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[2024] 20 Recommended Driving Spots in the Suburbs of Sapporo! From classic day-trip spots to off-the-beaten-track spots!
There are many great driving spots in the suburbs of Sapporo, including shopping, dining, hot springs, and art! Here are 20 recommended driving spots in the suburbs of Sapporo (Sapporo, Ebetsu, Eniwa, Kitahiroshima, and Chitose) for families and couples to enjoy.
- Moiwa Observatory, selected as one of the top three new night views in Japan(Sapporo City)
- Maruyama Zoo, where you can enjoy learning about animal life(Sapporo City)
- Jozankei Onsen in Sapporo, a resort area in the backcountry of Sapporo known for its beautiful nature and hot spring baths(hot spring)
- Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore, where you can read a book while enjoying a café inside(Ebetsu City)
- ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE), a new type of entertainment ballpark(Kitahiroshima City)
- "Flower Road Eniwa", where the season of Eniwa, the town of flowers, gathers(Eniwa City)
- Lake Shikotsu, a crystal-clear lake with superb activities(Chitose City)
- Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill overlooking the statue of Dr. Clark and the city of Sapporo(Sapporo City)
- Shiroi Koibito Park, a candy theme park that can be visited(Sapporo City)
- Moerenuma Park, a park that combines art and fun(Sapporo City)
- Sapporo Art Park, a nature-rich art center where visitors can experience crafts(Sapporo City)
- Jozankei Farm, an orchard where you can enjoy fruit picking and attractions(Sapporo City)
- North Safari Sapporo, an interactive zoo where visitors can interact with animals(Sapporo City)
- Ecology theme garden "Ecorinmura" where you can learn about the SDGs and enjoy a variety of flowers(Eniwa City)
- Hokuren Kururu no Mori, where you can learn about agriculture by touching and eating(Kitahiroshima City)
- Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, where you can find apparel and Hokkaido gourmet foods(Kitahiroshima City)
- Calbee Hokkaido Factory, where you can take a peek at the production process of famous confectioneries(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 "Chitose Aquarium, Home of Salmon"(Chitose City)
- Hakkenzan Winery, a winery and exquisite restaurant in the great outdoors(Sapporo City)
1. Moiwa Observatory, selected as one of the top three new night views in Japan(Sapporo City)
Moiwa, 531 meters above sea level, is located in the center of Sapporo City. Moiwa Observatory, 531 meters above sea level, is located in the center of Sapporo City. The observatory at the top of the mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Sapporo, with the urban area lined with high-rise buildings and lush green nature during the daytime, and a beautiful night view that has been selected as one of Japan's top three new night views. There are five trails that can be climbed with light clothing, making it a popular spot for casual climbers during the summer.
Opening Hours
Moiwa Ropeway (from Sanroku Station to Midway Station) *Last train up at 21:30 *15 minutes between runs
Summer (April-November) 10:30-22:00 / Winter (December-March) 11:00-22:00
Mini cable car "Moris Car" (Midway Station - Summit Station) *Last train up at 21:40 *15 min. between runs.
Summer (April-November) 10:30-21:50 / Winter (December-March) 11:10-21:50
Fare: ropeway (from the foot station to the mid-saddle station) + mini cable car "Moris Car" (from the mid-saddle station to the summit station)
Round trip: Adult 2,100 yen / Child 1,050 yen
Location: Sapporo Moiway Ropeway, 5-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Mt.
2. Maruyama Zoo, where you can enjoy learning about animal life(Sapporo City)
Opened in 1951, this was the first zoo in Hokkaido. The zoo features the Polar Bear Pavilion, where visitors can observe polar bears swimming dynamically through an underwater tunnel; the Elephant House, where visitors can learn about the adorable parent and child elephants and their ecology; and the Asia Zone, where visitors can see a variety of popular animals such as cute red pandas and Amur tigers. The "Elephant House" is a facility where visitors can learn about the ecology and ecology of animals. In addition, a new "Orangutan and Borneo Forest" is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024.
Hours of operation: March 1 - October 31, 9:30 - 16:30 / November 1 - end of February, 9:30 - 16:00
Admission: Adults 800 yen / High school students 400 yen / Junior high school students and younger free
Location: 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo )
3. Jozankei Onsen in Sapporo, a resort area in the backcountry of Sapporo known for its beautiful nature and hot spring baths(hot spring)
Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring Resort is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Hokkaido and can be reached in less than one hour by car from the center of Sapporo. Jozankei is also famous as a scenic spot where one can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. The area is dotted with bridges that offer views of the rich forests and valleys of the national forests. In autumn, many tourists visit the area to see the autumn leaves reflected on the water, and the bright red Futami Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular and spectacular spots.
