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[2024 Edition] 20 recommended driving spots near Sapporo! From classic spots that can be enjoyed for a day trip to hidden gems
There are many wonderful driving spots in the suburbs of Sapporo, with shopping, gourmet food, hot springs, and art! Here are 20 recommended driving spots near Sapporo (Sapporo, Ebetsu, Eniwa, Kitahiroshima, and Chitose) that families and couples can enjoy.
- "Mount Moiwa Observatory (Sapporo City)" - a spectacular view selected as one of the new top three night views in Japan
- Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo City): A fun way to learn about animal ecology
- Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo City), the inner sanctum of Sapporo, known for its beautiful nature and hot springs
- Enjoy reading time while enjoying the cafe inside the store "Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore (Ebetsu City)"
- A new type of entertainment stadium: ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE) (Kitahiroshima City)
- Flower Road Eniwa (Eniwa City) - A place where the seasonal flowers of Eniwa come together
- Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City): The ultimate activity on a crystal clear lake
- "Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory (Sapporo City)" offers a panoramic view of the Dr. Clark statue and Sapporo cityscape.
- Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo City), a candy theme park that you can visit
- Moerenuma Park (Sapporo City): A park that combines art and fun
- Experience crafts in a natural arts hub "Sapporo Art Park" (Sapporo City)
- Jozankei Farm (Sapporo City): An orchard where you can enjoy fruit picking and attractions
- A popular spot for scenic views of the summer lavender gardens: "Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot / Horomitoge Lavender Garden (Sapporo City)"
- Ecorin Village (Eniwa City): A colorful, flower-filled eco-themed garden where you can learn about the SDGs
- Touch, eat and learn about agriculture at "Hokuren Kururu no Mori" (Kitahiroshima City)
- Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima City): A wide selection of apparel and Hokkaido gourmet food
- A peek into the manufacturing process of famous snacks at Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose City)
- Enjoy fresh local vegetables and restaurants at Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose City)
- Observe the creatures of the Chitose River in a huge aquarium at "Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon" (Chitose City)
- A winery and exquisite restaurant in the middle of nature "Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo City)"
1. "Mount Moiwa Observatory (Sapporo City)" - a spectacular view selected as one of the new top three night views in Japan
Located almost in the center of Sapporo city, Mount Moiwa is 531 meters above sea level. From the observation deck at the top of the mountain, you can get a panoramic view of Sapporo, with a 360-degree view of the cityscape lined with skyscrapers and lush greenery during the day, and at night, a beautiful night view that has been selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan" unfolds before your eyes. There are five hiking trails that can be climbed in light clothing, making it a popular spot as an easy mountain to climb in the summer.
■ Business hours ・Mount Moiwa Ropeway (From base station to mid-mountain station) *Last upward trip 21:30 *Operating intervals 15 minutes Summer (April to November) 10:30 to 22:00 / Winter (December to March) 11:00 to 22:00 ・Mini cable car "Morris Car" (Mid-mountain Station - Summit Station) *Last uphill trip 21:40 *Operating intervals 15 minutes Summer (April to November) 10:30 to 21:50 / Winter (December to March) 11:10 to 21:50 ■Fee: Ropeway (from base station to mid-mountain station) + mini cable car "Morris Car" (from mid-mountain station to summit station) set Round trip: Adults 2,100 yen / Children 1,050 yen ■Address: Sapporo Moiwa Mountain Ropeway, 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Click here for details and maps of "Mount Moiwa Observatory (Sapporo City)"
2. Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo City): Learn about animal ecology in a fun way
This is Hokkaido's first zoo, which opened in 1951. You can learn about the ecology of animals in a fun way, including the "Polar Bear House" where you can observe polar bears swimming dynamically from an underwater tunnel, the "Elephant House" where you can learn about the adorable appearance and ecology of mother and baby elephants, and the "Asia Zone" where you can see a wide range of popular animals such as cute red pandas and Siberian tigers. In addition, the new "Orangutan and Borneo Forest" is scheduled to open in spring 2024.
■Opening hours: March 1st to October 31st 9:30-16:30 / November 1st to the end of February 9:30-16:00 ■Price: Adults 800 yen / High school students 400 yen / Junior high school students and younger free ■Address: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Click here for details and maps of "Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo City)"
3. Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo City), the inner sanctum of Sapporo, known for its beautiful nature and hot springs
Jozankei Onsen Town is a popular hot spring resort in Hokkaido, located just under an hour's drive from central Sapporo. Jozankei is also famous as a scenic spot where you can encounter beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. There are bridges dotted around the area from which you can view the rich national forest and valleys, and in autumn many tourists visit to see the autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface. The bright red Futami Tsuribashi Bridge is a particularly popular scenic spot.
