| Length | Path along river is 2.7 km one way |
| Notes | Photography spot Wheelchair access |
| Location | 5 minute walk from Keikoku Park. 10 minute walk from Takinoue park |
Fishing spot
Takinoue Gorge (Kinsenkyo) is a hidden gem in the pleasant town of Takinoue and is formed from the Shokotsu River that flows from east to west. The gorge has a fantastic walking track that runs on both sides of the river offering great views down the gorge, and was voted as one of Hokkaido’s top hundred tourist spots for its breathtaking scenery. The path runs for 2.7km one way, starting from the rainbow bridge to the Keikoku Park Camping Ground. This river is a popular spot for fly fishing and was one of the first places in Japan to introduce the catch and release system. If you enjoy fishing this is a great spot to catch some rainbow trout. This river is beautiful in all seasons, especially in the autumn, as the leaves turn.
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Rainbow Bridge & Dragon falls
Along the trail there are some nice spots for photos, such as the Rakuyo Falls. There is a small observation point that overlooks the falls, making it a good spot for photos.There are a number of small waterfalls and tributaries and bridges along the path. On the western end of the river, you will find the rainbow bridge. The rainbow bridge name doesn’t come from old Norse mythology, rather that there is a fountain on the downstream side of the bridge and when the fountain is operating, the suns rays form the rainbow. The two tiered bridge is at the junction of the Shokotsu River and the Sakuru River, where they meet and form the ‘Water Dragon Waterfall’. The rainbow bridge offers views over these rivers, as well as Takinoue Park. On the second level of the bridge there is a slide for the kids down to the first level.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 16:30 |
| Closed | November - April |
| Contact | 0158-29-3400 |
| Notes | Fragrance House restaurant Wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | 3 and a half hour drive from Sapporo 2 hour drive from Asahikawa 〒099-5600, 19 Kamishokotsugenya, Takinoue, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido 099-5600 |
View from the top of the hill
While in Takinoue, be sure to visit the Kaori no Sato Herb Garden. It is open during the warmer months from June to September. Covering 40,000 square meters, these gardens are filled with subtle fragrances and beautiful colors. An interesting fact about the town of Takinoue is that it’s Japans biggest producer of peppermint, and it is here that it can be found. Besides the peppermint, there are over three hundred kinds of herbs that are grown here! Feel free to wander around, where you can also enjoy the views from the hill.
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A nice spot for lunch
At the top of the gardens, you will find not only the parking, but the Fragrance House restaurant and shop. The building has a very European design to its architecture and it’s a great spot to have some lunch, or relax and enjoy the views while sipping on the many herbal teas sold here. Fragrance House also has a cheese hamburg set, pastas, a herb pizza, fried rice and a delicious homemade herb sausage. During the summer, Fragrance house also has a choice of peppermint or vanilla ice cream. After lunch you can also pop into the adjacent building called the ‘Kew Palace herb craft center’ and make unique herbal goods such as potpourris, wreaths and sachets, to add a little zest to your daily life.
| Lunch menu (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 |
| Tea | ¥400 |
| Ice cream | ¥300 |
| Dates | Early May to early June |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (no illumination) |
| Entry fee | ¥500 Adults ¥250 Children |
| Contact | 0158-29-2730 http://takinoue.com/ |
| Notes | Parking available Best viewing time - Mid may Helicopter tour available |
| Location / Getting There | 3 and a half hour drive from Sapporo. 2 hour drive from Asahikawa Takinoue Park, Motomachi, Takinoue, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido 099-5604 |
Moss pink
From the start of May to the start of June, the small town of Takinoue displays its most famous sightseeing spot, the Takinoue Park Shibazakura. Shibazakura, also known as ‘moss pink’, or ‘creeping phlox’ is an evergreen mat that blooms five-petaled flowers in rose, mauve, blue, white, or pink during the spring. This festival began in 1956 and Takinoue, at 100,000 square meters, is literally covered from top to bottom with millions of these beautiful flowers, making the park an extraordinary place to visit in the spring! The best time to visit being in mid May.
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Phlox House
There are many paths in which to wander around the hillside and get some photos. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then why not view the whole park from the air? At ¥5000 per adult, you can take a six minute helicopter ride that will take you over Takinoue Park. The flowers and festival lasts for a month in which there are stage events and stalls. Also located at the park is the ‘Phlox House’ where you can buy some souvenirs, have a coffee, take a rest, or try a ‘Shibazakura ice cream’. Restrooms are also located here.
