| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0133-62-4611 |
| Notes | Beach, swimming spot, jogging spot, sunset views, paid parking available, car needed |
| Location / Getting There | The beach is located to the west of Sapporo. It is a 55 minute drive from central Sapporo 〒040-0034 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Omoricho, 22, Unnamed Road |
There are two main beaches that Sapporo locals head to for a summer suntan, swim or BBQ. One being near Otaru called Zenibako Beach, and the other being Aso Beach at Ishikari. Whereas Zenibako has more of a party vibe to it with the small shacks selling booze with tables and BBQ spots, Aso Beach is a lot more serene with less people. The surf itself is very calm and quiet and not very deep. It is best to bring some form of shade as there are no trees around and the beach can get quite hot in the summer.
The beach is open to camping and it must be said, that the sunsets here are absolutely beautiful. There are stores or camping supplies so make sure to bring all you own gear. There are paid parking spots that cost about ¥500 for the day and not a far walk from the beach. Other places of note include Hamanasu No Oka Park, and the Ishikari lighthouse. For bird watchers too, this area is bustling with wildlife. There is also an Onsen hotel nearby. Aso Beach is a tranquil beach and offers view of the whole of Ishikari Bay.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-3362-3450 http://www.city.ishikari.hokkaido.jp/site/sightseeing-guide/1590.html |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, photography spot, nature walk, parking available, car needed |
| Location / Getting There | Hamanasunooka Park is located along Ishikari Bay. It is a small headland that lies at the mouth of Ishikari River. It is a 50 minute drive north from central Sapporo. 29-1 Hamamachi, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3371 |
Ishikari Bay is a scenic spot to the north of Sapporo. Along this coastline you can find a thin and narrow headland that is home to Hamanasunooka Park. This windswept piece of land spreads over 1,500 meters and is formed at the intersection of the Sea of Japan and the Ishikari River. There are 180 species of beach plants that cover this sandy outcrop with 16.5 hectares designated as the Ishikari City Beach Plant Conservation Area. To access this area, there is a wooden walkway that extends from the car park to the point. It is also here you can see the Ishikari lighthouse.
The lighthouse has a history of more than 100 years since its establishment in 1892. Interestingly, the lighthouse was originally striped black and white but was repainted red for a movie in 1957. Every year the lighthouse is open to the public. During June and July the pretty rugosa rose (beach rose) is in bloom. From spring to autumn you can also see other flowers such as viola grayi, beach pea, and bindweed. For bird watchers, continue to the end of the point where there is a vast array of birds to be seen. Last, if you want to put your feet up and take some souvenirs back with you, there is the Hamanasunooka Park Visitor Center. For an escape from the city for some beautiful nature, look no further than Hamanasunooka Park. It is a fantastic day out!
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | - |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 19:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0133-78-2300 |
| Notes | Rest stop, Museum, Food available, Souvenir store, Observation deck, Parking available |
| Location / Getting There | Found on the Ishikari coastal road, route 231. It's a 1 hour drive from Sapporo. 12-4 Atsutaku Atsuta, Ishikari-shi, Hokkaidō 061-3601 |
Observation deck
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Energy for the drive from Ishikari Fumiichi
The small museum has information on the surrounding flora and fauna. With miniatures, small exhibits, and photographs, its an interesting place to have a wander around. For those wanting to grab a bite to eat, there are a couple of food stalls on the middle floor. The ‘Ishikari Fumiichi’ store has a few fish meals, Chinese dumplings, and beers to buy. ‘Home’ is a bakery & pizza restaurant that has delicious pastries, pizzas, and fresh juices available. And the popular ‘Gelato Lico Lico’ sells (you guessed it) gelatos. Simply order your meal from the vending machines and go to the counter. There are plenty of tables to rest, eat, and drink.
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot , Parking available, Rest rooms available |
| Location / Getting There | Located along coastal road, route 231. West cost on Ishikari Bay. 1 hour 30 minute drive from Sapporo Hamamasuku Ofuyu, Ishikari, Hokkaido 077-0351 |
White Silver Waterfall
On the west coast of Hokkaido, from Ishikari bay all the way up, to Rumoi and up further to the north of Hokkaido, there is a beautiful coastal drive that you can take. The coastal road on route 231, winds its way along, hugging the cliffs with the ocean lapping at its side. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and take a break. The Shiragane Falls, translated to the ‘White Silver Waterfall’ is one of these spots, where you can take a break, stretch the legs and take a look at the waterfall as it spills its way into the ocean below.
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Relaxing spot
The falls are found at Cape Ofuyu and measure at thirty meters. In November 1977, Route 231 was opened, and to celebrate this achievement a monument was built. The monument can be found here at the Shiragane Waterfall. There is free parking available here, and the entrance can be found just after coming out of the Yutosu Tunnel (if coming from the Sapporo direction). The name meaning ‘White Silver’ is said to come from the silver splash that is reflected in the sunlight. It is a nice little spot, as the waterfall flows on one side, and the ocean can be found on the other.
