| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | All day |
| Shuttle bus hours | 8:45 - 16:00 Adults ￥620, Children ￥300 |
| Contact | 011-598-3452 |
| Notes | Peak spot for autumn leaves viewing Free parking Wheelchair access Toilets available |
| Location / Getting There | Jozankei 840-banchisaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo By car or bus, it's a 1 hour drive from Sapporo During October, it can take all day to get there! By car from Jozankei its an 8 minute drive. |
Jozan lake
Hoheikyo Dam was constructed in 1972 and stands at 102.5 meters tall. It was built, utilizing Toyohira river, for irrigation, for hydroelectricity and to control flooding. The reservoir created from the dam is called Jozan lake, which is surrounded by forest and high mountains. Located in Shikotsu Toya National park, the dam is in a designated environmental protection area, so cars, motorbikes, and bicycles are not allowed. To get from the car park to the dam there is a hybrid electric bus available, or it’s a 20 minute walk.
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Restaurant & lookout
For places to see in Hokkaido, Hoheikyo dam is a beautiful location, and during autumn, it’s a must see! The views of the autumn leaves are spectacular. The dam was voted as one of the top 100 waterside forests, and is also one of the top 100 lake dams as ranked by the Forestry Agency. The floodgates are opened between June and October from 9:00 to 16:00. There is also a small lookout area above the dam, and for lunch , there is a Jingiskan (mutton) restaurant as well! At the far end of Hoheikyo Dam is a museum with old photos and information (in Japanese) about the dam. It has a nice place to sit, with amazing views over Jozan lake. 
From the parking lot, to the dam it is about a kilometer. There is a hybrid electric bus that runs every 10 minutes. The fare (round trip) for adults is ￥620 and ￥300 for children. Children up to 12 years old can ride for free. If you prefer, you can walk this road, which will take about 20 minutes. The road passes through 2 long tunnels but there is a good photo opportunity along the way, looking into the valley.
WARNING!! To get to the dam requires your own transport or by public bus. The peak season in getting to Hoheikyo Dam is in October (for the stunning Autumn leaves). Getting to the dam from Sapporo will take ALL day during this month on the weekend! If possible, visit the dam during weekdays. Buses are available daily from Sapporo to Jozankei. From Jozankei to the dam, shuttle buses are available.
| Admission | – |
| Opening Hours | Business days and hours differ depending on each store. |
| Closed | Business days and hours differ depending on each store. |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | No parking |
| Location | 〒060-0061 Chuo Ward, Chateau le Reve, Minami 1-jo Nishi 15-chome 1-139, Sapporo |
Space 1-15 was originally a residential building called, “Château le Rêve” (Castle of Dreams). A soap dealer decided to open one shop in one of the rooms. Since that simple beginning, Space 1-15 has blossomed into unique building in which every room has become a small shop, run by store owners and artisans. Space 1-15 features around 20 shops from the second to the fifth floor, including cafés, clothing shops, sundries, art books, used records, and artisans’ workshops. A little oasis for art and design lovers alike!
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To get into the building you will need to be buzzed in. Simply choose one of the many shop intercom buttons and they will happily let you in. Once inside, there is an elevator or steps to access the shops. The beauty of Space 1-15, is that each shop has been refurbished from the same size apartment, so its interesting to go from room to room and see each style and design. Space 1-15 also organizes seasonal events such as morning markets and summer festivals.
2nd floor |
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| 201 Anorakcity Störe | Art & craft store |
| 202 Miel | Tea & sweets store |
| 203 Shigeru Moon | Handmade accessories, art & craft store |
| 205 Mano | Handmade pottery store |
| 207 Yurarika | Bag & accessories store |
3rd floor |
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| 305 Losika | Florist |
| 306 Ten to Sen | Fabric & design |
| 307 | Rental Space |
4th floor |
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| 401 Kitchen Toroika | Restaurant |
| 402 Snowblossoms | Design & jewelery |
| 403 | Japanese sweets classroom |
| 405 Brother Sun Sister Moon | Craft & toys |
| 406 F1/6 | Clothing shop |
| 407 Litart | Art & books |
5th floor |
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| 502 Adonai Cheese | Cheese & coffee |
| 506 Allô? | Photography workshop |
8th floor |
|
| 801 Provi | Metal jewelry making |
Thu・Fri・Sat・Sun ・ 13:00～19:00
011-303-5699
Thu・Fri・Sat・Sun ・12:00−19:00
Thu・Fri・Sat・Sun・Mon・12:00～19:00
011-643-5103
Sat・Sun ・13:00～18:30
| Admission | Adults ¥510 High School and University Students ¥250 |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 17:00 daily |
| Closed | Mondays, Exhibit changing days and New Year Holidays |
| Contact | 011-644-6882 |
| Notes | Wheelchair access No parking |
| Location / Getting There | Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 1 Jōnishi, 17 Chome−2−1 北海道立近代美術館 5-minute walk from Nishi Juhatchome Station on the Subway Tozai Line |
2nd floor views
Opened in 1977, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art has built up an extensive collection of art, with as many as 4,800 works, both domestic and international. These are centered around the three themes of Jules Pascin and the École de Paris, art associated with Hokkaido, and glassware representing periods from Art Nouveau, through to contemporary works. Along with these artworks, there are workshops and presentations held by the art gallery. Other works encompass Japanese modern art, European prints and Ukiyoe prints.
