| Admission | - |
| Park Golf | ¥1000 - ¥2000 depending on season |
| Restaurant | ¥1000 - ¥2000 per person |
| Opening Hours | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | https://www.vm-net.ne.jp/elk/ |
| Notes | Park golf, walking paths, Italian restaurant, winery, small parking available |
| Location / Getting There | *By car : from central Sapporo, it takes around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Head south on Route 230 toward Jozankei. Near Fujino, turn at the Fujino 3-2 intersection and continue about 2 km into the hills. Free parking is available on site. *By public transport : take the Namboku Subway Line to Makomanai Station, then transfer to the Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei or Fujino. Get off at “Fujino 4-jo 2-chome,” then it’s about a 7-minute walk to the park. 663 Fujino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2271 |
Nestled on the quiet outskirts of Sapporo, Elk no Mori Park offers a peaceful escape. Surrounded by forests and open green spaces, the park is known for its calm atmosphere, walking trails, and seasonal scenery that changes dramatically throughout the year. In spring and summer, the area comes alive with deep green foliage and fresh mountain air, while autumn paints the park in rich reds, oranges, and golds. Beyond its peaceful walking trails, Elk Nomori Park also has a park golf course and is home to beautiful flower gardens, a small local winery, and a cozy countryside café restaurant that make the area feel like a hidden retreat in the hills of southern Sapporo. Entry is free and there are lots of little nooks and gardens to sit and enjoy.
Set among the vineyards and flower gardens of Elk no Mori Park, カフェ＆レストランヴィーニュ offers a peaceful countryside dining experience just outside the city. The cozy restaurant is known for its handmade pasta, pizza, and seasonal dishes made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients. Large windows overlook the gardens and surrounding greenery, creating a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a quiet lunch or coffee while taking in the natural scenery.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 - ¥2000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:30 - 14:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0133-79-2504 |
| Notes | Cash only, parking available, seating 20 |
| Location / Getting There | By car from Sapporo, it's about a 1.5–2 hours drive Take National Route 231 north along the coast. When you reach Hamamasu, turn near the fishing port area, the restaurant is close to the seaside *This coastal drive is actually really scenic—cliffs, sea views, very “Hokkaido road trip” vibe. 17-3 Hamamasuku Kawashimo, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3106 |
Ishikari is located along the east coast of Hokkaido not too far from Sapporo and just across the roaad from Kawashimo Beach Park. Along the coastal road there a couple of places to stop for a meal. Misaki Shokudo is one of these. At its heart, Misaki Shokudo is a classic syokudō: welcoming, and focused on local dishes rather than presentation. The menu reflects its coastal surroundings, with dishes like ramen and seafood rice bowls (kaisendon) featuring fresh ingredients from nearby waters. These meals are typically affordable and filling, making it a popular stop for those exploring the coastline or passing through the region. The interior is modest, often with a homely, slightly weathered feel that mirrors the harsh winters and salty sea air of Hokkaido’s coast. Opening mainly during the daytime (around late morning to early afternoon), it operates on a rhythm that suits both locals and travelers looking for a relaxed lunch spot. Misaki Shokudo holds a steady reputation among local diners. It’s the kind of place you don’t visit for luxury—you visit for authenticity.
| Cost per night | Free Parking is ¥1000 for cars and ¥300 for bikes from mid July to mid August |
| Open | May 1st - October 31st |
| Contact | 011-3379-2029 |
| Notes | Small campsite Covered cooking area Washing area Toilets Convenience across the road |
| Location / Getting There | By Car (recommended): The drive takes about 1 hour 40 minutes via Route 231 (Ororon Line) heading north towards Hamamasu. By Bus: Public transport is limited. The Engan Bus (沿岸バス) runs a service from Sapporo that stops at the Hamamasu bus stop. This bus typically runs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (and major holidays), leaving Sapporo at 4:10 PM and returning from Hamamasu at 8:30 AM. From the Hamamasu bus stop, it is a roughly 1.7 km walk south to the park Hamamasuku Kawashimo, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3106, Japan |
Kawashimo Beach Park is a peaceful seaside camping destination in Hokkaido, offering visitors a relaxed escape surrounded by natural beauty. Set along a quiet stretch of coastline, the park features open grassy camping areas, easy access to the beach, and scenic ocean views that are especially striking at sunrise and sunset. It’s a great spot for swimming, fishing, and unwinding in a calm, uncrowded environment, making it ideal for both families and solo campers looking to enjoy a simple, nature-focused getaway. There is free parking available and the wide camping area gives you a bit of privacy. Many people who camp here enjoy fishing as it seems a popular spot for it.
