Category: Outdoors
Ko Park Camping Ground
Cost per night | ¥2000 large tent ¥700 small tent |
Open | April - November |
Closed | Winter |
Contact | - |
Notes | Lakeside campsite, Washing area, Toilets, Parking, Summer night time fireworks |
Location / Getting There | Located on the northern side on Lake Toya. 2 hour drive from Sapporo 100 Tōyamachi, Toyako, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5802 |
The Ko Park Camping Ground can be found on the northern shores of Lake Toya. It a nice strip of grassland where you can pitch your tent, overlooking the placid water of the lake. By the campground there are sculptures, a wisteria orchard, a beach area, plus a small shrine, and a nice walking path around the grounds. It is also within a five minute walk to Ukimido Park. The campground is easily accessed via the road, and there is a parking lot right next the grounds.
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The campground has toilet facilities and also a garbage disposal area to keep the area clean. Everyday, the ground staff (wearing orange jackets) will come around and charge the fee depending on your size of tent, so keep your wallet handy. When it comes to food, fires contained within a cooking stove is allowed. There is a convenience store about a ten minute walk away. Across from the campground is a Vietnamese restaurant (though often closed), and a Japanese izakaya, and also, down the road is Cafe Lake Toya. Last but not least, at 20:45 there is a fireworks display which can be seen on the other side of the lake. The fireworks display is held every night, except for winter.
Toyohira River
Length | 72 kilometres |
Things to do | Tennis courts, Baseball courts Basketball courts, Park golf Soccer fields, Bicycle path BMX track |
Getting There | Runs along eastern side of Sapporo station. Closest station to Toyohira River is 'Nakajima Park Station'. From here it is a 5 minute walk east. |
Toyohira River originates in Mt.Oizari, (Oizaridake) and winds its way down past Jozankei, to Sapporo before combining with the mighty Ishikari river before ending up in Ishikari bay. The lengthy river measures at 72 kilometers, and is the main river that flows past the city of Sapporo. The river is flanked by two paths that run along its banks. These paths are popular for runners, joggers, and cyclists who can enjoy the views for kilometer after kilometer. And of course, there are lots of fishing spots!
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If you are not jogging, taking a stroll, or walking the dog, there is plenty to do along river. There are a few open tennis courts set up to enjoy, basketball courts, a BMX track, play areas for the kids, plenty of baseball grounds and park golf courses that are available through spring, summer, and autumn. There is a tonne of open space that can be enjoyed by everybody. Throughout the year, there area a couple of events held along the river. During the summer they have a firework event, and in October there is the Sapporo Marathon.
Mt. Haruka
Height | 907m / 2962ft |
Length | 12km round trip |
Hiking Time | Winter - 4 hours to summit Summer - 3 hours to summit |
Notes | Cabin available (booking required 011-571-5111) Overnight stay ¥800 per person |
Location / Getting There | Take the National Road 5 国道5号線, 30 minute drive from Sapporo. 30 minute walk to trail head from Zenibako station. Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301 |
This relatively easy hike is a popular trail, especially for locals. For those not heading to the top, there are places along the way to forage for wild mushrooms. To get to the trail head, take the National Road 5 国道5号線, turn left (coming from Sapporo), turn right (coming from Otaru) at the intersection between a 7-11 and a Ralse Supermarket. Follow this road through a residential area up to the trail head. Alternatively, it is a thirty minute walk from Zenibako JR station. You can make this a great day trip, or stay overnight at a cabin which can be found three quarters of the way up.
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The cabin that can be found is a two story structure and is well kept. It was built in 1960, and since 1974 it is operated as a welfare facility of Tokai University. Be warned, you will need to reserve the cabin in advance if you wish to stay the night! The custodian who stays there runs a tight ship, but the facilities there are great. There is a toilet and cooking facilities here, bunk beds and a warm stove can be found here also. The start of the hike is on a gradual incline making for a pleasant walk. After the cabin, the trail gets quite steep and is a thirty minute trek to the top.
Makamonai Park
Admission | - |
Opening Hours | - |
Closed | - |
Contact | 011-581-1961 |
Notes | Running circuit Ice skating facilities Futsal facilities Tennis facilities Hiking tracks |
Location / Getting There | 10 minute walk from Makamonai subway station. 1-3-1 Makomanai-koen, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0017 |
Opened in 1975, Makomanai Park is a city park that is located in the southern ward of Sapporo city. The park is also home to Makamonai Open Stadium, the Makamonai Ice Arena, and the Sapporo Salmon Museum. Makamonai Park was also the main site of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. Before that, the site was originally used for the Hokkaido dairy! There is also a hiking trail at the back of the park. This relatively easy hike leads to Monami Park, which is a nice smaller park, that also runs along Toyohira river.
