Kotan Hachiman Shrine

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Kotan Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1856 and was officially named a township shrine in 1875. It was listed as a local shrine on the 28th of April 1911. The purpose of the shrine is to follow the great principles of the deity, Hondawake no Mikoto. Hondawake no Mikoto is also more commonly known as the Emporer Ōjin. Read More ....

Otaru Canal Museum & Information Center

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Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the 'former Otaru warehouse'. Read More ....

Tokai Lavender Fields

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On the Tokai Sapporo School campus the grounds really comes alive with lavender. It is said that the south district of Sapporo, where the campus is located, is known as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan. Read More ....

Urahoro Shrine

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During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe). Read More ....

Onnenai Visitor Center

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland. Read More ....

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation. Read More ....

Kushiro Marsh Observatory

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Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos. Read More ....

Obihiro Shrine

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In 1881, a man named Benzo Yoda and others from Shizuoka Prefecture organized a pioneer group called the "Bansei-sha". This group and settled inShimo-Obihiro Village and started pioneering. During this time, they started holding festivals and later built a small shrine, though the connection with the current Obihiro Shrine is still not well known. Read More ....

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Morappu Campsite (Lake Shikotsu)

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Admission	Overnight - Adults - ¥800 Elementary School Kids - ¥500 Infants over 4 yrs - ¥300 Infants under 4 yrs - free *Just for the day it is ¥200 cheaper
Opening Hours	Administration : 9:00 - 17:00
Closed	"Early" October - April 27th (Winter)*
Contact	PH : 0123-25-2201 FAX : 0123-25-2202
Notes	Car needed Free parking available Toilets & amenities on site Camping gear NOT available to rent BBQ equipment available to rent Wheelchair access *Closing date changes yearly. Date is NOT decided until just before end of season.
Location / Getting There	Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsu-ko) Take route 453 from Sapporo - turn right onto route 276. Take route 16 from Chitose and turn onto route 453.

Hows the serenity

Morappu Campsite is located on the southern shores of Lake Shikotsu, which makes it a serene place to camp out under the stars and next to clear, calm waters. Getting to the campsite, you will need transport. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Sapporo and about an hour from Chitose by car. Simply get onto to route 453. Follow this road until you get to route 276. Turn right onto route 276 and follow this road for about 10 minutes, the campsite entrance is on the right. The entrance is on a a bend and can be missed so keep an eye out for the signs.

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Lots to do on the lake

There is plenty of space to camp along the shores though its best to get there early, especially in the peak season (mid August). Upon entering the site, there will be an administration building where you will need to pay to enter. If the building is closed you can still go in and pay the next day. There is parking for up to 150 cars. Once in, there are carts to help you move your gear to the lake shore.

The campsite is along the shore of pebbles of the lake, so something comfortable to sleep on, is advised. Extra equipment is NOT available to rent, ONLY basic BBQ equipment such as grill and coal. All other equipment must be supplied by yourself. Other facilities include toilets that are well kept, a restaurant during the day, vending machines, and the rental shop.

: Clear waters

: Great views

Choose your swan!

The deep waters are crystal clear and stay at a cold temperature all year round, perfect for cooling off in the summer. The waters are also popular for fishing, canoeing and paddle boarding. There are boats and swan paddle boats available to rent. To rent a boat it cost ¥1000 per hour, and fits up to 2 people. To rent swan paddle boats for 3 people, it costs ¥1500 for 30 minutes, and for 4 people it’s ¥2000 for 30 minutes. The lake is 78 square km so there is a lot space to roam!