Location: Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chome, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Jozankei Onsen Town (Sapporo).
4. Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore, where you can read a book while enjoying a café inside(Ebetsu City)
A large bookstore complex that proposes a lifestyle based on the concept of "Rural City Slow Life," consisting of three buildings for food, knowledge, and living. Visitors can enjoy their own time at the "BOOK & CAFE" where they can relax and read a book with a cup of coffee anywhere in the store, the "HOKKAIDO FOOD PARK" where up-and-coming Hokkaido's next generation of restaurants are lined up, and the "KIDS PARK" where children can play happily. Open hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Business hours: 9:00 - 22:00 (9:00 - 21:00 until Sunday, March 31, 2024)
*Business hours and holidays differ depending on tenant stores, so please check the official website for details.
Location: 14-1 Ranchi-machi, Ebetsu-shi, Ebetsu
Click here for details and map information of Ebetsu Tsutaya (Ebetsu City).
5. ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO (HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE), a new type of entertainment ballpark(Kitahiroshima City)
At ESCON Field HOKKAIDO, you can enjoy various ways to watch baseball games that transcend conventional wisdom, such as hot springs, saunas, and a Kraft Beer Brewery. With food and beverage outlets where you can enjoy gourmet foods not only from Hokkaido but from all over the country, entertainment, a children's playground, and glamping facilities, there are many other ways to enjoy yourself besides watching a baseball game.
■Opening Hours:*Please check the official website for details on the entrance gates and the opening of each store.
Location: 1 F Village, Kitahiroshima City
Click here for details and map information of ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO <HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE> (Kitahiroshima City)
6. "Flower Road Eniwa", where the season of Eniwa, the town of flowers, gathers(Eniwa City)
Hana Road Eniwa in Eniwa City, known as the "City of Flowers," is a roadside station with the themes of flowers, water, greenery, and the countryside. Located almost halfway between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport on the national highway, it is easily accessible. There are not only restaurants such as skillet curry, freshly baked bread, and TEA stands, but also stores selling cosmetic sundries and specialty products.
Business hours: April-October 9:00-18:00 / November-March 9:00-17:00
Last order for "Konayuki tonton" skillet curry is 30 minutes before closing.
Location: 817-18 Minamijimamatsu, Eniwa City
Click here for details and map information of Hana Road Eniwa (Eniwa City)
7. Lake Shikotsu, a crystal-clear lake with superb activities(Chitose City)
Lake Shikotsu boasts the best water quality in Japan and is a caldera lake belonging to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is also famous as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan. There are hot springs and a shopping street by the lake where you can enjoy the famous "hime-masu" trout dishes. You can also enjoy activities such as camping, canoeing and boating in the beautiful nature.
Location: Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring, Lake Shikotsu, Chitose City
Click here for details and map information of Lake Shikotsu (Chitose City).
8. Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill overlooking the statue of Dr. Clark and the city of Sapporo(Sapporo City)
This popular tourist spot welcomes visitors with the statue of Dr. Clark, a symbol of Sapporo tourism, as well as cute sheep. The Sapporo Dome seen from the observatory through the statue of Dr. Clark is one of the most typical views of Sapporo, and there are many attractions such as year-round events, delicious food, and a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Operating hours: June-September 9:00-18:00 / October-May 9:00-17:00
Fees: Adults 600 yen / Elementary/junior high school students 300 yen / Preschool children free
Location: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill (Sapporo )
9. Shiroi Koibito Park, a candy theme park that can be visited(Sapporo City)
This is a facility where visitors can observe the production process of "Shiroi Koibito," Hokkaido's famous confectionery. Visitors can also take a tour to learn the secret of chocolate's deliciousness and make their own original "Shiroi Koibito" as a memory of their trip. There is also a rose garden with roses in full bloom outside, as well as a stone building and many other photo spots.
Business hours: 10:00-19:00 *Last admission at paid area: 16:00
Fee: High school students and older: 800 yen / Up to junior high school students: 400 yen / Children under 3 years old: free *Other fee-based areas require a separate fee.