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This huge park, at 85 hectares, is extremely popular for jogging, running, or just taking a stroll around. With over 10km of paths, it is the perfect spot to get some exercise, all the while taking in the natural surroundings whether it be in winter, autumn, or the warmer seasons. Makamonai Park is especially beautiful during the autumn, where you can catch the changing colors of the leaves which starts early October. During the winter there is outdoor and indoor ice skating at the Makamonai Open Stadium, and the Makamonai Ice Arena.
Nakafurano Forest Park Camping Ground
Cost per night | Free |
Open | June 23 - August 31 |
Contact | 0167-44-2122 http://www.town.nakafurano.lg.jp |
Check-in times | 13:00 to 17:00 |
Notes | Toilets on site Kitchen area No open fires allowed Stove fires allowed Parking available 2 nights maximum stay |
Location / Getting There | 15 minute drive past central Furano. 〒 071-0705 Hokkaido, Sorachi District, Nakafurano, Nishi Line 1 north No.13 |
Furano is a hugely popular tourist destination especially during the summer months when the lavender and flowers are in full bloom. July through to the end of August is the busy season. If you are looking for cheap accommodation, or doing a road trip and camping along the way, the Nakafurano Forest Park Camping Ground is a great option. It is located only two minutes away from the Saika no Sato Lavender Farm, and the Nakafurano Flower Park, which are both great places to see some flowers and get some photos.
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The camping ground itself is not large but there are enough spots for around fifteen campers. The camping spots are by a nice pine forest, which makes for nice padding, on the pine needle covered ground. The camping ground is free, and parking for cars is free too! During the busy season, it is a good idea to book ahead, especially on the weekend. There are three small buildings located on the grounds. One is the office to check in at, the other is small kitchen area for washing, and the last building is a well kept toilet facility. Open fires are prohibited, though fires for stoves are allowed.
Toya Marine Boat Rental
Pricing Guide | Swan boat with engine ¥2500 - 20 minutes ¥3000 - 30 minutes |
Swan boat ¥1500 - 30 minutes |
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Pedal boat ¥1200 - 20 minutes |
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Rowboat ¥1000 - 60 minutes |
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Speedboat lake tour ¥1800 per adult ¥600 per child (ages 6 to 12) |
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Opening Hours | 8:00 - 17:00 |
Closed | - |
Contact | 0142-75-3467 http://toyamarine.com/ |
Notes | Fishing boats available to rent Boat tours available |
Location / Getting There | Southern coast of Lake Toya 〒 052-0103 Hokkaidō, Usu-gun, Sōbetsu-chō, Sōbetsuonsen, 62 Sonmyo Onsen 62 |
Located on the southern shores of Lake Toya, there are a couple of places to rent some boats so you can not only enjoy the views from the shore, but from on the lake itself. There are a few options on which watercraft to get. Starting with the cheapest, there is the rowboat which is for two people, where you can take it easy at a slow place. Next is an old style pedal boat (if you don’t feel like rowing), which has a capacity of two people. For groups of four, there is the swan paddle boat, which is fun for the whole family! Lastly, if you feel like taking it easy, there is a motor powered swan boat. The engine is only two horsepower, so no license is necessary.
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Of course, if you want to see more of the lake, then there are speedboats that are available to take a tour with from April to November. There are seats for nine or twelve people, and the tour will take you around Nakajima island in the middle offering some great lake views. There are a couple of different courses that are available. Jet skis are also available for hire though a license is needed. If you are interested in fishing, there are also fishing boats that can be rented for the day.
If you want a nice relaxing day and want to go fishing, then there are plenty of fish in the lake. Lake Toya has brown trout, rainbow trout, carp, to name a few. These fish can also be found in the adjoining rivers. What better way then to spend the day on the lake, taking in the scenery and enjoying the clear waters. For boats with engines, a boat license is needed. Reservations are required.
Pricing Guide
Yamaha 14ft
¥9,500 - full day
¥5,500 - half day
Yamaha 16ft
¥10,500 - full day
¥6,500 - half day
Rental Hours 4:00 - 19:00
Closed Winter (December to March)
Contact 0142-75-3467
http://toyamarine.com/