Ko Park Camping Ground

Cost per night¥2000 large tent
¥700 small tent
OpenApril - November
ClosedWinter
Contact-
NotesLakeside 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

 

Wisteria orchard

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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One of the artworks along the campground

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.

 

 

Hokkaido University Festival

Dates1st weekend of June (3 days)
Opening Hours9:00 - 22:00
Contactkagai@academic.hokudai.ac.jp
NotesAlcohol not permitted, no parking
Location /
Getting There
5 minute walk from Sapporo station. Take the north exit from the station, head one block north. The university is on the left hand side
5 Chome Kita 8 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808


 

International food festival

The Hokkaido University Festival, also known as Hokudai-sai, is a three day event that is held at the start of June. It is a popular festival for the locals of Sapporo. The event allows the students to show the public their skills and cultural backgrounds. The event is actually compromised of ten festivals which are held down the main street of the campus in stalls, plus some of the surrounding buildings. One of the main attractions is the International Food Festival where you can sample foods from all over the world! These stalls are run by the international students attending the university.




One of the cosplayers

Besides the International Food area, there are further stalls set up along the road. These stalls sell Japanese cuisine, and include games and events. There are student performances on stage, a rock festival, haunted house, and a cosplay event. Simply take a long stroll down the main road that runs through the campus and take in the sights and smells. The stalls run for a few hundred meters so there is a lot to see! The event starts during the first week of June and runs through the weekend. If you are in Sapporo around that time, make sure to put the Hokkaido University Festival into your schedule.



East Chitose BBQ

East Chitose BBQ

Pricing Guide
(Avg. cost per person)
¥1200 - ¥2200
Opening Hours10:30am - 6pm
ClosedWednesdays
Contact0123-21-3750
NotesNeed 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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East Chitose BBQ

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!