Day trips from Sapporo – Suburbs, Ishikari, Chitose
Ishikari Subprefecture | Recommended Courses
Course ❶
Mini Self‑Discovery Experience Course
JR Sapporo Station → Hokkaido University → ROYCE’ Town → Michi‑no‑Eki Tobetsu → JR Tower Observation Deck T38 → JR Sapporo Station
Course ❷
Let’s Walk! Nature, History & Science Enjoyment Course
JR Shin‑Sapporo Station → Nopporo Forest Park → Hokkaido Museum → Historical Village of Hokkaido → Youth Science Center → JR Shin‑Sapporo Station
Course ❸
Must‑Visit in Sapporo: Popular Power Spot Course
Odori Subway Station → Hokkaido Shrine → Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium → Mt. Moiwa Ropeway → Fushimi Inari Shrine → Odori Subway Station
Course ❹
Family Fun: Cute Animals & Interaction Course
JR Chitose Station → Heidi Farm → Michi‑no‑Eki Maoi no Oka Park → Chitose Salmon Aquarium → JR Chitose Station
Area Recommendation: Pickup!
Course ❶ Sapporo + Tōbetsu (Approx. 8 hours) / JR + Walking
Mini Self‑Discovery Experience Course
On Japan’s largest university campus—Hokkaido University—you can enjoy inspiring sights and take plenty of memorable photos. Then hop on the Gakuen Toshi Line for a fun mini‑experience making a giant chocolate treat.
JR Sapporo Station → Hokkaido University → ROYCE’ Town → Michi‑no‑Eki Tobetsu → JR Tower Observation Deck T38 → JR Sapporo Station
Access: JR Sapporo Station → (approx. 7‑minute walk) → Hokkaido University (Approx. 2 hours)
Sapporo: Recommended spots at Hokkaido University
- Simply enjoy walking through Japan’s largest university campus. Students gather here from all over the country (approx. 30% from Hokkaido, 70% from other regions).
- The original shop at the Information Center, located right by the main gate, offers a variety of popular Hokkaido University branded goods—fun items you’ll want to take home.
- Surprisingly, only about $2 is enough to enjoy hearty meals at the student cafeteria—something unique to Hokkaido University.
- The Hokkaido University Museum offers free access to around 10,000 materials related to Hokkaido.
- Popular spots include the Ginkgo Avenue, Poplar Avenue, and the statue of Dr. Clark.
- The marathon course of the Tokyo Olympics passed through the university’s main street. You can observe dozens of tree species and wild birds throughout the campus.
Nearby Spots
Access: Hokkaido University → (approx. 7‑minute walk) → JR Sapporo Station → (approx. 30 minutes on the Gakuen Toshi Line toward Tōbetsu) → ROYCE’ Town（(Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town
- Take the Gakuen Toshi Line from JR Sapporo Station toward Tōbetsu and head for ROYCE’ Town.
- Try making a giant original chocolate bar—about 12 cm × 23 cm.
- You can also pick up exclusive items available only here.
Access: ROYCE’ Town → (walk) → JR ROYCE’ Town Station → (approx. 3 minutes on the Gakuen Toshi Line) → JR Futomi Station → (approx. 7‑minute bus ride) → Michi‑no‑Eki Tōbetsu (Approx. 30 minutes)
Recommended at Michi‑no‑Eki Tobetsu
- At Michi‑no‑Eki Tōbetsu, you can browse for souvenirs at the specialty product corner and the farmers’ market.
- The restaurant using fresh local ingredients is also highly recommended.
Access: Michi‑no‑Eki Tobetsu → (approx. 7‑minute bus ride) → JR Futomi Station → (approx. 30 minutes on the Gakuen Toshi Line toward Sapporo) → JR Sapporo Station (directly connected) →JR Tower
Recommended at JR Tower
- From the 38th floor, 160 meters above ground, you can enjoy a full 360° panoramic view of Sapporo’s cityscape.
- You can also enjoy souvenir shopping at APIA and Sapporo Stellar Place, both directly connected to JR Tower.
Nearby Spots
Course ❷ Shin‑Sapporo + Ebetsu (Approx. 8 hours) / JR + Bus + Walking
A full‑day course that stimulates your curiosity with nature, history, and culture
Enjoy hiking in the vast Nopporo Forest Park, learn about the depth of Hokkaido’s nature and history at the Hokkaido Museum, and experience pioneer‑era life at the Historical Village of Hokkaido.
Finish the day at the Youth Science Center, where both children and adults can explore the wonders of science.
This route can be completed by bus and on foot.
JR Shin‑Sapporo Station → Nopporo Forest Park → Hokkaido Museum → Historical Village of Hokkaido → Sapporo Science Center → JR Shin‑Sapporo Station
Access: JR Shin‑Sapporo Station → (approx. 25 minutes by bus) →Nopporo Forest Park (Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at Nopporo Forest Park
- The largest forest and nature park in Sapporo, home to 1,300 species of insects, 140 species of wild birds, and many small animals.
- With 17 walking trails, visitors can enjoy hiking and birdwatching.
- The area includes the Historical Village of Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Museum, and the Nature Center—perfect for learning about both history and nature.
Access: Nopporo Forest Park → (approx. 30‑minute walk) → Hokkaido Museum (Approx. 1 hour)
Recommended at the Museum
- Exhibits range from prehistoric creatures such as Hokkaido’s mammoths to the culture of the Indigenous Ainu people.
- The hands‑on “Discovery Plaza” allows visitors to learn about nature’s mysteries and past lifestyles through real specimens and interactive displays.
- Surrounded by rich nature, the museum building itself is impressive—nicknamed “Mori no Charenga”, built with 750,000 bricks.