Takinoue is a small town, which means there is no train station unfortunately. For those without their own transport, to get to Takinoue it is advised to rent a car from Sapporo or take the train to Asahikawa and rent a car from there. For car rentals in Asahikawa, you can check the Asahikawa rental site by clicking here . It will take some time to drive there and it is recommended to stay at least one day in Takinoue, as there are other things to see!
| Cost per night | Adults - ¥800 Elementary School Kids - ¥400 Dog - ¥200 Bungalows: ¥5000 - ¥8000 |
| Opening Hours | 13:00 - 17:00 : Check in 6:00 - 11: 00 : Check out Administrative building 7:30 - 20:00 Restaurant (mutton) 11:00 - 17:00 Shower 18:00 - 19:30 Deck opening from 18:00 - 19:30 |
| Open | April 27th - October 9th |
| Contact | 090-1302-1422 http://www.hoshioka.com/camprental.html |
| Notes | 20 Campsites 6 bungalows Parking available Bathroom & Shower on site All camp gear available for rental Wood available Dogs allowed |
| Location / Getting There | 25 minute drive from Furano station 〒071-0711 Hokkaido, Sorachi District, Nakafurano, Nakafurano Beberui |
Plenty of space
This large campground located in the gorgeous mountains of Furano is a fantastic spot to camp! Hoshinitenotodokuoka Camping Ground has everything you need, whether you are camping with the bare minimum, caravaning, or staying at one of the cozy bungalows on site. The grass fields on which to camp are well kept, with small stone fire pits at each site for use. Upon arriving, (parking is ¥200 per vehicle), choose your site and then pay at the main building on the grounds. The staff here are extremely friendly and happy to help with anything you require.
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Bungalows at the back
At this large administration building, the office will all have camping gear to buy and for hire, such as tents, tarps, gas burners, lights, sleeping bags ( detailed price list is at the end of this article). There are twenty campsites to choose from, and six large log bungalows that are available to stay at. Reservations can be made via phone or by email. If the reservation of a bungalow is cancelled within seven days, the full price must be payed. After setting up your tent, or settling into your cabin, sit down relax and enjoy the peace and stunning sunset and night views.
| 4 person bungalow with terrace | ¥8000 per night. 4 single beds |
| 4 person bungalow with loft | ¥7000 per night. 4 single beds. |
| 4 person bungalow with loft | ¥6500 per night. 1 Bunk bed & 2 futon beds. |
| 4 person bungalow | ¥6000 per night. 2 bunk beds. |
| 2 person bungalow with deck | ¥5000 per night. 2 single beds + futon set |
| Notes | No pets allowed inside. Shower & toilet not included. Bungalows have lighting and heating Kerosene is available ¥500 Cooking on BBQ out front only |
Stunning sunsets
Hoshinitenotodokuoka Camping Ground is located high in the hills, outside of the center of Furano. It is peaceful and quiet, and is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and more so for its spectacular 360 degree views of the starry skies! Those who enjoy photography, bring a tripod! There is no electricity on site, though large crates of firewood are for sale at ¥500. Rules require no fireworks, large parties or loud music after 21:00. In the morning you may be greeted by some woolly guests. The campsite has some sheep on site and come to graze in the morning (popular with the campers).
Near the camp ground
On the grounds of the campsite there is a rabbit hut, which is also popular with the kids. For ¥100, you can buy some food and feed them all (there are about 30 of the little animals). Apart from the rabbit hutch, there is jingisukan (mutton) restaurant that is open for lunch and an early dinner. So, what else is there to do around the Furano area? During the summer months, Furano is alive with flowers. Near the campsite there is also a river, which is only a 10 minute drive away. This river has rainbow trout and salmon so it’s a great fishing spot! It’s also great for swimming. And lastly, there is the “Fukiage Hot Spring Outdoor Bath”, which is about a 30 minutes drive from the campground. A popular natural mixed onsen, where you can wear swimwear if need be.
| Tent 4 - 6 people | ¥1800 |
| Tent 2 - 3 people | ¥1500 |
| Tent 1 person | ¥1000 |
| Tarp | ¥1500 |
| Lantern | ¥700 / ¥300 |
| Futon (for bungalows) | ¥500 |
| Kerosene stove Charcoal grilling stove | ¥500 |
| Dinnerware set | ¥400 |
| Sleeping bag | ¥300 / ¥100 |
| Table | ¥300 |
| Water tank | ¥200 |
| Chair | ¥200 |
| Cutting board | ¥200 |
| Blanket | ¥100 |
| Mosquito coils | ¥100 |
| Firestarter | ¥200 |
| Coal | ¥600 |
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 - ¥2500 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:00 (15:00 last order) 28 April - 31 October |
| Closed | Winter - November to April |
| Contact | 0123-39-2051 |
| Notes | Vegetable buffet Western style restaurant |
| Location / Getting There | 40 minute drive from Sapporo station 20 minute drive from New Chitose Airport 〒061-1421 Hokkaido, Eniwa, Makiba, 277−4 |
Buffet style lunch
Forest Ten-Man Restaurant is located on the grounds of Ecorin Village and is a great place to get some lunch. Fitting in the environmental theme of gardening, and farming, Forest Ten-Man Restaurant has an all vegetable and fruit buffet style menu, with some delicious dishes on the serving tables. It also has a couple of delicious hamburg steaks as well. You can enjoy a nice lunch in the beautiful wooden interior of the restaurant. There are also nice views overlooking the grounds of the Galaxy Gardens, especially with outdoor seating available as well.
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Pork hamburg & cheese sauce
To accompany the food there is beer, wine, and juice. The buffet counter has a huge selection of salads to choose from, soups, pastas, rice and a good selection of fresh vegetables. The farming area in Eniwa produces a lot of fresh produce and it is here, where you can taste it. There are two sauces for the pork hamburg dishes, being a cheese sauce or a demi-glace sauce. There is the option to have the vegetable buffet with the steaks, at an extra price which is recommended to have the best of both worlds!
