| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Notes | Beach, camping area, paid parking, BBQ spot, swimming spot, small bars in the summer |
| Location / Getting There | Otaru dream beach is about a 40 minute drive north west from Sapporo. A car is preferable. For those taking public transport, you need to take a train (Hakodate Line) to Otaru and get off at Hoshioki station. From there it is a 50 minute walk so a taxi would be better. Alternatively, the bus near Hoshioki station is No.81, and that is 5 stops, and from then it is a 30 minute walk to the beach. 3, 70 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido, 047-0261 Japan |
There are two main beaches that the locals of Sapporo go to during the summer. One being Aso Beach Ishikari and the other is Otaru Dream Beach. Ishikari Beach is a quieter and more relaxing place to spend a summer day, where as Otaru Dream beach is a busier spot with more of a party atmosphere. This is mainly due to the fact there are more beach bars that line the sand. These bars serve as small places that serve food and BBQ supplies plus offering tables for beach goers to cook their own food. They also serve alcohol for those to enjoy.
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The ‘beach bars’ are slightly run down and serve only as temporary bars and eateries for a couple of months. They are open until the evening and sometimes kick on until late at night. There is also the occasional beach party event. There is no real accommodation around this long beach but there is a camping ground on the beach. This costs around ¥1000 but if you come late, then you can avoid this. Also parking for cars is about ¥500 for the day. There are signs and collectors near the entrance. This beach is mainly for a younger crowd who enjoy the BBQs and although it is not a particularly clean beach, it is a fun beach. If you are looking for something quieter, Then Ishikari Beach is a better option.
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours 7:00 - 21:00 parking |
| Contact | 011-581-3811 |
| Notes | Walking paths, restrooms, free parking, picnic spot, fishing spot, playground, stage for events, popular in summer |
| Location / Getting There | 35 minute drive south from Sapporo. Located along Toyohira River. Take Ishiyama Dori, route 230 and turn right at the Co-op supermarket. 5 Chome-13 Fujino 1 Jo, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2281 |
Along Toyohira River, there are lots of parks and green spaces to enjoy the river as well as the local area. Jugoshima Park is just one of these parks. It can be found between Sapporo and the onsen district of Jozankei. The park is a huge space of two square kilometres. This tranquil space includes a large grass area, walking trails and the river itself. The great thing about this park is that there are places to have a BBQ along the riverside. There is no better way to enjoy a summers day.
The park is not only popular during the summer months, but during the spring you can see cherry blossoms here! And during the autumn, the leaves turn to beautiful shades of red and gold and this a great spot to get some stunning photos. There are walking paths to wander and enjoy the scenery. The park has covered rest areas as well to stop and take a break. For those with kids, the park has a playground as well as the river which is the perfect size to explore the rick pools and streams. With plenty of parking, Jugoshima Park is a nice spot to check out!
| Dates | First weekend of July |
| Opening Hours | All day |
| Contact | - |
| Location / Getting There | Located in West Sapporo in the suburb of Maruyama. It runs down 6 blocks adjacent to Maruyama subway station. Minami 1 Jo-dori Ave, 25-chōme-2 Minami 1 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0801 |
Street festivals in Japan are a fantastic look into Japanese culture and a great way to enjoy a day, taking in the sights, activities, and the local food. The Omotesando Street Festival is one of these festivals. This festival runs all day and can be found running the length of one of the main streets in the suburb of Maruyama, West Sapporo. It is on on the same day as the Sapporo Craft Beer Forest, which is not too far away. It’s a great idea to check out the Craft Beer Forest event and then finish the rest of the day at the Omotesando Street Festival!
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The day is a real family affair. There is a lot to see and do. Lining both sides of the streets, there are plenty of food stalls. It is here you can grab some local food and enjoy it with a beer, wine or non alcoholic drinks. Local food includes oysters, BBQ chicken, edamame (steamed beans), and shellfish, just to name a few. For the kids, there are magic shows, and game stalls to win a price. The cafes, bars, and restaurants are also open along this street, so its all happening here! On a beautiful sunny day, you can’t beat the street festival.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥2500 - ¥5000 per 2 hours |
| Opening Hours | 16:00 - 23:30 (Last order 23:00) |
| Open | June 27 - August 31 |
| Contact | *011-272-0055 for reservation https://resort.beer/ *011-200-0056 after 14:00 |
| Notes | Outside beer garden, reservations needed, non smoking (special smoking area including e cigarettes), wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Central Sapporo. Located on the roof of Pivot department store. 5 minute walk from Odori subway station 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 4 Chome, PIVOT Rooftop terrace |
The Resort Rooftop is beer garden that is open only during the summer. It is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy one of the many beer gardens spotted around the city during the warmer months. It is a great spot for groups especially as it is spacious, and in the open air it is a relaxing spot to enjoy a beer and some food. Unlike other beer gardens, reservations are needed. Without a reservation, you cannot enter the garden. And unlike other beer gardens, there is an ‘all you can drink’ only. For a set rate of two hours, you can drink as much as you want.