Location: 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo )
10. Moerenuma Park, a park that combines art and fun(Sapporo City)
Sculptor Isamu Noguchi designed the entire park as a single work of sculpture, and it is a popular park that attracts art lovers from all over the world. This majestic art park representing Sapporo is called "Sculpture of the Earth," and shows various expressions depending on the time and season of your visit. Cherry blossoms in spring, water sports in summer, fireworks by top-notch pyrotechnicians in autumn, and snow play in winter make it a hot spot for leisure activities.
Operating hours: 7:00-22:00 *Gate opening hours vary by area.
■Fee: Free of charge
Location: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Moerenuma Park (Sapporo ).
11. Sapporo Art Park, a nature-rich art center where visitors can experience crafts(Sapporo City)
Sapporo Art Park is an art center with an art museum, craft workshops, an outdoor stage, and music rehearsal facilities. The Sapporo Art Park Museum, which holds various exhibitions, an outdoor art museum where visitors can enjoy art in harmony with nature and the changing of the seasons, and various craft workshops, including a woodworking studio and a glass studio, are scattered throughout the forest. Just stopping by is enough to pique your curiosity.
Hours: 9:45-17:00 *Closed at 17:30 from June to August.
Admission: Free
Sapporo Art Park Open-Air Museum: Adults ¥700 / Seniors 65 and over ¥560 / Junior high school students and under free
Sapporo Art Park Open-Air Museum: Adults 700 yen / 65 years and older 560 yen / Free for junior high school students and younger
Location: 2-75, Art Park, Minami-ku, Sapporo
For details and map information of Sapporo Art Park, click here.
12. Jozankei Farm, an orchard where you can enjoy fruit picking and attractions(Sapporo City)
Jozankei Farm is an orchard located near the Toyohirakyo Dam in Sapporo, where visitors can pick a variety of fruits, including strawberries in June, cherries and grapes until early November. In addition to fruit picking, the farm offers various attractions such as fishing ponds, tree trekking, and zip lines, making it a fun spot for the whole family.
Business hours: April 25 (Thu) - end of September 9:00-17:00 / October 1 (Tue) - November 5 (Tue) 9:00-16:00
Admission: ¥600 for junior high school students and older / ¥500 for children 4 years old and older / free for children 3 years old and younger
Location: Jozankei Farm, 832 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Jozankei Farm (Sapporo)
13. North Safari Sapporo, an interactive zoo where visitors can interact with animals(Sapporo City)
Visitors can actually interact with a variety of animals, and the most popular of these is the experience of wrapping a giant snake around your neck. Premium experiences that can only be experienced at North Safari Sapporo, such as animal glamping, where you can stay overnight with the animals, are also available. Other activities such as zip-lining and net athletics can also be enjoyed.
Hours of operation: January 5 (Fri.) - November 30 (Sat.), 9:00 - 17:00
*Business hours vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week, so please check the official website for details.
■Fees
January 5 - March 20: Junior high school students and older: 1,300 yen / Elementary school students and younger: 600 yen / Children under 2 years old: free
April 26-November 30: Junior high school students and older: 1,900 yen / Elementary school students and younger: 700 yen / Children under 2 years old: free
Location: North Safari Sapporo, 469-1 Toyotaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of North Safari Sapporo (Sapporo )
14. Ecology theme garden "Ecorinmura" where you can learn about the SDGs and enjoy a variety of flowers(Eniwa City)
Ecology theme garden boasts a total area of 150 hectares. The vast farmland, up to 1,000 sheep grazing on the land, and the English-style garden with seasonal flowers are just a few of the many attractions. The Tomato Forest, certified as the world's largest tomato tree, is worth seeing. This is also a spot where you can learn about SDGs initiatives with your children throughout the entire facility.
Business hours: Summer: Mid-April to October *Winter: November to March: Restaurant and Welcome Center only open
■Fees: Free admission to Ecorin Village
Ginga Teien & Midori no Ranch admission fee: High school students and older: 1,200 yen / Junior high school students and younger: 600 yen / 65 years old and older: 1,000 yen
Location：Ekorinmura, 277-4 Ranchi, Eniwa City
Click here for details and map information of Ekorinmura (Eniwa City)
15. Hokuren Kururu no Mori, where you can learn about agriculture by touching and eating(Kitahiroshima City)
At Hokuren Kururu no Mori, visitors can experience the entire process of farming and food processing, from the time the food they eat grows in the fields and rice paddies to the time it is served at the dinner table. Visitors can observe crops, try their hand at cooking, and taste freshly harvested vegetables, making this a fun and exciting way to experience agriculture. At the restaurant on the premises, you can enjoy dishes that make the most of the fresh flavors of Hokkaido's ingredients.
