| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 12:00 14:00 - 16:00 *Tuesdays are mornings only |
| Closed | Mondays Stormy weather |
| Contact | 011-511-9624 http://www.ssc.slp.or.jp/planet/sapporo-obs |
| Notes | Observatory has day time & night time viewings. Planet viewing depending on schedule |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Nakajima Park. 5 minute walk from Nakajima koen subway exit 3 1-17 Nakajima-koen,Chuo-ku,Sapporo 064-0931, Hokkaido |
Located in Nakajima Park
If you enjoy sightseeing and checking out the sights, then this is the ultimate in sightseeing. Instead of seeing the local sightseeing spots in Hokkaido, you will be gazing in wonder at the planets and stars! If you have never been to an observatory before, it is a must see. Built in 1960, it is easily accessed in Nakajima Park, which can be found just to the south of central Sapporo. It is free to enter in the mornings and afternoons, and is manned by super friendly staff/astronomers who are more than happy to help and show you the wonders of the skies.
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A close up of Venus!
Throughout the year, there are cosmic events that are constantly on show. Whether it be a comet, a blood moon, a planet in close orbit with the earth, or a meteor, to name a few. During these times the observatory is open for the public to come in and get a close up view of these marvels. For the annual schedule you can check their website, or pick up a flyer at the observatory. If there are no other visitors, and you have a Canon camera, then the staff can attach it to their telescope for some great shots! While in Sapporo, the observatory is a place to see.
| Pricing Guide | Swan boat with engine ¥2500 - 20 minutes ¥3000 - 30 minutes |
| Swan boat ¥1500 - 30 minutes |
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| Pedal boat ¥1200 - 20 minutes |
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| Rowboat ¥1000 - 60 minutes |
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| Speedboat lake tour ¥1800 per adult ¥600 per child (ages 6 to 12) |
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| Opening Hours | 8:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-75-3467 http://toyamarine.com/ |
| Notes | Fishing boats available to rent Boat tours available |
| Location / Getting There | Southern coast of Lake Toya 〒 052-0103 Hokkaidō, Usu-gun, Sōbetsu-chō, Sōbetsuonsen, 62 Sonmyo Onsen 62 |
Swan paddle boats
Located on the southern shores of Lake Toya, there are a couple of places to rent some boats so you can not only enjoy the views from the shore, but from on the lake itself. There are a few options on which watercraft to get. Starting with the cheapest, there is the rowboat which is for two people, where you can take it easy at a slow place. Next is an old style pedal boat (if you don’t feel like rowing), which has a capacity of two people. For groups of four, there is the swan paddle boat, which is fun for the whole family! Lastly, if you feel like taking it easy, there is a motor powered swan boat. The engine is only two horsepower, so no license is necessary.
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Rental booth
Of course, if you want to see more of the lake, then there are speedboats that are available to take a tour with from April to November. There are seats for nine or twelve people, and the tour will take you around Nakajima island in the middle offering some great lake views. There are a couple of different courses that are available. Jet skis are also available for hire though a license is needed. If you are interested in fishing, there are also fishing boats that can be rented for the day. 
If you want a nice relaxing day and want to go fishing, then there are plenty of fish in the lake. Lake Toya has brown trout, rainbow trout, carp, to name a few. These fish can also be found in the adjoining rivers. What better way then to spend the day on the lake, taking in the scenery and enjoying the clear waters. For boats with engines, a boat license is needed. Reservations are required.
Pricing Guide
Yamaha 14ft
¥9,500 - full day
¥5,500 - half day
Yamaha 16ft
¥10,500 - full day
¥6,500 - half day
Rental Hours 4:00 - 19:00
Closed Winter (December to March)
Contact 0142-75-3467
http://toyamarine.com/
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:00 Old Kitami Station 8:30 - 22:00 Takinoue Culture Center |
| Closed | Winter (November to April) - Museum |
| Contact | 0158-29-3735 (cultural center) |
| Notes | Train museum Part of the cultural center |
| Location / Getting There | Located next to the Takinoue Cultural Center Sakaemachi, Takinoue, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido 099-5605 |
Train apparatus
Even though Takinoue doesn’t have a train station, they do have a small museum dedicated to train memorabilia known as the ‘Old Kitami Takinoshi Station’. Opened in 1990, it’s an interesting place with plenty of exhibits with information about the station, and over three hundred items from the train stations of old. All the signs are in Japanese but you can still enjoy these items from over fifty years ago. The train museum is located right next to the Takinoue Cultur Center so it’s easy to find. Just look for the small blue train engine on the tracks.