■Address: 3-chome, Jozankei Onsen Higashi, Minami-ku, Sapporo For details and maps of "Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo City)" please click here
4. Enjoy a book reading session while enjoying the cafe in the store "Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore (Ebetsu City)"
This large, complex bookstore offers a lifestyle-oriented concept of "Garden City Slow Life," with three buildings: Food, Knowledge, and Living. Visitors can enjoy their time in the bookstore, with places like BOOK & CAFE, where you can relax and read while sipping coffee, HOKKAIDO FOOD PARK, which is lined with cutting-edge restaurants that will lead Hokkaido's future, and Kids Park, where children can play together.
■ Business hours: 9:00-22:00 (9:00-21:00 until Sunday, March 31, 2024) *Business hours and holidays vary depending on the tenant shop, so please check the official website for details. ■Address: 14-1 Makibacho, Ebetsu City Click here for details and map information for "Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore (Ebetsu City)"
5. A new type of entertainment stadium: ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE) (Kitahiroshima City)
At "ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO," you can enjoy a variety of ways to watch baseball that go beyond what you would normally expect, such as hot springs, saunas, and a brewery. There are also restaurants and entertainment venues where you can enjoy gourmet food not only from Hokkaido but also from all over Japan, a children's playground, and glamping facilities, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself other than watching baseball.
■Opening hours: *Please check the official website for details on the entrance gate and opening hours of each store. ■Address: 1 F Village, Kitahiroshima City For details and maps of "ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO <HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE> (Kitahiroshima City)", please click here.
6. Flower Road Eniwa (Eniwa City): A collection of seasonal flowers from the city of flowers, Eniwa
Hana Road Eniwa in Eniwa City, known as the "town of flowers," is a roadside station with themes of flowers, water, greenery, and the countryside. It is located almost halfway between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport on the national highway, so it is easily accessible. In addition to restaurants serving skillet curry, freshly baked bread, and tea stands, there are also shops selling cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, and local specialties.
■Opening hours: April to October 9:00 to 18:00 / November to March 9:00 to 17:00 *The last order for the "Konayuki Tonton" skillet curry is 30 minutes before closing. ■Location: 817-18 Minamishimatsu, Eniwa City Click here for details and map information on "Hana Road Eniwa (Eniwa City)"
7. Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City): Enjoy the ultimate activities on a crystal clear lake
Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the best water quality in Japan, is a caldera lake that belongs to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is also famous as the northernmost lake in Japan that does not freeze over. There are hot springs and a shopping street where you can eat the famous Himemasu dishes on the lakeside, and you can also enjoy activities such as camping, canoeing, and boating in the beautiful nature.
■Location: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City Click here for details and maps of "Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City)"
8. Hitsujigaoka Observatory (Sapporo City): See the Statue of Dr. Clark and a Panoramic View of Sapporo's Cityscape
This is a popular tourist spot where you will be greeted by cute sheep, including the "Dr. Clark Statue," a symbol of Sapporo tourism. The Sapporo Dome seen from the observation deck through the Dr. Clark statue is one of the most typical views of Sapporo. This facility is full of attractions, including events you can enjoy throughout the year, delicious gourmet food, and a museum where you can learn about the history of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
■Opening hours: June to September 9:00 to 18:00 / October to May 9:00 to 17:00 ■Price: Adults 600 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen / Preschoolers free ■Location: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo Click here for details and maps of "Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory (Sapporo City)"
9. Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo City): A candy theme park that you can visit
This is a facility where you can observe the manufacturing process of "Shiroi Koibito," a famous confectionery that represents Hokkaido. There are tours to learn the secret of the deliciousness of the chocolate, and a corner where you can make your own original "Shiroi Koibito" as a memento of your trip. Outside, there is a rose garden with blooming roses, as well as plenty of photo spots such as stone buildings.
