| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Notes | Historical landmark, sightseeing spot, small park and walkway, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the central city of Hakodate. The closest tram station is Horai-Cho Station. It is only a 2 minute walk from here. The park is at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Gokoku Shrine. 〒040-0034 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Omoricho, 22, Unnamed Road |
In Hakodate, at the base of the slope that leads up to Mt. Hakodate there is a narrow green space that runs for about five blocks. This green space is a really pleasant area to take a stroll along. On both sides the park is flanked by some nice old buildings. The green space is home to various statues and there is a historical site here as well. The park is particularly nice during the cherry blossom season. The main statue that overlooks the space is of Takadaya Kahei. Takadaya Kahei was born in 1769 and came to Hakodate when he was 28. He was famous for developing the area and creating trade routes and fisheries. The statue was erected in 1958 to commemorate the centenary of the port of Hakodate opening.
The historical site that can be observed halfway along the park, is the place where Takadaya Kahei’s house once existed. He owned extensive property in Hakodate and there is a small plaque displaying this. Also in this park, you can find the poem monument of Takahashi Kikutaro. The monument here was built in 1961 by his fans, and inscribed on the monument is the lyrics to one of his most famous songs. Takahashi Kikutaro was a prominent song writer and had written lyrics to over 3,000 songs by the time of his death in 1970. This green space has a pleasant small path running through it and it is a great spot to stroll through.
| 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!
| Opening Hours | All day |
| Contact | 011-598-2012 |
| Notes | Autumn leaves viewing spot, parking nearby for 20, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | This bridge is in Jozankei. It's a 15 minute walk or a 3 minute drive from central Jozankei. From Sapporo it's a 45 minute drive. Take route 230 and it's a right hand turn off from this road. 1 Chome-61 Jozankeionsenhigashi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302 |
The town of Jozankei is up in the mountains outside of Sapporo. There are numerous rivers that run through and by it. This landscape makes for some really beautiful scenic spots. The Nishiki Bridge and Maizuru no Toro water pool is one of these locations. The bridge is quite small but it crosses a small gorge that offers a nice view that overlooks Toyohira river. The view is especially stunning during the Autumn. The trees overhang the river and the autumn leaves are reflected in the water creating a kaleidoscope of color. Even during the winter, it is a stunning view.
To get to the bridge you will need a car if coming from Sapporo. There is nowhere to stop and park on the bridge but there is a small parking area just past it. The drive into Jozankei takes about forty five minutes. For those who are staying in the town of Jozankei, it is about a twenty minute walk from the very centre of town. This makes for a nice peaceful stroll where you can take in the views of the mountains and rivers. The river pool, which is part of the river here, is a popular spot for people to canoe along and on occasion you can see people enjoying the water.
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | During the winter (depending on snow conditions) |
| Contact | 011-662-2424 http://www.nankoen.co.jp/gmpmg/ |
| Notes | BBQ area, hiking trails, toilets, playground, BBQ area, park golf, parking for 544 cars |
| Park Golf | 18 holes fee Adults ¥270 / Children ¥120 / 65 years and older ¥180 27 holes fee Adults ¥400 / Children ¥180 / 65 and over ¥270 4-hour ticket Adults ¥700 / Children ¥360 / Over 65 years old ¥500 |
| Location / Getting There | The park is a 20 minute drive west from Sapporo into the mountains. Parking is free. JR Bus 41 "Nishino Fukui Line" departing from JR "Hassamu Station" JR Bus Kotoni 41 Nishino-Fukui Line from "Kotoni Subway Station" It's a 5 minutes walk from "Fukui 10-chome" or get off at "Gotenzan Park" 423 Fukui, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0012 |
This large recreational space (which was originally an old quarry) can be found up in the mountains and was opened in 2009. The park was the first of its kind, found in the west ward of Sapporo. It is easily recognizable by its pyramid shaped mountain overlooking the whole area. The park has BBQ cooking huts for use (enquire at the office), plus a playground for the kids, a ball game space for football and basketball, and a 27 hole park golf course on the grounds. During the summer, there are fireflies that converge at the ‘firefly waterway’ which also has a restored windmill running.
If you want to stretch your legs even further, take a walk up to Mt. Goten which has two viewing platforms. The springtime is especially popular for its beautiful flowers. Even though this large recreational space is up in the mountains it is actually not that far from central Sapporo. It is about a twenty minute drive from central Sapporo. The road winds its way west up through the mountains until you reach the park of Gotenzan. Take advantage of the ample free parking here, that has enough space for 550 vehicles! For those without access to a vehicle, you can take the bus up from Kotoni station in Sapporo.