Restaurant hours: 11:00-15:30 / Hands-on experience: Available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Location: 377-1 Omagari, Kitahiroshima City
Click here for details and map information of Hokuren Kururu no Mori Farming and Cooking Experience (Kit ahiroshima City) Click here for details and map information of Hokuren Kururu no Mori Farm Village Restaurant (Kitahiroshima City)
16. Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, where you can find apparel and Hokkaido gourmet foods(Kitahiroshima City)
This is one of Hokkaido's largest all-weather outlet malls, with an area of approximately 30,000 square meters where a variety of stores are located. It offers everything from brand-name shopping to the latest popular gourmet foods and souvenirs, as well as Hokkaido's agricultural products and seafood. With events for children held regularly, this is a spot where families can enjoy shopping and dining at the same time.
Hours: Shop 10:00-20:00 / Restaurant 11:00-21:00 / Food court 10:30-21:00 (last order 20:30)
Location: Mitsui Outlet Park, 3-7-6 Omagari Saiwai-cho, Kitahiroshima City
Click here for details and map information of Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (Kitahiroshima City)
17. Calbee Hokkaido Factory, where you can take a peek at the production process of famous confectioneries(Chitose City)
This facility allows visitors to observe the production process of Calbee's well-known potato chips and Jaga Pokkuru, a popular souvenir. Visitors can enjoy the process of making potato chips from raw potatoes harvested in Hokkaido while being guided by staff members. Visitors can also see the powerful sight of potato chips flowing down the production line like a waterfall.
Hours: Factory tours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 - 13:30 (except holidays) (about 90 minutes)
Fee: Free of charge
Location: 779-4 Kitashinano, Chitose City
Click here for details and map information of Calbee Hokkaido Factory (Chitose City)
18. enjoy fresh local vegetables and restaurants at Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose(Chitose City)
This roadside station has a store where you can buy original products made from salmon and salmon unique to Chitose, a direct sales shop for agricultural products where you can buy Hokkaido vegetables and fruits, as well as restaurants and a food court. The facility also has a kids' space with playground equipment for small children to enjoy. An Indian waterwheel, which turns only by water power, is installed on the adjacent Chitose River from mid-July to early December, and visitors can watch salmon being caught as they run upstream from the bridge.
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 *Business hours may change depending on the facility.
Location: 2-4-2 Hanazono, Chitose City
Click here for details and map information of "Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose (Chitose City)
19. observe the creatures of the Chitose River in a huge aquarium "Chitose Aquarium, Home of Salmon"(Chitose City)
Salmon Furusato Chitose Aquarium is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in Japan. Inside the aquarium, visitors can observe the ecology of salmon and various freshwater fish from the northern region, as well as the creatures of the Chitose River in each of the four seasons. Among them, a school of salmon on their way to spawn is a must-see. In addition to events such as the release of salmon fry, many special exhibitions are held.
Hours of operation: Monday, April 1 - Monday, March 31, 2025, 9:00 - 17:00
*Business hours vary depending on the season, so please check the official website for details.
Fees: Adults: 800 yen / High school students: 500 yen / Elementary/junior high school students: 300 yen / Infants: free
Location: 2-312 Hanazono, Chitose City
Click here for details and map information of Chitose Aquarium (Chitose City), the home of salmon.
20. Hakkenzan Winery, a winery and exquisite restaurant in the great outdoors(Sapporo City)
Located at the foot of Hakkenzan, one of Hokkaido's 100 most famous mountains, this winery has an impressive red brewery that stands out against a landscape of many green hills and vineyards. Visitors can taste local foods at the on-site restaurant, and various wines and fruit jams are sold at the marché. With a park golf course, horseback riding club, and Jozankei Onsen hot springs nearby, this is the perfect place for a driving route.
■Opening Hours
Restaurant: 11:30 - last order 16:30
Marche (wine sales and coffee shop): 10:00-17:00
Location: 194-1 Tomiyama, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Click here for details and map information of Hakkenzan Winery (Sapporo).
All information is current as of March 2024.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.