■Business hours: 10:00-19:00 *Last admission to paid areas is 16:00 ■Price: High school students and above 800 yen / Junior high school students and below 400 yen / Free for children under 3 years old *Additional fees apply for other paid areas ■Location: 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo For details and maps of "Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo City)" please click here
10. Moerenuma Park (Sapporo City): A park that combines art and fun
Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi as a single work of sculpture, this popular park attracts art lovers from all over the world. Its majestic form as Sapporo's leading art park is known as a "sculpture of the earth," and it shows off a variety of different expressions depending on the time of day and the season you visit. It is also a popular leisure spot, as you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring, water activities in the summer, fireworks by top pyrotechnicians in the fall, and playing in the snow in the winter.
■ Business hours: 7:00-22:00 *Gate opening times vary depending on the area ■ Price: Free ■Location: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo Click here for details and maps of "Moerenuma Park (Sapporo City)"
11. Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo City): Experience crafts in a natural arts hub
It is an arts hub that includes an art museum, craft studios, an outdoor stage, and music practice facilities. The forest is dotted with the Sapporo Art Park Museum, which holds a variety of exhibitions, the Outdoor Museum, where you can enjoy art as the seasons change while becoming one with nature, and various craft studios where you can enjoy hands-on experience such as woodworking and glassworking. It is a place that will pique your curiosity just by stopping by.
■Business hours: 9:45-17:00 *17:30 from June to August ■ Fee: Free admission ・Sapporo Art Park Outdoor Museum: Adults 700 yen / 65 years and older 560 yen / Junior high school students and younger free ・Sapporo Art Museum: *Varies depending on the exhibition ■Address: 2-75 Art Forest, Minami-ku, Sapporo For details and maps of "Sapporo Art Park (Sapporo City)" please click here
12. Jozankei Farm (Sapporo City): An orchard where you can enjoy fruit picking and attractions
Jozankei Farm is an orchard located near the Hoheikyo Dam in Sapporo. You can pick various fruits from June, including strawberries, cherries, and grapes, until early November. In addition to fruit picking, there are also various attractions such as fishing ponds, tree trekking, and zip lines, making it a spot that the whole family can enjoy.
■Business hours: April 25th (Thursday) to the end of September 9:00-17:00 / October 1st (Tuesday) to November 5th (Tuesday) 9:00-16:00 ■Admission Fee: Junior high school students and above 600 yen / 4 years old and above 500 yen / 3 years old and under free ■Address: Jozankei Farm, 832 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo For details and maps of "Jozankei Farm (Sapporo City)" please click here
13. A popular spot for scenic views of the summer lavender gardens: Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot / Horomitoge Lavender Garden (Sapporo City)
It's a scenic spot close to the city center, about a 10-minute drive from Maruyama Koen Station on the subway. The observation parking lot, which is open from April to November, offers a panoramic view of Sapporo city, and is also famous as one of the best spots to see Sapporo's night views. In addition, the lavender gardens are bustling with people in the summer, so you can enjoy the unique scenery of Sapporo that changes depending on the season and time of day.
<Horomitoge Observation Parking Lot> ■ Business hours: April 1st to November 30th, open 24 hours *Motorcycles and bicycles are not permitted due to the gate-type payment system. *Entry on foot is available from 9:00 to 17:00 ■Price: 3:00-17:00 500 yen / 17:00-3:00 800 yen
<Horomitoge Lavender Garden> ■Opening hours: Early July to late July 9:00-17:00 ■Price: Free for general admission / 500 yen per car (parking fee included) * Harvesting fees start from 500 yen (depending on the size of the plant)
■Address: 471-110 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo (top of Horomito Pass)
14. Ecorin Village (Eniwa City): A colorful, flower-filled eco-themed garden where you can learn about the SDGs
This ecological theme garden boasts a total area of 150 hectares. With up to 1,000 sheep grazing on the vast farmland, and an English-style garden with flowers blooming throughout the seasons, it's full of things to see. The "Tomato Forest," certified as the world's largest tomato plant, is also worth a visit. Throughout the facility, you can learn about SDGs initiatives with your children.
■Opening hours: Summer: Mid-April to October *Winter: November to March: Only the restaurant and welcome center are open ■ Price: Free admission to Ecorin Village Galaxy Garden & Midori Farm admission fee: High school students and above 1,200 yen / Junior high school students and below 600 yen / 65 years and older 1,000 yen ■Address: 277-4 Makiba, Eniwa City, Ecorin Village Click here for details and map information on "Ecorin Village (Eniwa City)"
15. Touch, taste and learn about agriculture at Hokuren Kururu no Mori (Kitahiroshima City)
At Hokuren Kururu no Mori's farm work and cooking experience, you can experience the entire process of how the food you eat every day is grown in the fields and rice paddies until it reaches your dinner table. There are plenty of exciting and moving experiences to come into contact with agriculture, such as observing crops, cooking, and tasting freshly picked vegetables. At the restaurant on the premises, you can enjoy dishes that make the most of the flavors of Hokkaido's fresh ingredients.
