| Admission | - |
| Height | 1,898 meters |
| Hiking Time | 6 - 8 hours to the top |
| Notes | There is a car park, toilet facilities, drinking water and a small campsite. |
| Location / Getting There | The mountain is a 2 hour drive from Sapporo along route 230. To access the Lake Hangetsu trailhead, take Route 5 from Kutchan or Hirafu, and turn left at the Lake Hangetsu entrance. It's 10 minutes by bus from JR Kutchan Station or 15 minutes on foot from Yotei Tozan Exit |
Mount Yotei is an active stratovolcano that can be found in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is also known as ‘Ezo Fuji’ (Ezo being the old name for Hokkaido). It is in the top hundred mountains of Japan, and is definitely a breathtaking mountain to look at. This iconic mountain can be seen from all the surrounding farmlands and the ski slopes of the big towns of Hirafu, Niseko, Rusutsu and Kutchan. Not only is its snow covered peak popular in Winter, but the Summer, Spring, and Autumn brings hikers and trekkers to its base as there is a great hiking trail on the western side. From this peak, you will be amazed at the beautiful views from its peak. For those who do decide to trek to the top it takes about seven to ten hours for a round trip. There is a campground near the base as well.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:00 April 29th to November 3rd (closed during winter) |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Contact | 013-3606-107 |
| Notes | Museum, parking |
| Location / Getting There | The museum is located near Ishikari beach. It is a 45 minute drive from central Sapporo. Take the 231 road north to Ishikari. 48-1 Bentencho, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3372 |
The Ishikarihama Coastal Plant Conservation Center is located just a stone throws away from Aso-Ishikari Beach. Around that area, there is an abundance of coastal plants and flora and fauna. To fully appreciate the area, you should also visit Hamanasu No Oka Park which is close by. The Ishikarihama Coastal Plant Conservation Center is a small center with an observation area on the second floor. It is also has walkways and a nature area out the back. Here, you can have a pleasant stroll about and sit on one of the many benches along the wooden walkway. This observation garden has many distinctive local seaside plants The center provides information on the nature of Ishikari, including an exhibition room. These exhibits are only in Japanese however. The center also conducts research on coastal plants and occasionally holds nature observation meetings to introduce a wide range of information about the nature of Ishikari. This is a nice place to enjoy while in Ishikari. With ample parking it is very easy to stop and take a look while in the area.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | Restaurant ¥1000 - ¥2000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:30 - 22:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-758-8758 |
| Notes | Soup curry restaurant, card accepted, no parking, seating 30 |
| Location | Soup Curry Cocoro is located on the northern side of Sapporo. It is near Hokkaido University and it is just a 4 minute walk from Kita Juhachijo subway station (North 18 station). 〒001-0015 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 15 Jonishi, 4 Chome-2-23 City Heim N15 Building |
Cocoro Soup Curry is in a very busy area for restaurants and coffee shops. It is located on the northern side of Sapporo Station and is by Hokkaido University. There are a few other soup curry restaurants around and this one is right near the Asian Supermarket. Every soup curry restaurant has its on signature dish or special recipe tto set it apart from other soup curry restaurants. At Cocoro Soup curry restaurant, they have boneless chicken as an option with their chicken and vegetable dish. Other dishes include ‘natto and chicken curry’, and ‘ravioli & gnocchi curry’ which are unique to Cocoro. Extra toppings can be added ffor an additional ¥200. The spice level ranges from one to thirty one (thirty one being manic on their menu). Level three is a medium and suits most diners. Rice comes with each soup curry. Drinks include lassis, teas, and soft drinks. This restaurant is large and there are plenty of seats for groups so there is no lining up. This is good if you are keen to get some lunch or dinner quickly. Many other soup curry restaurants require a line up usually!
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥200 - ¥500 per item ¥400 - ¥800 per drink |
| Opening Hours | 09:00 - 21:00 generally |
| Closed | |
| Contact | https://www.misterdonut.jp/ |
| Notes | Donut store, coffee, pizza and hot dogs |
| Location | Multiple locations in all major cities and towns in Hokkaido. |
The history of Mister Donut goes back to 1955 and was originally under the name ‘Dunkin Donuts’. It is the brain child of Harry Winokur and William Rosenburg. When the partnership split, Mister Donut was created with stores mainly in Asia and Dunkin Donuts staying in North America. The first Mister Donut opened in Osaka in 1971. Since then there are close to a thousand Mister Donut stores throughout Japan. In Hokkaido you can find a Mister Donut in every major city and most towns. Obviously the main product here is donuts and the prices range is from about ¥180 to ¥300. These donuts are delicious. Coffee is also served as well and this makes Mister Donut a very popular place in Japan. Since then, they also serve savory items which makes up for a better lunch or meal for customers. You can get hot dogs, pies and pizzas here now. Other drinks include fruit drinks, teas, and soda drinks. There is always seating available and so Mister Donut is a good store to visit.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥300 - ¥900 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 21:00 generally |
| Closed | |
| Contact | https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/ |
| Notes | Fast food store, multiple locations throughout Hokkaido, take out, drive through, delivery available, credit card accepted |
| Location | Multiple locations in most major cities and towns in Hokkaido. |
McDonald’s history in Japan goes all the way back to 1971. The first McDonald’s restaurant opened its doors to the public in July 1971, in Ginza at the ground floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store. On the menu at that time was the Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Flit-O-Fish, Big Mac, French Fries, Apple Pie, and the McShake. Since then, there are thousands of restaurants all over Japan. It is one of the main fast food restaurants in Japan, along with KFC, Lotteria, Mos Burger, and Burger King. In Hokkaido, you can find a McDonalds in every major city, with the exception of Nemuro, …. and ….. . There are only two that are open 24 hours with one being in Shin Sapporo and the other in Kitami (see google maps below). McDonalds offers a small taste of home for some travelers, who are maybe looking for respite from Japanese cuisine and want something cheap and familiar. Most of the McDonald restaurants have power sockets for charging, and a clean and quiet place to sit and relax, which is helpful to those traveling. Most of the meals are around the ¥700 mark and they do have drive thru and card is accepted. You will also find that some of the cashiers have some level of English which is a bonus.
| Population | 1,148 |
| Size | 230 hectares |
| Contact | https://jozankei.jp/ |
| Location / Getting There | Jozankei is located along the banks of the Toyohira River and approximately 26 km south of (or a one hour by drive) from downtown Sapporo. Driving, take route 230 south toJozankei. There are buses direct from Sapporo Station. Take the rapid bus 7J, 7H or 8J. (Buses without a J or H will NOT go to Jozankei). Bus costs ¥1400 to Jozankei. Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301 |
Jozankei is located an hour south from Sapporo. It is an onsen (hot spring) town. The first hot spring bath opened here in 1866, and since then has become a picturesque town amid a ravine and is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This national park is characterized by volcanic activity and it is from this activity that feeds the hot springs of Jozankei. The park includes two of Japan’s most famous caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya; as well as the Mt. Tarumae, Mt. Yotei and Mt. Usu volcanoes. Jozankei has many hot spring hotels plus other sightseeing spots. Every season brings a different feel to Jozankei, each equally beautiful. The cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery in summer, the beautiful autumn foliage, and the winter wonderland all make Jozankei a place worth visiting.