Tama Temple & Toyokawa Inari shrine

AdmissionFree
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact011-511-5917
NotesBuddhist temple
Location /
Getting There
5 minute walk from Nakajima station

Hokkaido, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 7 Jōnishi, 4 Chome−1−1


Tama Temple and Toyokawa Inari shrine were founded in 1891 and are located in the Susukino district of Sapporo. The temple is made of wood and reinforced concrete and is a nice small temple to visit. With the shrine right by, and in a convenient location, its a good spot to take some photos of not only the shrine, bu the many small statues around the temple. The Toyokawa Inari shrine is believed to have been built as a guardian company of Tamaji.


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The shrine is said to have “watched Suzukino’s emotions and sorrows for years, and witnessed its prosperity”. The “gate pillar” has inscriptions of certain geisha during this time. A small garden was maintained in the precincts of the Inari shrine, and upon entering the area on the left you can see the ‘Mizuko Mourning Monument’. This shrine seems to have a sad past concerning children lost at birth. Tama Temple is one of the few remnants of the old days during the period of the shogun of Hokkaido.

 

 

Shiryokan – Sapporo City Museum

AdmissionFree
Opening Hours9:00 - 19:00
ClosedMondays
December 29 - January 3
Contact011-251-0731
NotesWheelchair access
Location of bike rental
Location /
Getting There
10 minute walk from Odori station

13-chome Otanishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi


Open during year round

The Sapporo City Museum of Art was originally built as a Sapporo Appellant College in 1926. It was changed from the Court of Appeals to the Sapporo Museum in 1973. At the opening, materials related to the Sapporo Olympics and documents relating to Sapporo literature were originally displayed. The Shiryokan can be found on the west end of Odori park overlooking the extensive rose gardens that are in bloom from spring. Due to its architecture and history, it became a registered cultural asset of Japan in 1997. This two story building has a ‘town history exhibition room’, a ‘mini gallery’ and also a ‘rental room’.


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Court room

In 2006, the ‘criminal court exhibition room’ was restored to its former glory during the appellate court era. The ‘mini’ gallery’ and ‘training room’ are available to hire and can be used to present artworks, for meetings, or presentations. The mini gallery is open from 9:00 to 19:00 that is open to check out the current exhibitions. The building is not large, but the surrounding gardens are a pleasant area to walk around during the warmer seasons. There are also benches in which to sit and take in the surroundings. During summer you will find bike rentals here out the front of this building. This building is heavily used during the Sapporo International Art Festival.




Gallery

The ‘mini’ gallery’ and ‘training room’ are available to hire and can be used to present artworks, for meetings, or presentations. For an exhibition, artworks must be loaded and unloaded during the opening times. During the week, the exhibition is open from Tusday to Sundays. Applications for exhibitions are taken on the first of each month, a year in advance. Exhibitions run for two weeks and up to three rooms are available. For more information, please visit their site at http://www.s-shiryokan.jp/



Jozankei Dam

AdmissionFree
Opening HoursFrom the middle of May to the end of October
9:00 - 16:00
Closed-
Contact011-598-2513 Jozankei Dam museum
http://jozankei.jp/en/jozankei-dam/288
NotesFree parking
Car needed
Location /
Getting There
061-2302 Sapporo, Hokkaido , Minami-ku Jozankei 8

10 minute drive from Jozankei


Jozankei Dam is a great sightseeing spot. Completed in 1989 and measuring at 117 metres, it offers fantastic views over Lake Sapporo and  down the river in which it feeds into. Not only does Jozankei Dam have great views, but it also has  a museum that is free to enter. The museum displays diorama models of the dams construction, has pictures and panels of the local area, and videos and exhibits detailing the electricity system.


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There is a trail that leads down to the bottom of the dam which makes for a pleasant walk through the trees and park areas. It makes for a great spot for a picnic, a spot of lunch or to view the autumn leaves in season. The trail to Mt. Kotengu can also be found here. The whole area of Jozankei is nice spot to drive or walk around. While in the area, there is not only Jozankei dam, but also the Ainu Culture Museum , Hakkenzan Winery, as well as all the Onsens!



Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Center


AdmissionFree
Exhibition Room: Adults ¥200, High School Students ¥100, free for Junior High School Students or younger
Opening Hours8:45 - 22:00 (exhibition room and garden: 9:00 - 17:00)
ClosedMondays, holidays, the last Tuesday of the month, year-end through New Year holidays
Contact011-596-5961
NotesWheelchair access
Location /
Getting There
Postal code061-2302 Sapporo, Hokkaido , Minami-ku, Koganeyu 27

45 minute drive from Sapporo
From Sapporo Station, 60 minutes via Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei Onsen or Hokeikyo Onsen (Kaisoku 7/Kaisoku 8)
From Makomanai Station, 38 minutes via Jotetsu Bus bound for Jozankei Onsen (12)
Get off at "Koganeyu" bus stop and walk 6 minutes

Sculpture at entrance

The Ainu Culture Promotion Center is a fascinating place where visitors can learn about the livelihood, culture, art and history of the indigenous Ainu people who have fostered a unique culture. It is Japan’s first facility featuring indigenous peoples, where visitors can watch, touch and experience numerous traditional Ainu handicrafts made by Ainu artisans. On the grounds there are some traditionally reproduced huts, a “cise”(house), a “pu”(storehouse), and an iyutap (rice milling device).

Traditional Ainu clothing

The modern Ainu Culture Center has artworks, sculptures, an exhibition room, and a large performance hall. The exhibition on the ground floor is home to over 300 items such as tools, clothing, hunting tools, and instruments. Visitors are allowed to handle these items carefully. The items are labeled in English as well as Japanese. The hall has seating for up to 187 people, and throughout the year there are performances of traditional dance and music held, as well as story telling.

Embroidery

Inside the Sapporo Ainu Culture Promotion Center you will also find modern walkways decorated with Ainu monuments, carvings, and framed hand made works. There is even an Ainu language PC dictionary.The information center allows you to explore the Ainu culture through touch panels, video images, books, along with a digital picture show of ancient stories. Or why not go directly to the source and speak with one of the friendly staff!

The Ainu Association of Hokkaido Sapporo Branch also holds workshops at the center that teaches Ainu embroidery and how to make the “Mukkuri” which is a traditional Ainu musical instrument. For reservations and fees required; contact Ainu Association of Hokkaido Sapporo Branch at 011-596-1610.

Hakkenzan Winery

Hakkenzan Winery

AdmissionFree
Opening Hours10:00 - 17:00
ClosedMondays
Contact011-596-3981
http://www.hakkenzanwinery.com/
NotesWine tasting
Free parking
Wheelchair access
Toilets available
Wine available to purchase
Good spot for autumn leaves viewing
Location /
Getting There
〒061-2275 Sapporo, South ward, Toyama 194−1

Around a 45 minute drive from Sapporo station
Buses available from Sapporo Station (Jotetsu Bus 7 or 8)
Buses available from Makomanai Station (Jotetsu Bus 12)
Get off at "Toyotaki Shogakko" bus stop, walk 30 minutes


Hakkenzan WineryHakkenzan Winery is located at the foot of Mt. Hakkenzan and was opened in 2011. This pleasant winery sits beautifully in its surroundings with views of the surrounding areas. The winery has 3 vine fields that cultivates more than 25 varieties of grapes. This winery produces some fantastic wines including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnays, to name a few. This winery’s motto is “Wine is made in the field, and the grapes want to be wine”.


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Hakkenzan Winery

View from the balcony

The Hakkenzan Winery not only has delicious wines, but they are also involved in researching and processing locally grown fruits in the local area, so they also produce and sell cider and fruit jam. These are sold in a small shop at the winery. Locally produced arts and crafts are also sold here. There is a balcony overlooking the vine field and gardens where you can sit and admire the view. Along with the balcony and shop, there is a small viewing area so you can see how they make their wines.
 




The Hakkenzan Winery is in a fantastic area and is a nice trip all year round. In the area, there are park golf courses, horse riding clubs. Mt Okesan for climbing, and the Jouzankei Hot Springs are only 10 minutes away by car. There is a lot to do so you can really make a day of it!



Hoheikyo Dam

Hoheikyo Dam Sapporo

AdmissionFree
Opening HoursAll day
Shuttle bus hours8:45 - 16:00
Adults ¥620, Children ¥300
Contact011-598-3452
NotesPeak 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.