■Opening hours: Restaurant 11:00-15:30 / Experience only on weekends and holidays ■Address: 377-1 Omagari, Kitahiroshima City For details and maps of "Hokuren Kururu no Mori Farm Work and Cooking Experience (Kitahiroshima City)" please click here For details and maps of "Hokuren Kururu no Mori Rural Restaurant (Kitahiroshima City)" please click here.
16. Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima City): A Full Range of Apparel and Hokkaido Gourmet Food
Hokkaido's largest all-weather outlet mall, with a floor space of approximately 30,000 square meters, is home to a wide variety of stores. It offers everything from brand shopping to the latest popular gourmet foods and souvenirs, as well as Hokkaido's agricultural products and seafood. Children's events are also held regularly, making it a spot where families can enjoy shopping and dining at the same time.
■Opening hours: Shops 10:00-20:00 / Restaurants 11:00-21:00 / Food court 10:30-21:00 (last order 20:30) ■Address: Mitsui Outlet Park, 3-7-6 Omagari Saiwai-cho, Kitahiroshima City Click here for details and map information on "Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima City)"
17. Take a peek at the manufacturing process of famous snacks at Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose City)
This is a facility where you can see the manufacturing process of the familiar Calbee potato chips and the popular souvenir "Jaga Pokkuru". You can enjoy watching the staff guide you through the process of how potato chips are made from raw potatoes harvested in Hokkaido. Be sure to take a look at the impressive potato chips flowing down the production line like a waterfall.
■Opening hours: Factory tours Monday through Thursday (excluding public holidays) from 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (approx. 90 minutes) ■ Price: Free ■Address: 779-4 Kitashinano, Chitose City Click here for details and map information for "Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose City)"
18. Enjoy fresh local vegetables and restaurants at Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose City)
This roadside station is lined with restaurants and a food court, as well as shops selling original salmon and salmon-based products that are unique to Chitose, and a farm shop selling vegetables and fruits from Hokkaido. The facility also has a kids' space with play equipment for small children to enjoy. An Indian waterwheel that runs on water power alone is set up on the adjacent Chitose River from mid-July to early December, and you can watch the salmon being caught as they swim upstream from the bridge.
■Business hours: 9:00-17:00 *Business hours may vary depending on the facility. ■Address: 2-4-2 Hanazono, Chitose City Click here for details and maps of "Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose City)"
19. Observe the creatures of the Chitose River in a giant aquarium at Chitose Aquarium, the hometown of salmon (Chitose City)
Chitose Salmon Aquarium is an aquarium with one of the largest freshwater tanks in Japan. Inside the aquarium, you can observe the ecology of salmon and various freshwater fish from the northern regions, as well as the creatures of the Chitose River throughout the seasons. The schools of salmon heading to spawn are a must-see. In addition to events such as the release of salmon fry, many special exhibitions are also held.
■ Business hours: April 1st (Monday) to March 31st, 2025 (Monday) 9:00-17:00 *Opening hours vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details. ■Price: Adults 800 yen / High school students 500 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen / Infants free ■Address: 2-312 Hanazono, Chitose City For details and maps of "Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon (Chitose City)" please click here
20. A winery and exquisite restaurant in the middle of nature "Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo City)"
Located at the foot of Mt. Hakken, one of the 100 famous mountains in Hokkaido, this winery is surrounded by greenery and its bright red brewery stands out against the vineyards. You can sample local ingredients at the restaurant on the premises, and various wines and fruit jams are sold at the market. There is also a park golf course, a horse riding club, and Jozankei Onsen in the vicinity, making it a perfect place to add to your driving route.
■ Business hours ・Restaurant: 11:30 - last orders 16:30 ・Marche hours (selling wine etc. + coffee): 10:00-17:00 ■Location: 194-1 Toyama, Minami-ku, Sapporo For details and maps of "Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo City)" please click here
*All information listed is current as of March 2024. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
