive buoy which has some history. Besides this feature, the park benches to sit and have lunch and enjoy the peaceful harbor views. The park is also a popular spot to do some fishing!
