Lake Sapporo

札幌湖
AreaSize 78.4 km²
Depth 363 m
Things to seeJozankei Dam
NotesScenic drive, photography spot, toilets at lake, observation deck, parking available
Getting ThereThe 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!

Kanayama Lake

かなやま湖
Places of Interest Kanayama Lavender Fields
Kanayama Dam
Kodakara Shrine
Kanayamo Forest Park Camping Ground
NotesWalking trails, National park, Camping grounds, Canoeing
Getting ThereLocated along route 465 in Minami Furano (South Furano) district. 2 hour drive north east from Sapporo. 40 minute drive south from Furano. Closest station is Higashi-Shikagoe Station, along the Nemuro line. 5 minute walk to the lake from the station.

In Central Hokkaido located in the district of Minami Furano you can find the impressive Lake Kanayama. This narrow lake stretches for about ten kilometers and is surrounded by wooded mountains. It is formed from the Sorachi River among half a dozen others. It is a very picturesque place to visit, and is a good stop over point of you are driving from Sapporo to Furano via the backroads. On its central northern edge there is the Kanayama Forest Park, which is home to the Kanayamakohan Camping Ground, plus the beautiful Lake Kanayama Lavender Fields. On the eastern edge of the lake, there is the Kanayama Dam.

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Along the lake you can often find a few fishermen, but if you want to get a closer look on the lake , then there is a fun canoeing tour that is available for the public! To rent out the canoes, you can talk to the staff at the Kanayama Camping Ground, as this is where the tour starts. The large canoes fit a maximum of five people (2 adults and 3 children) and the tour is overseen by a guide. Tours are from April to September and run for 1 hour 30 minutes. The canoes are available from 6:00 until 16:00. Guide, insurance, plus equipment is all included in the price, which is ¥5000 per canoe (cash only). There are five canoes so a maximum of up to 25 people!

 
 

Funsui Hiroba Fountain Square

AdmissionFree admission
Opening HoursAll day
Closed-
Contact0142-75-2446
NotesWalking esplanade, foot spas, ferry point, photo spot, fireworks viewing point
Location /
Getting There
Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, between the lake and the hotels
049-5721 Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Toyako, Tōyakoonsen, Route 2

 

Nice walk along the path

The Funsui Hiroba Park (also known as Fountain Square), acts as a park for kids to play in, and also as a boardwalk that hugs the southern shore of Lake Toya. From the park, the path runs along the lake for about 500 meters. The park is dotted with splendid statues, and during the evening it is where you can view the Lake Toya firework display that is held nightly throughout the whole summer and autumn (from the end of April to the end of October). Along the path, there are plenty of places to stop and admire the lake.


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Perfect spot to take rest

As the path can take you on a long stroll, there is a place along the way to rest those weary feet. There is a small foot bath, the ‘Toron Foot Spa’ where you can take a seat, bathe your feet in the hot spring and take in the views of the lake. The footbath is free to use. It is also, along this road, you can take the ferry to the inner island of Lake Toya, known as ‘Nakanoshima’. The ferry makes the short journey across every thirty minutes. There is also a boat rental spot on the waters edge if you feel like exploring the lake a little further.



NAC Niseko Adventures

Price¥6150 per person *Average price
Office Hours8:00 - 21:00
Closed-
ContactTel: +81-136-23-2093
Fax: +81-136-23-2094
Mail: info@nacadventures.jp
http://www.nacadventures.jp/en/
Notes Summer Outdoor Activites
White water rafting
Mountain biking
Trekking
Canyoning
Stand up paddling
Adventure park

Winter Outdoor Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding lessons
Deep powder runs
Snowshoeing
Location /
Getting There
Central Niseko. 2 hour drive from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport
179-53 Yamada, Kutchan-chō, Abuta-gun, Hokkaidō 044-0081, Japan


Ducky paddling down the river

NAC Niseko Adventures is the largest adventure company in Japan! Being the first company in the Niseko area to provide adventure tours, and with over seven years experience, they offer safe and fun activities that are fantastic for families and friends! The huge NAC centre is impossible to miss. Located along route 343, it is a well known landmark in Niseko. The building was originally a junior high school gymnasium, which was taken down, moved and then rebuilt at its present location. This monster undertaking by the NAC staff has helped shape the legend of NAC.


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Snowshoeing Treks


With the beautiful and extensive scenery of the Niseko area, NAC offers a huge amount of activities during summer and winter! NAC Niseko’s primary concern is for the safety of their customers. With experienced guides, you can relax and enjoy your adventure in any season. Throughout the year, they deliver adventures that people would not normally have a chance to do! Not only do NAC offer fun adventures, they also have fun activities for kids, and numerous events throughout the year! While in Hokkaido, be sure to take a tour with NAC. Check below for list of activities offered.

Summer Activities
Winter Activities