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The beer garden up on the roof of the eleventh floor is divided into different sections. There is table seating under a tent which has heating. For an extra ¥500 there is a comfortable sofa area (which is recommended), and for an extra ¥1000 you can reserve the VIP area which has sofa seats, a heater, and is under cover. There is also a drinking booth where there are three kinds of beers, cocktails and soft drinks. In terms of food, you can order a mixed BBQ, a a Ghengis Khan course, or a Samgyeopsal course with grilled meat. The food you cook yourself over an open BBQ at your table. Of course, if you just want to drink, then just order the flat all you can drink course!
| Cost per night | ¥15,000 Lodge (40m²) power, water & toilet ¥10,000 Cabin (16m²) power & water ¥8,500 Bungalow A (9m²) power & water, deck, chairs ¥8,000 Bungalow B (9m²) power supply ¥6,000 Camper dedicated Power & water ¥5,000 Camp B1 Power supply ¥4,000 Camp B2 ¥700 Motorcycle |
| Open | All year |
| Check in times for lodges & cabins | Check in from 13:00 Checkout from 9:00 - 12:00 |
| Contact | 0142-75-3377 http://www.town.toyako.hokkaido.jp/tourism/outdoor_camp/odc001/#paragraph5286 |
| Notes | Lakeside campsite, Washing area, Toilets, Parking, Camping gear available to rent |
| Location / Getting There | Located on the west side of Lake Toya along the coast road 56 Tsukiura, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5723 |
Lake Toya has a nice coastal drive around it offering beautiful views over the water. There are many hotels to stay at in the onsen district. If you are looking for something out of town and a bit more rustic, then the Green Stay Lake Toya Campsite might be the perfect option for you. The campsite can be found along the main road around the lake, on the western side of Lake Toya. The campground caters to anyone from families, couples to solo bikers on a bike tour. They have lodges, cabins, and tent sites. The campground is enormous which is great fro anyone looking for a little privacy.
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The Green Stay Lake Toya Campsite’s main office can be found near the entrance and parking lot. It is here where you can pay for your stay. They have camping equipment to rent. You can get a tent, sleeping bag, lantern, table for four, camping stand, cooking gear, a BBQ stove, and gas. The price ranges from ¥2000 to ¥200 for your gear. At the main office you can also find benches, washing machines for use, plus maps & guide pamphlets on the activities that you can do around the lake. With plenty of space, well cared for cabins and lawns, this campground is the perfect spot for a little getaway!
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1200 - ¥2200 |
| Opening Hours | 10:30am - 6pm |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Contact | 0123-21-3750 |
| Notes | Need a car to get here! Japanese speaker needed |
| Location | 〒069-1181 Hokkaido Prefecture, Chitose, Higashioka, ９２０ |
Lots of room!
This BBQ spot is a little hidden paradise for BBQ lovers, and if you have access to a car, its a must! Think of This is an old school place that has its own unique layout that has been around for long time! The set up is simple, 2 long pits down the middle of the room heated with embers. Surrounding these is seating enough for up to 80 people. Its a great spot for small groups. The restaurant is family owned and their English ability is low, and as the menu is ALL in Japanese. The restaurant can get busy during peak times so the staff don’t have time to translate the menu so its strongly advised to have some Japanese ability!
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BBQ goodness
The main item on the menu is chicken, in large cuts. Side dishes of cabbage, rice and pickled vegetables are also available. After ordering your chicken the waitress will place it on a grate over the fire and season it to perfection. The rest is up to you! Cook your piece as it roasts in its own juices, delicious. Though be warned, it does get smokey and your clothes will smell of BBQ after and it can get hot from the embers but its all worth it! And while your eating to your hearts content, you can wash it all down with a bottle of beer that are available in the fridge. They have tea, and water for non drinkers, or for the designated driver.
Outside, there is a small lake so its a nice spot to walk around and stretch your legs after filling up on BBQ’d chicken, beer and vegetables. This place has a really great atmosphere, from the sooted rafter down to the heated pits running the length of the building.There’s something very satisfying about getting back to basics and sharing a meal around a fire like in the old days. Highly recommended!