Access: Hokkaido Museum → (approx. 14‑minute walk) → Historical Village of Hokkaido (Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at the Historical Village
- Historical buildings from the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa eras have been relocated from various parts of Hokkaido, recreating the streets of the time.
- Experience the horse‑drawn streetcar in summer and horse‑drawn sleigh in winter.
- Daily life of the pioneer era is vividly recreated across four areas: town, fishing village, farming village, and mountain village.
Access: Historical Village of Hokkaido → (approx. 20 minutes by bus) → JR Shin‑Sapporo Station → (approx. 5‑minute walk) → Sapporo Science Center (Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at the Science Center
- Hands‑on exhibits themed around snow, ice, and cold, highlighting the characteristics of northern regions.
- “Body Adventure,” where you can learn how the human body works, and a subway Tōzai Line driving simulator.
- A high‑resolution planetarium where you can enjoy stunning views of the starry sky and the universe.
Course ❸ Sapporo City (Approx. 5 hours) / Subway + Bus + Walking
A Must‑Visit Power Spot Course in Sapporo
When it comes to spiritual power spots in Hokkaido, Hokkaido Jingu Shrine is the top destination. Visiting the Kaitaku Shrine within the grounds is said to bring good fortune in money, work, and success. After that, enjoy views from high above:
- Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, where you can look down over Sapporo in a nearly straight line
- The breathtaking scenery from the Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck
Finish the course with a visit to Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine, making this the ultimate power‑spot route.
Subway Odori Station → Hokkaido Jingu → Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium → Mt. Moiwa Ropeway → Fushimi Inari Shrine → Subway Odori Station
Access: Subway Tozai Line “Maruyama‑Koen Station” → (approx. 10‑minute walk) → Hokkaido Jing (Approx. 30 minutes)
Recommended at Hokkaido Jingu
- The main guardian shrine of Hokkaido, dedicated to the three deities of pioneering.
- A powerful spiritual spot known for boosting financial luck, career luck, and success, especially when visiting the Kaitaku Shrine within the grounds.
- Located next to Maruyama Park, surrounded by rich nature, and featuring five beautiful torii gates.
Nearby Spots
Access: Hokkaido Jingu → (approx. 10‑minute walk) → Maruyama‑Koen Station → (approx. 15‑minute bus ride) →Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
- Enjoy a 5‑minute aerial ride on the pair lift from the parking area—an exciting sky‑walk experience.
- The venue of Asia’s first Winter Olympics ski jump competition.
- A spectacular night view where the illuminated jump platform and the glowing cityscape of Sapporo create a stunning panorama.
- At the Sapporo Olympic Museum, you can enjoy immersive virtual experiences.
Nearby Spots
Access: Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium → (approx. 15‑minute bus ride) → Maruyama‑Koen Station → (approx. 13‑minute bus ride) → Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (Approx. 1 hour)
Recommended at Mt. Moiwa
- The observation deck is known as a “jewel box” night view, selected as one of Japan’s New Three Best Night Views.
- Ride both the ropeway and the mini cable car “Mo-risu Car” to reach the summit.
- Visit the romantic spots: the Bell of Happiness and Love Padlocks, a popular place for couples.
Nearby Spots
Access: Moiwa Ropeway Foothill Station → (approx. 12‑minute walk) → Fushimi Inari Shrine (Approx. 30 minutes)
Recommended at Fushimi Inari Shrine
- A photogenic tunnel of 27 vermilion torii gates, known as Sapporo’s version of Kyoto’s “Senbon Torii.”
- The “Wish‑Granting Stone” in front of the main hall and a sacred spot for prayers to cut off bad habits or misfortune.
- A mystical atmosphere where the torii gates blend beautifully with the seasonal scenery—perfect for photography.
Nearby Spots
Course ❹ Chitose (Approx. 5 hours) / By Car
Family‑Friendly “Cute Animals & Hands‑On Experience Course”
Heidi Farm in Naganuma Town is an interactive farm where you can feed many adorable animals up close. The view from the hill is beautiful, making it a popular spot for families. At the Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium in Chitose City, you can look directly into the riverbed of the Chitose River and observe salmon swimming upstream to spawn in autumn.
JR Sapporo Station → Heidi Farm → Michi-no-Eki Maoi no Oka Park → Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium → JR Chitose Station
Access: JR Sapporo Station → (approx. 60 minutes by car) → Heidi Farm (Approx. 2 hours)
Recommended at Heidi Farm
- A hands‑on farm where you can bottle‑feed baby goats, try cow milking, and feed various animals.
- Beautiful hilltop scenery and delicious food spots such as Café Train “Clara‑go” and Genghis Khan BBQ Hut.
- Fun outdoor activities surrounded by nature, including the SL‑style sightseeing train “Alps‑go” and horse‑leading rides.
Nearby Spots
Access: Heidi Farm → (approx. 6 minutes by car) →Michi-no-Eki Maoi no Oka Park (Approx. 30 minutes)
Recommended at Michi-no-Eki Maoi no Oka Park
- Just 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. The fresh‑produce market offers morning‑harvested vegetables with exceptional freshness.
- Their specialty: wood‑fired Neapolitan pizza, baked in a traditional kiln.
- A beautiful sunset lookout and rest area, featuring a panoramic view over the Ishikari Plain.
Access: Michi-no-Eki Maoi no Oka Park → (approx. 60 minutes by car) → Chitose Salmon Aquarium (Approx. 1 hour)
Recommended at Chitose Salmon Aquarium
- From September to November, you can watch salmon swimming upstream for spawning, viewed directly from the riverbed window.
- The “Shikotsu Lake Blue” tank recreates the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, showcasing freshwater fish.
- One of Japan’s largest freshwater tanks, the Salmon Zone, allows you to observe the growth stages of salmon.
Nearby Spots
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