A Long Drive from Sapporo! Arriving in Tsurui Village

Participating in this monitor tour was the Niioka family from Sapporo. The family of three includes the mother, Yui, the father, Yukio, and their son, Kanata (4 years old).
After about a 5-hour drive from Sapporo, they arrived in Tsurui Village!

The Niioka Family

Traveling by car gives you the freedom to manage your own time, so we recommend stopping by interesting shops in towns along the way to enjoy local cuisine or buy souvenirs.

However, the distance from Sapporo to Tsurui Village is a long 330 km. If you're concerned about the long drive, don't worry—there are public transportation options available.

First, a Family Fishing Trip! Catch and Eat Yamame Trout at Otsu Fishing Park

Breathe in the fresh air of Tsurui Village and enjoy a fishing experience with your family!

Otsu Fishing Park

Here at Otsu Fishing Park, you can casually enjoy fishing for Yamame trout (cherry trout) in a fishing pond fed by the underground waters of Lake Mashu.
All the necessary equipment can be rented, and they have fishing rods for both adults and elementary school students. They'll also teach you how to fish, so even beginners can have a great time.
Let's attach the paste bait to the end of the rod and drop it into the pond. A sudden tug on the line, a quick pull, and... you've caught a magnificent Yamame trout!

The catch of the day for this family of three was over 20 fish! At Otsu Fishing Park, you can not only enjoy fishing but also have your catch cooked into crispy tempura on the spot (20 yen per fish), so you can savor it right away.

Freshly caught and fried Yamame trout tempura

Worried you might not catch anything? Don't be! If you don't catch any fish, they'll give you a Yamame trout or Yamame tempura as a gift.
Located near Tsurui Sports Park, Otsu Fishing Park is a place where you can show up empty-handed and still have a fantastic time fishing, even if you're a beginner. Be sure to give it a try!

Play to Your Heart's Content & Get Some Work Done at Tsurui Sports Park

After enjoying fishing and filling up on Yamame tempura, it's time to head to Tsurui Sports Park!

Tsurui Sports Park

This vast 12-hectare sports park is fun for all ages, from children to adults. It's packed with attractions like swan boats and go-karts, as well as activities such as a barbecue corner and a putt-putt golf course. There's also a cafe and a shop, so you can come empty-handed and have fun all day.

Attractions at Tsurui Sports Park

While Kanata and his dad were enjoying the park's attractions, his mom got some work done at the park's cafe, "Hiroba no Cafe Huckleberry." You can enjoy drinks, light meals, and sweets, making it a great place to focus on work while taking a relaxing break.

Working at Huckleberry

Huckleberry also has a kids' space and a nursing room, so you can visit with small children without any worries.

End the Day with a Hot Spring! Relax in Tsurui Village's Natural Onsen

After a full day of fun, it's time to soothe your tired muscles in a hot spring with water flowing directly from the source.

Hotel Green Park Tsurui Open-air Bath

Two facilities where you can enjoy natural hot springs, both for overnight stays and day trips, are Hotel Green Park Tsurui and HOTEL TAITO. Although the water quality is similar, the temperature and moisturizing feel are slightly different, and the atmosphere of the baths also varies. We recommend trying both to fully enjoy their unique charms.
As for accommodation, you can choose to stay at a hotel like Hotel Green Park Tsurui or HOTEL TAITO for a pampering experience, chat with locals at a guesthouse or pension, or enjoy quiet family time in a private rental cottage. Choose what best suits your mood and plans.

The monitor tour continues to Day 2 and Day 3! Please be sure to read those articles as well.