| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | From the middle of May to the end of October 9:00 - 16:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-598-2513 Jozankei Dam museum http://jozankei.jp/en/jozankei-dam/288 |
| Notes | Free parking Car needed |
| Location / Getting There | 061-2302 Sapporo, Hokkaido , Minami-ku Jozankei 8 10 minute drive from Jozankei |
Jozankei Dam is a great sightseeing spot. Completed in 1989 and measuring at 117 metres, it offers fantastic views over Lake Sapporo and down the river in which it feeds into. Not only does Jozankei Dam have great views, but it also has a museum that is free to enter. The museum displays diorama models of the dams construction, has historical pictures and panels of the local area, and videos and exhibits detailing the electricity system. You will need access to your own transport to get there, though if you are a bit more adventurous, its a good walk from the central onsen district of Jozankei.
There is plenty of parking at the dam if you are driving. There is a trail that leads down to the bottom of the dam which makes for a pleasant walk through the trees and park areas. It makes for a great spot for a picnic, a spot of lunch or to view the autumn leaves in season. The trail to Mt. Kotengu can also be found here. The whole area of Jozankei is nice spot to drive or walk around. While in the area, there is not only Jozankei dam, but also the Ainu Culture Museum, Hakkenzan Winery, Nishiki bridge, as well as all the Onsens!
| 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 | 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!
| Admission | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-27-1133 |
| Notes | Shopping street, sightseeing spot, historical landmarks, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru. The street is down near the harbor. It is a 18 minute walk down from Otaru station. From Sapporo station, take the JR line to Otaru. Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
Otaru is a beautiful harbor town. It is one of those places that has managed to preserve a lot of its history. You can find many old buildings where you can take a stroll back in time here. Sakaimachi street is a hugely popular tourist spot for those who are visiting Otaru. It is here you can find souvenir shops, museums, restaurants, historical buildings, and landmarks. Many of these restaurants and stores are in these historical buildings, many being converted from old warehouses. So, not only can you do some shopping and dining, but you can also get some great photos while on your travels.
Many of the shops along this road sell goods that are connected with Otaru and its history. Being a seaside town, there are plenty of sushi restaurants and crab stores. Glass blowing can also be found in Otaru, so there are many glass and ornamental boutiques. To get to Sakaimachi street from Otaru train station, it is a short walk. After exiting the station it is a ten minute walk straight down heading towards the harbor. One block before reaching Otaru canal, turn right and you will reach the street. For those driving, there are a few paid parking areas around the area.
