| Places of Interest | Kanayama Lavender Fields Kanayama Dam Kodakara Shrine Kanayamo Forest Park Camping Ground |
| Notes | Walking trails, National park, Camping grounds, Canoeing |
| Getting There | Located along route 465 in Minami Furano (South Furano) district. 2 hour drive north east from Sapporo. 40 minute drive south from Furano. Closest station is Higashi-Shikagoe Station, along the Nemuro line. 5 minute walk to the lake from the station. |
In Central Hokkaido located in the district of Minami Furano you can find the impressive Lake Kanayama. This narrow lake stretches for about ten kilometers and is surrounded by wooded mountains. It is formed from the Sorachi River among half a dozen others. It is a very picturesque place to visit, and is a good stop over point of you are driving from Sapporo to Furano via the backroads. On its central northern edge there is the Kanayama Forest Park, which is home to the Kanayamakohan Camping Ground, plus the beautiful Lake Kanayama Lavender Fields. On the eastern edge of the lake, there is the Kanayama Dam.
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Along the lake you can often find a few fishermen, but if you want to get a closer look on the lake , then there is a fun canoeing tour that is available for the public! To rent out the canoes, you can talk to the staff at the Kanayama Camping Ground, as this is where the tour starts. The large canoes fit a maximum of five people (2 adults and 3 children) and the tour is overseen by a guide. Tours are from April to September and run for 1 hour 30 minutes. The canoes are available from 6:00 until 16:00. Guide, insurance, plus equipment is all included in the price, which is ¥5000 per canoe (cash only). There are five canoes so a maximum of up to 25 people!
| Length | 72 kilometres |
| Things to do | Tennis courts, Baseball courts Basketball courts, Park golf Soccer fields, Bicycle path BMX track |
| Getting There | Runs along eastern side of Sapporo station. Closest station to Toyohira River is 'Nakajima Park Station'. From here it is a 5 minute walk east. |
Toyohira high up near Jozankei
Toyohira River originates in Mt.Oizari, (Oizaridake) and winds its way down past Jozankei, to Sapporo before combining with the mighty Ishikari river before ending up in Ishikari bay. The lengthy river measures at 72 kilometers, and is the main river that flows past the city of Sapporo. The river is flanked by two paths that run along its banks. These paths are popular for runners, joggers, and cyclists who can enjoy the views for kilometer after kilometer. And of course, there are lots of fishing spots!
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Sapporo half marathon along the river
If you are not jogging, taking a stroll, or walking the dog, there is plenty to do along river. There are a few open tennis courts set up to enjoy, basketball courts, a BMX track, play areas for the kids, plenty of baseball grounds and park golf courses that are available through spring, summer, and autumn. There is a tonne of open space that can be enjoyed by everybody. Throughout the year, there area a couple of events held along the river. During the summer they have a firework event, and in October there is the Sapporo Marathon.
