4.0Otaru Canal(3.116 reviews) - Worth a visit! Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
My husband and I specifically went to visit the Otaru canal for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival last February 2020. We took the JR Train from Sapporo station to Otaru Station. It took us almost an hour one way and the train was full both ways. The long trip was worth it when we saw the lanterns light up and the snow sculptures. And of course, we had the famous LeTao sweets on our way back to the station.See more..
4.0Shirogane Blue Pond(1.844 reviews) - Highly recommended for a visiit Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
this is absolutely a must for visitors to the area. The place has been given some renovation works and now offers a very comfortable parking lot, cafe and ice-cream shop and a gift shop. The trails can be muddy or even snowy at times (I visited in the middle of April and there was a lot of snow on the trails, which were in turn very slippery).See more..
4.5Shiretoko Goko Lake(965 reviews) - Easy hike amazing views Bodies of Water
Pleasant hike very easy with amazing views. To see all of the lakes you need to take the tour in summer. Lots of wildlife if you stay they come out. Great gift shop and clean facilities. Parking was only 500 yen and they open at 9am.See more..
4.5Moerenuma Park(841 reviews) - Beautiful Landscape during Winter Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks
Moerenuma Park is a landscape sculpture Mecca designed by Isamu Noguchi offering distinctive expressions of the four seasons Moerenuma Park is designed by sculpture artist Isamu Noguchi as a work of sculpture art in itself. The park was reborn from a waste disposal site and transformed into an art park representative of Sapporo over a period of 23 years. The grand scale of this project earned it the name “landscape sculpture.” Visitors can enjoy different scenery depending on the time of the day and season. Instead of picturing yourself in a park, you should probably think of yourself as being inside a huge sculpture piece.See more..
4.5Lake Mashu(776 reviews) - Breathtaking scenery Bodies of Water
A definite must for those who loves taking pictures of beautiful landscapes. It was a beautiful sight and the weather was cool, breezy and magnificent. The viewpoint is situated in a perfect spot, whereby photographers and those who want to admire the beauty of the area, can simply stand and watch in amazement.See more..
4.0Lake Shikotsu(776 reviews) - Must see!!! Bodies of Water
Beautiful. One-of-a-kind experience. Perfect timing. Duration of tour just right. No regrets at all. Highly recommended. When I booked this tour via KKDay, I requested for an English tour guide. Turns out we didn’t really need a guide. We were promptly picked up at the Century Royal Hotel which was just two blocks from our hotel. The bus ride to Lake Shikotsu took a little over an hour. After stepping out of the bus, we were given exactly two hours to explore the place on our own. Within those two hours, we were able to capture the changing colors of the sky, the sun, and the ice. Don’t miss out on this. I plan to bring my family here soon.See more..
4.0Akan Lake(722 reviews) - Autumn color Bodies of Water
We took ferries to enjoy around lake akan and stop by marimo observation in the mid of lake akan. From beginning till the end of the journey you will be gasped with how beautiful is the scenery. Autumn color combined with the lake and mountain and its animals, really wow. Take a look and prove it by yourselfSee more..
4.0Lake Kussharo(348 reviews) - Lovely Experience Bodies of Water
It was Oct and bus was not in operation. Even if it does, the schedule is very tight for us to enjoy at leisure. We stayed at Kawayu Kinkiyu and reception helped us to book a taxi costing Y5700 one way which was expensive but well worth it. At the trailhead, there's a small hot spring for you to deep your feet in. You can change to shorts in a small hut nearby. Remember to bring towels. The walk was wonderful because we could enjoy the beautiful sight of the lake which was so calm and vast. Take time to look out for beautiful birds and insects. Walk is not difficult but can be hampered by mosquitoes so do bring along repellent. There's a Tourist Information outside the trailhead where we approached the staff to help us call for taxi. We were so lucky to get the same driver, Mr Yoshida, who so kindly stopped by Sunayu beach for us to alight and enjoy.See more..
4.5Kaminoko Pond(314 reviews) - do not go during winter!! Bodies of Water
the road is cover with snow when we visited in mid December. hehehe. we dare not risk driving in the thick snow.See more..
4.5Lake Onneto(230 reviews) - Lake Onneto Bodies of Water
Lake Onneto is park of Akan national park . Nice green colored bottom of lake during early autumn. Nice scenery reflection on the calm lake is extraordinarySee more..