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Culture center
The Takinoue Culture Center is located only a few minutes drive from the center of town. The culture center is used in Takinoue for events and for concerts that are held monthly. Apart from the stage area that is on the second floor, there is the Takinoue Library on the first floor. There are lounges and a tea area and restrooms. It is also here you can find information on local events and festivals. There is plenty of parking and also a bus stop so access is easy. If you have some time, and are interested in a bit of history (and trains), then the Old Kitami Takinoshi Station is a cheap and quick sightseeing spot.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1200 - ¥4000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 16:00 (last order at 15:30) 16:00 - 23:15 (last order at 22:15) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-213-5005 http://kitamaru.jp/ |
| Notes | Japanese style izakaya 128 seats Smoking section |
| Location / Getting There | 2 minute walk from Sapporo station. 2 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita, Sapporo, 060-0806, PASEO 1st floor |
Fish lunch set
Kitamaru is a Japanese Izakaya, located in the dining area of Paseo West. There are a large selection of Japanese dishes on the menu. The lunch menu has a selection of fried chicken, tempura, sushi and a variety of sashimi, noodles, a pork dish, and a fish dish to name a few. The lunch menus typically come with rice, a miso soup, and some pickled vegetables. The vegetables are seasonal and come from the local farmlands around Sapporo. Located in Paseo Dining, this restaurant is close to all the shopping areas which is a plus.
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A selection of goodies
And of course, while at an izakaya, you will alos need refreshments to go with your meal. Kitamaru restaurant has beer, a huge selection of highball drinks, cocktails, whiskey, Japanese sake, plus soft drinks. The izakaya is a large area with plenty of seating, they also have private rooms, whether it be for large parties, or for just a cozy dinner for two. For events for groups, it is better to book ahead (this can be done via their website). So, while in the Sapporo station area, and are looking for a Japanese style lunch, or dinner, Kitamaru is worth a look!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-75-4400 |
| Notes | Toilets on site Parking available |
| Location / Getting There | Located bottom left on Lake Toya. 2 minute walk from Hokkai Hotel 168 Tōyakoonsen, Tōyako-chō, Abuta-gun, Hokkaidō 049-5721 |
Views from the park
The Mount usu Eruption Memorial park is a nice stretch of grassland on the south western coast of Lake Toya. It serves as an art park with some fantastic sculptures, plus it also has some information about the Mt Usu eruption, which still shows signs of a fault line that runs through the park. Mt. Usu, which lies a few kilometers to the south is a stratovolcano that has erupted four times since 1900. In the most recent eruption in 2000, a new fault line cut through the road and the park! This fault can still be seen today.
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Beautiful art
The park is a wonderful spot to stroll around, look at the sculptures, take in the gorgeous views of the lake and get some photos. There are about half a dozen sculptures in the park, starting with the carvings of three lionesses, that mark the entrance and the parking area. At the western point of the park , there is a tiny forested outcrop called ‘Chinko Island’ which has a small path running through it. The water around this area is crystal clear and a good spot for a picnic!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0158-29-2227 |
| Notes | Shinto shrine |
| Location / Getting There | 10 minute walk from Takinoue Park 5 minute walk from the center of town. 〒 999-5614 Takigami-cho, Monbetsu-gun, Sakuru wilderness 33 address |
Various shrines
Takinoue Shrine is a Shinto Shrine that was built in the heart of Takinoue. The location of a shrine is related to the sacred nature of a place where a holy ceremony took place in the past. In 1954 the center of the town was established by the village company, and the shrine was then constructed 1965. It is said that the spirits of the Gods of Japan exist as a sacred object which is enshrined inside the building. Shinto priests and shrine maidens work there all year round and prepare a variety of ceremonies.
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Top of the hill
The shrine has been constructed on a large plot of land, and it offers great views over the town of Takinoue. Taking the steep steps to the top, you can see Takinoue Park , which is especially beautiful in the month of May. Views of the Rainbow Bridge can also be seen making this shrine a fantastic spot to get some photos, not only of the shrine itself, but of the sweeping views over Takinoue. Being in the center of Takinoue, it is easily accessed, and a quick walk to other sightseeing spots. The festival day of the shrine is September 10th.