| Cost per night | ¥20,000 - ¥30,000 standard room (2 people) ¥34,000 during winter on average |
| Check-in | 14:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Contact | 01 123-522-211 https://yubari-resort.co.jp/ |
| Restaurant | Yes |
| Wi-fi | Yes |
| Onsen (hot spring) | Yes |
| Notes | * Spacious guest rooms including twin rooms, family rooms, suites, and even Japanese-style rooms. All rooms are non-smoking * In addition to the basic hot spring baths, there’s a natural onsen with indoor and outdoor bathing areas plus a mist sauna *The hotel’s buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with a broad selection of dishes. * The hotel offers easy access to the ski slopes — some sources note ski-in/ski-out convenience, and there’s space for ski storage. * 24-hour front desk with luggage storage. * Free on-site parking is available for guests with cars. |
| Location | By car - From Sapporo: about 90 min drive south via National Route 274 and Hokkaido Route 3. From New Chitose Airport : about 60 min drive via the Dōtō Expressway to Yubari-IC, then local roads to Yubari city. By public transport Train: From New Chitose Airport (or Sapporo), take JR to Shin-Yubari Station on the JR Sekishō Line. Bus: At Shin-Yubari Station, transfer to a local Yutetsu bus / Yubari city bus toward Racey Resort Mae. This stop serves the ski area and hotel vicinity (typically ~35–45 min ride). 2 Chome-4 Suehiro, Yubari, Hokkaido 068-0411, Japan |
huge maps – google map here
Hotel Mount Racey in Yubari is a well-known 4-star resort hotel that offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the surrounding attractions of this historic coal-mining town. Situated just a short walk from the Beginners Lift 4 cable car at the Mount Racey ski area, the hotel features 118 guest rooms equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, and is a great base for winter sports during the ski season. Guests can also relax in natural hot spring baths and enjoy nearby sightseeing, including the Coal Mining Museum and Yubari Shrine, while Yubari’s scenic landscapes and seasonal events—like cherry blossoms in spring and the famous Yubari melon harvest in summer—add to its year-round appeal. The hotel’s convenient location, about an hour by car from New Chitose Airport, makes it a popular choice for travelers exploring central Hokkaido.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | Around ¥3000 - ¥4000 |
| Opening Hours | 17:00 - 23:30 Weekends are open 15:00 - 23:30 |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Contact | 011-218-1200 |
| Notes | Bar, ¥300 sit down charge, card accepted, seating 30, private rooms available, no parking |
| Location | This restaurant is located right near the Tanukikoji Shopping arcade near the 6th block in Sapporo. It is a 5 minute walk from either Odori subway or Susukino subway station. 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 6 Chome 1F |
Located in the lively streets near Tanukikoji in central Sapporo, Hakko Yard is a stylish dining bar that blends creative fermentation-themed cuisine with an inventive drink menu. The cozy space, illuminated by a neon sign, draws in locals and visitors alike for its rich flavors, bold seasonal dishes, and lively atmosphere. One of the bar’s signature features is its unique cocktail lineup, including a spicy mojito and a spicy highball that stand out among the drink options. Hakko Yard’s drink menu also includes craft gin, natural wines, sake, and seasonal beverages, all chosen to pair with its inventive small plates and fermentation-inspired fare. Whether you’re stopping by for drinks after work or enjoying a night out with friends, Hakko Yard delivers a creative, flavor-forward experience in Sapporo.
| Population | 6,374 |
| Size | 763.20 km2 |
| Contact | https://www.city.yubari.lg.jp/ |
| Location / Getting There | By car the distance is about 61 km from Sapporo to Yūbari. Head east. By public transport from Sapporo Station take a train to Shin-Yūbari Station. From Shin-Yūbari Station transfer to a local bus operated by Yutetsu Bus (or other local bus) into Yūbari city centre. ¥3000 – ¥4800. 2 hour travel time. |
Yubari is a fascinating place to visit as it has turned predominantly into a ghost town though there are still a few places to see there. Yubari is most famous for its melons, hence the ‘melon bear mascot’ (which is a must see if you haven’t seen it), and the annual film festival. But first let’s look a little into the history of Yubari. The city was founded on April 1, 1943, as a coal mining town. During this lucrative time Yūbari had as many as 120,000 people. The mines closed in the 1980s, and an attempt was made to convert the economic base to tourism. Subsidies were obtained from the central government and huge debts incurred for the building of tourist attractions, but few visitors came. In 2007 Yubari went into bankruptcy. Walking the now deserted streets, you can see many places falling into disrepair that were once thriving. There are still remnants of the Yubari of old, but it is a lonely place which makes it very unique.
There are still some places to visit here, and there are a couple of reported ‘haunted sites’ in the area. A lot of the infrastructure is unkept and the wild cry of deer in the mountains does add to the atmosphere. It is not all doom and gloom however. There is a ski resort here which is a good place to go to get away from the large crowds. there is the coal mine museum and there are some beautiful old temples, a few restaurants and every year, the Yubari Film Festival is held. In fact, in Quentin Tarantino’s film Kill Bill, one of the characters is named ‘Gogo Yubari’. You need a car to get to Yubari and is an interesting place to walk around, especially in the fall.
Sightseeing
Yubari Coal Mine Haunted School
Food
Nightlife
Shopping
Accommodation
Mount Racey
Temples
Yubari Shrine
Outdoors
Yubari Ski Resort