4.5Shimamu Beach(217 reviews) - The Beauty of Vertical Drop Bodies of Water • Beaches
We walked through the 30-meter long narrow low dark tunnel, and found ourselves at the top of the vertical drop. At our feet, there lay the Shimamui Beach with the sea of Shakotan blue. The difference in altitude between the observation platform and the beach was about 70 meters. The trail was steep and narrow. We kept communicating with our legs and feet, taking our return trip to the observatory into consideration. My wife gave up in the middle of the descent. I kept on dropping, and reached the stony beach. The clear and clean water of the Shakotan-blue sea was lapping at pebbles, stones, and rocks. Sea fowls were flying around the 60-meter-tall folding-screen-like huge rock. I wished I could be a seabird to fly back the vertical drop.See more..
4.5Onuma Lake(182 reviews) - Breathtaking Views at Onuma Koen Bodies of Water
Took a day trip from Hakodate to Onuma koen. Journey took approx. 30min via the JR train and we approached the tourist information centre upon arrival for more info. The centre guide shared with us the 2 possible routes which we could visit and we were soon off to the lakes which was about a 15min walk away from the JR station. The first lake which we strolled along was amazing as there were several mini islands connected by bridges of different architecture and we witnessed the sight of the lake frozen during the winter season. We stopped along the way for a meal at the a restaurant which served See more..
4.5Shiretoko Misaki(178 reviews) - Magnificent Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Joined a boat trip (a ferry contained over a hundred of tourists) and sailed for around 1-1.5 hours to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the area. Other on the same boat said they saw a bear but I could not see any :( Travel Tips: If you wish to watch bears, you have to join boat trip in a small boat so as to get close to the beach. This is recommended by the local tourists who lived in the same hostel.See more..
4.0Shikaribetsu Lake(160 reviews) - Unique experience in the winter.... Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
We visited Lake Shikaribetsu in February during the ice village festival. It was such a unique experience for us. The igloos were well built and there was an ice bar where you could buy a hot or cold drink. Sitting on solid ice having a drink was quite fun... there are also igloo rooms to rent. The public onsen was definitely the best. Being outdoor and with a fantastic view, no other hotel can offer it.... A very special place to visit during the winter season. We signed up for a morning hike with the Nature Centre across the street and it was definitely refreshing and fun! If we were to ever visit again, I'd only make it a day trip as there is nothing to do at night and it's not worth the extra hotel money.See more..
3.5Lake Utonai(135 reviews) - The bird santuary is good Bodies of Water
Visited this last week..the lake is no big deal although if you have small kids they could feed the swans...The wild life centre or bird sanctuary is very good and a nice walk...See more..
4.0Lake Notoro(128 reviews) - The place you should go at Abashiri Bodies of Water
Rent a bike, it is the place you want to hiking around or biking. There is a special bicycle path from downtown to all the lake side and abashiri lake. Peddling on it, you will enjoy it. See more..
4.0Otatomari Swamp(126 reviews) - Otatomarinuma Pond Bodies of Water
With a guide from Rishiri Hana Guide Club picking me for half day trip to Otatomarinuma Pond (or marsh) not sure which is correct. "Otato" in Ainu language means sand, "marinuma" means fishing port (Ainu are indigenous people of Japan). Even if it's late the guide expertly pointed out different endemic flowers, plants, trees of the area (in Japanese). The hike itself is not hard and we had all the place to ourselves due incoming typhoon and inclement weather. The flowers are almost gone and it is not yet autumn so not so colorful as one might expect. There are eateries and shops, almost closing up due few tourists I suppose and we were lucky as most of the shops offered us tidbits of free food and free ice cream cone, etc. See more..
4.5Shinsennuma(125 reviews) - Nice Day trip Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This makes a very nice day out or half day depending on your timing. There is a large car park at the entrance along with a visitors centre and public rest rooms. The walk is partly a track and partly a boardwalk through the swamp/ marshes. You can walk all the way to the lake or a short loop to the large pond. You can see birdlife though its get a little busy on the weekends in season. THe cafe at the visitors centre serves up decent meals and occasionally they have some market stalls in the carpark.See more..
4.0Lake Abashiri(119 reviews) - Lake Tahoe in Hokkaido Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
This is a large beautiful lake that has several world-class hotel/onsens on its shores. It provides a tranquil setting for the hotels surrounding it.See more..
