Toyohira River

Length72 kilometres
Things to doTennis courts, Baseball courts
Basketball courts, Park golf
Soccer fields, Bicycle path
BMX track
Getting ThereRuns along eastern side of Sapporo station.
Closest station to Toyohira River is 'Nakajima Park Station'. From here it is a 5 minute walk east.

 


豊平川

Toyohira high up near Jozankei

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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豊平川

Sapporo half marathon along the river

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

Height907m / 2962ft
Length12km round trip
Hiking TimeWinter - 4 hours to summit
Summer - 3 hours to summit
NotesCabin 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

 


Cool sights along the path

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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Ginjinso cabin

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-
Contact011-581-1961
NotesRunning 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

 


One of the many paths

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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A popular spot in Autumn

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 nightFree
OpenJune 23 - August 31
Contact0167-44-2122
http://www.town.nakafurano.lg.jp
Check-in times13:00 to 17:00
NotesToilets 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

 


Camping beneath the pines

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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Facilities

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

Toya Marine Boat Rental lake toya

Pricing Guide
Swan boat with engine
¥2500 - 20 minutes
¥3000 - 30 minutes
Swan boat
¥1500 - 30 minutes
Pedal boat
¥1200 - 20 minutes
Rowboat
¥1000 - 60 minutes
Speedboat lake tour
¥1800 per adult
¥600 per child (ages 6 to 12)
Opening Hours8:00 - 17:00
Closed-
Contact0142-75-3467
http://toyamarine.com/
NotesFishing 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



Swan paddle boats

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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Rental booth

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 Hours4:00 - 19:00
ClosedWinter (December to March)
Contact0142-75-3467
http://toyamarine.com/

Keikoku Park Camping Ground

Cost per nightFree
OpenApril - November
Contact0158-29-3399
NotesSmall campsite
Covered cooking area
Washing area
Toilets
Onsen nearby
Location /
Getting There
5 min. drive from Takinoue city center
〒099-5604 Hokkaidō, Monbetsu-gun, Takinoue-chō, Kamishokotsugenya.


Camping area

Small grass area

If you are out and about taking in the sights of Takinoue, and camping is an option, then Keikoku Park Camping Ground is a good choice to pitch your tent! This camping ground is not your common camping ground, and can be easily missed at first glance. It is a small grass area located in front of a park golf course, and next to an open hut area for barbecuing. The best thing about this camp ground is that it’s free, which is becoming rarer to find in Hokkaido. It may be small, but it has everything you need!


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Park Golf Building & restrooms

Keikoku Park has a large park golf course on the grounds, and it is at the large park golf building, that you can check in to the camping ground. The park golf building reception closes at 17:00, but the building remains open all night and this where you will find the restrooms (though no showers). There is a large parking lot in front the park golf building so parking is not a problem, AND, if you are planning on staying a few nights there is an onsen down the road to clean up and refresh. The onsen can be found at the Takinoue Valley Hotel and costs ¥440 per adult and ¥160 per child.


Cooking and BBQ area

The camp ground is located near all the good sightseeing spots. While in Takinoue, be sure to see the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival. It is the main attraction during May. The campground is also across from Kaori no Sato Herb Garden, which is a fantastic place to visit. If you head over and across the park golf course, and over a walkway bridge, it will lead down to a fantastic walking track which runs the length of Takinoue Gorge , which leads into the town. There is also the Takinoue City Museum which is a five minute walk away, and for the kids, there is a huge play gym in front of the camping ground!