| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Notes | Beach, camping area, paid parking, BBQ spot, swimming spot, small bars in the summer |
| Location / Getting There | Otaru dream beach is about a 40 minute drive north west from Sapporo. A car is preferable. For those taking public transport, you need to take a train (Hakodate Line) to Otaru and get off at Hoshioki station. From there it is a 50 minute walk so a taxi would be better. Alternatively, the bus near Hoshioki station is No.81, and that is 5 stops, and from then it is a 30 minute walk to the beach. 3, 70 Zenibako, Otaru, Hokkaido, 047-0261 Japan |
There are two main beaches that the locals of Sapporo go to during the summer. One being Aso Beach Ishikari and the other is Otaru Dream Beach. Ishikari Beach is a quieter and more relaxing place to spend a summer day, where as Otaru Dream beach is a busier spot with more of a party atmosphere. This is mainly due to the fact there are more beach bars that line the sand. These bars serve as small places that serve food and BBQ supplies plus offering tables for beach goers to cook their own food. They also serve alcohol for those to enjoy.
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The ‘beach bars’ are slightly run down and serve only as temporary bars and eateries for a couple of months. They are open until the evening and sometimes kick on until late at night. There is also the occasional beach party event. There is no real accommodation around this long beach but there is a camping ground on the beach. This costs around ¥1000 but if you come late, then you can avoid this. Also parking for cars is about ¥500 for the day. There are signs and collectors near the entrance. This beach is mainly for a younger crowd who enjoy the BBQs and although it is not a particularly clean beach, it is a fun beach. If you are looking for something quieter, Then Ishikari Beach is a better option.
| 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 | - |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours 7:00 - 21:00 parking |
| Contact | 011-581-3811 |
| Notes | Walking paths, restrooms, free parking, picnic spot, fishing spot, playground, stage for events, popular in summer |
| Location / Getting There | 35 minute drive south from Sapporo. Located along Toyohira River. Take Ishiyama Dori, route 230 and turn right at the Co-op supermarket. 5 Chome-13 Fujino 1 Jo, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2281 |
Along Toyohira River, there are lots of parks and green spaces to enjoy the river as well as the local area. Jugoshima Park is just one of these parks. It can be found between Sapporo and the onsen district of Jozankei. The park is a huge space of two square kilometres. This tranquil space includes a large grass area, walking trails and the river itself. The great thing about this park is that there are places to have a BBQ along the riverside. There is no better way to enjoy a summers day.
The park is not only popular during the summer months, but during the spring you can see cherry blossoms here! And during the autumn, the leaves turn to beautiful shades of red and gold and this a great spot to get some stunning photos. There are walking paths to wander and enjoy the scenery. The park has covered rest areas as well to stop and take a break. For those with kids, the park has a playground as well as the river which is the perfect size to explore the rick pools and streams. With plenty of parking, Jugoshima Park is a nice spot to check out!
| Admission | Free admission |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-82-5111 |
| Notes | Parking available Walking paths Sightseeing spot |
| Location / Getting There |
Ukimido Park is a great sightseeing spot and a good place to get some photos on the shores of Lake Toya. The park can be easily recognized by its stone sculptures and its small outcrop where the iconic shrine is located. The shrine, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Toya make for a great photography opportunity, in any kind of season. The shrine is only a five minute walk from the main car park, which is located on the northern side of lake.
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The park has paths that intertwine making for a pleasant walk through the warmer months. The park, as with most of the parks around Lake Toya, has large sculptures arranged around its grounds. The small island that the shrine is on, was once part of a hill that was formed when the caldera was formed 110,000 years ago. Ruins from this period, known as the Jomon period, can be found around this small island! The large car park that sits right next to the park has plenty of spaces so parking is not a problem.
| 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!