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Outside sculpture
The permanent Museum Collection exhibition is held on the first and second floors of Gallery A, which are connected by a large spiral staircase. The artworks from the museum’s collection are displayed and changed seasonally, four times a year. The second floor also houses a small restaurant that serves up a healthy menu, making use of Hokkaido-grown vegetables. A special menu offered during exhibition periods allows visitors to enjoy delicious meals. The outside grounds of the Hokkaido gallery are a pleasant place to walk around and take in some of the impressive sculptures there. To make a day of it, across the road is the Hokkaido Governor’s Residence which is also well worth a look!
To get to the museum, it’s a 5 minute walk from the Nishi Juhatchome Station on the Subway Tozai Line, exit no.4. From Sapporo Station on the JR Line and Subway Namboku and Toho Lines, take the Chuo Bus or JR Hokkaido Bus (42, 55, 64, 57, 66, 80, 62, 63) and get off at “Doritsu Kindai Bijutsukan” bus stop.
| Admission | Free parking & open all year |
| Notes | Great views of the coast Sea urchin (uni) restaurant Ice cream shop Souvenir shop Restrooms available |
| Contact | 0135-44-3715 |
| Location / Getting There | Located on Shakotan coast Irikacho, Shakotan, Shakotan District, Hokkaido Prefecture 046-0327 2 hour drive from Sapporo |
Lovely coastline
Shimamui coast is part of the Shakotan Cape which is on the western coast of Hokkaido. It is located next to Cape Shakotan and is famous for its coastline, and its crystal clear waters. There is a lookout at about 100m above sea level, offering stunning views from the cliffs down onto the water. The lookout is only a 5 minute walk from the car park so its easy to get to! There is a narrow tunnel that leads to the viewing point. There is also one more lookout which is slightly higher and offers similar views.
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Beautiful clear water
To get down to the water there is a small path that winds its way down to the rocky shoreline. Be aware, this track can get muddy at times. The rocky shore line is surrounded by craggy peaks, that feel primordial. The contrast of these rocks with the water, also known as ‘Shakotan Blue’ is a real feature and a great photo opportunity. The Shimamui Coast was included in the “top 100 coastlines in Japan”. If you fancy a bit of snorkeling in these calm waters you will see thousands of sea urchin, islands and valleys of rock crowned in seaweed, a few fish and you will have stunning views to the bottom! The water is chilly (depending where you come from) so its best in the summer months.
Sunset over Shimamui coast
There may be an opportunity to see seals on the coasts during the winter but you need a pair of long boots or mountain-climbing boots to navigate the snow-covered path to the coasts. After taking in the views, there is a restaurant and souvenir shop named “Rinko” that serves primarily sea urchin in varying dishes. They also have ice cream cones which is perfect in the summer! There is also a separate restroom located next to the parking lot. To make a real day of it, you can head around to Cape Shakotan, Cape Kamui, and Cape Ogon which all have fantastic views and are all near each other!
| Admission | Adults : ￥520 (groups ￥470) Children: ￥300 (groups ￥270) |
| Opening Hours | May - June: 8:30 -18:00 July - August: 8:30 - 19:00 September: 8:30 - 18:00 October - April: 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-851-3080 |
| Notes | Buses available Wheelchair access Free parking for 150 vehicles Credit cards available |
| Location / Getting There | 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 062-0045 Hokkaido Chuo Bus: 10 minutes from Fukuzumi Station (Tōhō Line) to Hitsujigaoka Tenbodai Bus stop. |
Hitsujigaoka which literally means, “Hill of Sheep”, was first developed in 1906 as a cattle breeding station, and then sheep breeding was introduced in 1919. At its peak it was the home to 2,000 sheep. The hill now, is the home to the famous statue of Dr. William Clark, and commands a stunning view overlooking the Ishikari Plains, with Sapporo Dome in the foreground. The hill also has an “Austrian House” souvenir shop, a rest house & restaurant serving mutton, a wedding chapel, a lavender garden in summer and the Snow Festival Museum.
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The Austrian House has plenty of souvenirs to choose from, and has ice cream for those hot, sunny days. Around the back is a huge field and a beautiful lavender garden that is in full bloom in the summer. People visiting are allowed to cut the lavender into bouquets at the end of the season and take them home! Nearby is a white birch grove, where you can wander about. For lunch, at the Rest House, there is a restaurant that is set up for “Jingisukan” (a Hokkaido dish of grilled mutton cooked on a hotplate). The two floor restaurant also has venison, lamb chops, and there is an all you can eat & drink option. Prices range from ￥1200 – ￥2200.