4.0Lake Saroma(111 reviews) - Adventure-seekers playground Bodies of Water
Lake Saroma is a place for those who seek the adventure of road trips, off the beaten paths, discover the least explored places, the unknown and curious of the world. Literally located at the far North-East of Hokkaido, Lake Saroma is an amazing place - the absolute drop-dead silence, the quiet towns, fishermen going about their business, life unhurried, stillness of the water, from afar sea eagles, cranes and ducks competing for food. At midnight, look up the sky and be mesmerised point by the celestial heavenly bodies - a billion stars shining brightly. Stay at the Lake Saroma Tsuruga Resort - the 5-star resort has an amazing hospitality and service - the best we've experienced. We loved every moment at Lake Saroma.See more..
4.0Lake Kuttara(75 reviews) - The crater lake Bodies of Water
Nice view and serenity of the old crater. The peaceful lake with the sound and smell of nature and good imagination of this old volcanic creation can make this place a popular attraction. Since the winding asphalt road is narrow, driving with extra caution during high season. Good for picnic along the beach too.See more..
4.0Abashiri Lake(70 reviews) - Winter Ice Fishing Bodies of Water
It was our first time trying ice fishing and it was great fun. We arrived at the frozen Lake Abashiri mid-morning. The weather was excellent. There were five of us and we decided to rent two poles. The guy helped us to drill two holes in the middle of the frozen lake and taught us how to fish. We spent about an hour and more, and caught about 15 small fishes. Afterwhich, we brought it back to the shed at the lakeside, where, with a minimal fee, the guys helped us to marinate the fish (simple coating of flour) and we were brought to the kitchen shed next door to deep fry the fishes. It was great fun and will recommend this winter activitity for those visiting Abashiri.See more..
3.5Tofutsu Lake(70 reviews) - Skip this in summer Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water
I dropped by enroute to Shiretoko in early June. There's not much to see except for a lake against backdrop of the mountains, a view you can see elsewhere in Hokkaido. I think it's probably a more beautiful place in winter. Can skip this during summer. See more..
4.5Shiretoko Beach(67 reviews) - 雄大な大自然 Bodies of Water • Beaches
4.0Himenuma(63 reviews) - Beautiful Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
The walking path around the Himenuma Pond is about 1km in circumference, and features wooden boards running through the trees to allow walkers to get close to the local plants and wildlife. If the weather is good, there are lovely views of Mt. Rishirifuji, and the mountain's reflection can be observed ""upside down"" on the surface of the pond.See more..
3.5Lake Kutcharo(57 reviews) - Nice lake to view the migration swan Bodies of Water
We were here in late October, and there were over 600 swans spread over the lake according to the white board outside the observatory deck. We can see quite a number of them just a short walk from the carpark. Be warned that its quite cold here, especially with the wind, even though is still autumn. Nevertheless, a nice lake for observing the migratory birds. See more..
3.5Okotampe Lake(53 reviews) - 森林の中にある、ライトブルー色をした「オコタンペ湖」です。近くまでは行けず、オコタンペ湖展望台までです。 Bodies of Water
3.5Katsurazawa Lake(48 reviews) - Katsurazawa Lake Park Bodies of Water
A small park by the lake having facilitates that give visitors a glimpse of its glory days which are over. Abandon shops and facilities. Can skip if you don’t have the time. Peaceful and quietSee more..
3.5Lake Shumarinai(45 reviews) - Calm, cosy and quiet - my favorite place. Unapproacheable in winter Bodies of Water
Pretty much isolated from tourist attractions, very lesser-known place even to Japanese. Visited mid-May by a rent-a-car, still lots of snow left, which gave me an impression that as if I were somewhere rural Scandinavian place. The lake is man-made but it doesn't really matter. Enjoy refreshing air and white birch forest.See more..
4.0Onnebetsu River(41 reviews) - Salmon lining up to swim upriver Bodies of Water
Been looking forward to seeing salmon spawning in the shiretoko area and our drive towards shiretoko was rewarded. Saw many fisherman parking cars in this area and fishing around the river mouth and knew we have hit the jack pot. Many salmon were virtually lining up one behind the other to swim upstream. There’s a car park just near the bridge and a salmon ladder further upstream where the river was higher. See more..
4.0Lake Nukabira(39 reviews) - Pleasant walk Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
I enjoyed a pleasant walk, early in the morning to Lake Nukabira, past the old railway tracks. Next time I will look deeper into the railway history and the abandoned bridges.See more..
4.0Ogon Misaki(39 reviews) - Nice View Bodies of Water
This is one of my favourable Musaki in Hokkaido. Just take a bus from Otaru Bus Station, the fare is JPY1,130 to Bikuni. You may refer to the new Chuo bus schedule from 01 Dec 18 till 31 Mar 19. Ogon Misaki just opposite the bus station/Tourist information centre. Follow the signboard ,you should able to find the path to this Ogon Misaki. See more..
4.0Lake Poroto(38 reviews) - Visitors Centre for Shiraoi Bodies of Water
What a surprise discovering this place. We were here in autumn in late October. The drive to this visitors centre is truly beautiful. There are bears in the area and you pass a sign be aware. The road goes for around 3 km along the lake edge with beautiful overhanging trees. The visitor centre is very interesting with friendly people to help and they speak English. There are a series of Cabins and camping facilities there and beautiful nature tRail walks. You can borrow the bear bell from the centre or make sure you clap loudly when walking. This summer 20 bears were cited. They stand 2 m tall. Be aware . Most beautiful place to see the fall colours .,See more..
Well we found this on the second attempt to Kogen. The weather was good but broke down and one got fully wet. The coach parties of hikers vanished when the weather broke down. Good pictures.See more..
4.0Kushiro River(31 reviews) - A great place to relax Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
The water is clear & you can see the fish swim. There are large sidewalks by the river you can stroll. There are parks with flowers & benches that you can sit on & enjoy the river. Also, you see very little trash on the river bank. This is a good place to enjoy a sunny day!See more..
4.0Lake Shinotsu(30 reviews) - Nice tour with chuo bus to this place Bodies of Water
Set out 810am back 315pm. Cost 6000. Included bus fishing bath and lunch. Fishing part was fun but not easy to catch these fishes. Only 4 out 8 people caught small fishes. Tent was heated so not cold. If you go there by yourself fishing cost 1000 per person. Lunch can be ordered around 1000 to 1500 per person. Bath cost 500 if you do by yourself. Winter is still beautiful like a paradise. We had a fun day. Saw other people were enjoying slide and snow bike slides cruising too. From sapporo you can take train then taxi to this lake -if you have 3 to 4 people sharing this can be a cheaper solution too. See more..
4.0Lake Kanayama(25 reviews) - Lake near log hotel larch Bodies of Water
Nice lake with some outdoor activities like fishing n Bbq , Canoeing etc. As we stayed in log hotel larch , it's abt 200m away from the log. Enjoyed the morning walk before our breakfast .See more..
4.0Komuke Lake(20 reviews) - Quiet Lake Near The Sea Bodies of Water
This place is beautiful place, you can camp in this place, and your car also can get in to this place, because this place is so quiet you can hear the voice of the okhotsk sea near this lake. ありがとうSee more..
3.5Chimikeppu Lake(19 reviews) - 誰もいない Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water
Trekking in the snow to see Jirou-ko and Tarou-ko was a memorable experience. It was a tough trek for us newbies but the view was worth the effort. Going in early-April allowed us to see some parts of the lake still frozen which was so beautiful when set against the backdrop of the green trees and forest ground still covered in snow. I'd love to visit again in a different season. To trek here, register with the Akan Tourist Information Center. See more..
3.5Ponshimori Beach(18 reviews) - 利尻空港から車ですぐの富士野園地の近くにありました。 Bodies of Water • Beaches
4.0Miyajimanuma(16 reviews) - Geese flights at dawn - wow! Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
April at 4.30 to 5 am thousands of White-fronted geese rise up en masse from this freshwater lake and take to the skies above the Ishikari River and the Miyajima Swamp/Mash, a few kilometers out of the village of Tsukigata. Stunning sight and sound. All over in about 10-15 mins...so make sure you are in time! There is parking for about 100 cars near the nature center and hide, and flocks of birders come with their long lenses. Dress warm because there will be ice on the ground. The birds leave in the morning light to feed in the fields nearby and return at dusk, more in small groups. This is a stop over for them between winter stay in Miyagi-ken..and spring breeding in Siberia. Stunning experience. * Extra bird plus - at the camp site back near the village center (which isn't open officially) - there are a hundred or more swans...See more..
3.5Lake Onneto(16 reviews) - 温根沼大橋が目印 Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