The chapel
The chapel is a pristine white building, which is a great wedding spot, and has seen many wedding ceremonies over the years. It is equally beautiful in the winter! Behind the chapel is a charming white birch grove. Along with the chapel is the Snow Museum. This building contains information about all the Snow Festivals that have been held over the years. It contains miniatures of the giant sculptures of the Snow Festival from decades past. The museum also has an interesting image of one of the snow sculptures in the very first Snow Festival!
The most famous aspect of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, is the statue of the Dr. William Smith Clark, the father of pioneers in Hokkaido and who left the famous words “boys be ambitious”. His right arm is raised in his characteristic pose as he points “toward the eternal truth which lies far in the distance”. Dr. William Smith Clark was the first “hired foreigner” and served as the vice-principal at the Sapporo Agricultural School (presently Hokkaido University) in 1876. Although he served for only 8 months he had a great influence on all the students. His statue was set up at the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill as the university was being overwhelmed by tourists.
To get to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, you need to take the subway to Fukuzumi station on the Toho Line (blue line). From there take the 84 bus (Fuku Hachiju yon, Hitsujigaoka sen). Get off at the last stop Hitsujigaoka observation hill (Hitsujigaoka tenboudai). If you are driving, it is a 25 minute drive from Sapporo station.
| Dates | Mid July to Mid August (1 month) |
| Opening Hours | 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 011-281-6400 |
| Location / Getting There | Odori park. Odori-nishi 5-chome to 11-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 1 minute from Odori subway station |
The winters are long in Sapporo, so when summer finally arrives, people love getting out to the summer festivals and events. And the beer garden is no exception! The Odori Beer Garden is the biggest event in summer, and the biggest beer garden in Japan! Since its beginning in 1959 the beer garden runs for a month. Located in the heart of Sapporo, the beer garden takes up 6 blocks, runs over half a kilometer and seats up to 13,000 people!
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Each venue is run by each of Japans leading brewers, so you can enjoy your favorite beer! Each venue offers seating with tables, standing-only spaces, as well as tables under a roof cover, it gets busy so be sure to get there early! Reserved seats are possible. Food is also available to buy. To buy a beer, you need to purchase a ticket then give the ticket to one of the friendly staff. Enjoy! The Odori Sapporo Beer Garden is broken up into the following venues:
5 Chome Venue: Suntory Beer “The Premium Malt’s Garden”
| Opening Hours | 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 011-222-8188 011-222-5122 (reservations) |
Located on the 5th block west, Suntory has nice seating around the fountain. Non smoking seats are available. There are 160, all weather seats, and stand-up drinking space. Plus the Suntory beer, you can enjoy a 10-liter refrigerated pitcher and Suntory’s Kaku highballs.
6 Chome Venue: Asahi Beer “Asahi Super Dry Beer Park”
| Opening Hours | 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 011-210-6990 |
6th block west, at Asahi you can enjoy sitting under the overhanging trees and enjoy your beer. Asahi has an English menu and as with Suntory, it has plenty of seating. Asahi also has Super Dry chilled to below zero degree at the popular Extra Cold bar.
7 Chome Venue: Kirin Beer “Kirin Yoroko Beer Garden”
| Opening Hours | 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 011-518-8010 |
7th block west is the Kirin beer garden, with plenty of undercover seating. Kirin has 3 litre beer tubs, or the mighty 6 litre towers that are a popular choice. You can also enjoy the Kirin Ichiban Shibori frozen draft beer. Reservations are possible, stand-up drinking space available.
8 Chome Venue: Sapporo Beer “The Sapporo Beer Garden”
| Opening Hours | 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 011-233-3305 |
On the 8th block west and underneath the largest tent out of the whole event, lies the Sapporo beer venue. You can can enjoy draft beer direct from the factory, as well as the “Classic Furano Citrus” exclusive to the venue.
10 Chome Venue: “World Beer Plaza”
| Opening Hours | Weekdays: 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) Weekends: 16:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
| Contact | 080-1972-6336 |
10th block west on Odori park will see you at the world beer plaza. Here you will find a variety of overseas draft beers such as Guinness, Lowenbrau, and Carlsberg, just to name a few. The perfect opportunity to try out some new ales!
11 Chome Venue: “Sapporo German Village”
| Opening Hours | Weekdays: 12:00 - 21:00 (last order is at 20:30) |
Last but not least on the 11th block west is the Sapporo German village. Enjoy authentic draft beer brought in directly from Germany. You can also savor German cuisine and happy hours from noon until 4 o’clock in the evening on weekdays. Reservations are available.