Ice Fishing with No Gear Needed!
Play with snow and ice at KANAYAMA LAKE.
Easily enjoy and try your hand at ice fishing.
Hokkaido smelt fishing.
A rare experience at -15°C in Hokkaido.
Kanayama Lake is a dam lake with one of the largest water reservoirs in Hokkaido, home to a variety of fish. For example, it’s popular among anglers for catching rare fish such as the Hokkaido-exclusive “Ito” and “Oshorokoma.” During the snow season, the lake freezes completely, allowing for ice fishing with holes drilled in the ice to catch smelt. These smelt are small, measuring about 10 to 15 cm, and are quite cute.
Anyone can easily enjoy this activity, even without any equipment!
Ice Fishing FAQ
What’s so fun about it?
In the snowy lands of Hokkaido, you can experience even more extraordinary adventures.
Meet the smelt, living beneath the ice in the great outdoors. The experience of fishing for fish that live under the ice is a rare opportunity, even on a global scale.
What’s it like?
Inside the ice fishing tent, you’ll drill a hole in the ice. Drop your fishing line through the hole into the water below. When you feel a little tug, a “picking” sensation, it means the smelt is nibbling on the bait. Then, just as the fish takes the bait, pull the rod with a firm motion! And voilà, you’ve caught it!
What kind of fish is it?
Smelt is a freshwater fish, typically about 15 cm in length (not found in the sea). It’s a nutritious fish that provides essential nutrients, with just 5 to 6 fish being enough to meet your daily calcium needs.
What do you do once you catch the fish?
You can enjoy your catch right there by turning it into tempura, a part of Japanese culinary culture!
What if you don’t have any equipment?
No need to worry, as there is a hands-free ice fishing service available! Everything you need for fishing will be provided. However, make sure to dress warmly. Be sure to bring warm clothing, insulated boots, and cold-weather gear to stay comfortable in the cold!
Isn’t it cold?
The inside of the tent is fully equipped with heating. Insulated boots are provided, and there’s a foot warmer service to keep your feet nice and warm. This ensures that children, women, and the elderly can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
What if it gets cold?
There is a dedicated rest area available, and toilets are also provided for your convenience.
How thick is the ice?
The ice thickness is 1 meter (with a water depth of 6 meters), and it won’t crack. Generally, it is said that ice over 15 cm thick is safe, so you can rest assured it’s safe for fishing.
What about baiting the hook?
The guide will teach you how to bait the hook.
How many fish can you catch?
It’s all up to your luck!
Now, let’s give it a try and experience it for yourself!
View bus timetable
Furano: Furano Bus
Joint Services: Dohoku, Tokachi, Takushoku Bus
| Bus Company | Asahikawa Station | Furano Station | Road Station | Obihiro Station | |||
| Furano | To Furano | 7:56 | 7:00 | ||||
| Village-operated | From Tomamu7:35 | 8:11 | |||||
| Furano | From Furano | 7:16 | 8:13 | ||||
| Town-operated | To Tomamu8:48 | 8:15 | |||||
| Village-operated | To Tomamu9:21 | 8:47 | |||||
| Furano | To Furano | 9:46 | 8:50 | ||||
| Joint Services | To Furano | 12:00 | 10:29 | 9:45 | 7:50 | ||
| Joint Services | To Obihiro | 7:55 | 8:29 | 10:22 | 12:05 | ||
| Outbound | Town-operated | To Forest Park10:42 | 10:27 | From Tomamu9:52 | |||
| Joint Services | To Furano | 13:30 | 11:59 | 11:15 | 9:20 | ||
| Furano | From Furano | 10:26 | 11:23 | ||||
| Town-operated | To Tomamu11:58 | 11:25 | |||||
| Joint Services | To Obihiro | 9:30 | 11:02 | 11:57 | 13:40 | ||
| Furano | To Furano | 13:06 | 12:10 | ||||
| Joint Services | To Furano | 15:10 | 13:39 | 12:55 | 11:00 | ||
| Outbound | Town-operated | To Forest Park13:29 | 13:14 | From Tomamu12:39 | |||
| Furano | From Furano | 14:06 | 15:03 | ||||
| Village-operated | From Tomamu15:08 | 15:44 | |||||
| Furano | To Furano | 16:51 | 15:55 | ||||
| Joint Services | To Obihiro | 14:10 | 15:42 | 16:37 | 18:20 | ||
| Furano | From Furano | 16:21 | 17:18 | ||||
| Return | Town-operated | From Forest Park17:05 | 17:20 | To Tomamu17:53 | |||
| Joint Services | To Furano | 19:55 | 18:24 | 17:40 | 15:45 | ||
| Village-operated | To Tomamu18:21 | 17:47 | |||||
| Joint Services | To Obihiro | 15:35 | 17:07 | 18:02 | 19:45 | ||
| Furano | From Furano | 17:26 | 18:23 | ||||
| Town-operated | From Tomamu17:55 | 18:30 | |||||
| Joint Services | To Furano | 21:10 | 19:39 | 18:55 | 17:00 | ||
| Furano | To Furano | 20:01 | 19:05 | ||||
| Joint Services | To Obihiro | 17:10 | 18:42 | 19:37 | 21:20 | ||
| Furano | From Furano | 18:46 | 19:43 | ||||
| Furano | To Furano | 21:21 | 20:25 |
| Railroad | Bus | |||
| From Sapporo to Tomamu | From Obihiro to Tomamu | Tomamu Station | Roadsaide Station | Forest Park |
| 7:35 | 8:11 | |||
| 8:58 | 9:42 | 8:48 | 8:15 | |
| 9:52 | 9:21 | 8:47 | ||
| 9:42 | 9:52 | 10:27 | 10:42 | |
| 12:15 | 12:29 | 11:58 | 11:25 | |
| 12:29 | 12:15 | 12:39 | 13:14 | 13:29 |
| 14:46 | 15:08 | 15:44 | ||
| 18:43 | 19:11 | 17:53 | 17:20 | 17:05 |
| 18:43 | 19:11 | 17:53 | 17:47 | |
| 17:39 | 17:55 | 18:30 | ||
By car (open road)
Via Route 237 1 hr 30 min, 80 km
North Liner
Bound for Obihiro Station, about 1 hr 45 min
By car (open road)
Via Route 237 1 hr 45 min, 39 km
Local Bus
Bound for Nishitappu Ikutora Station, 60 min
By car (open road)
15分 13km
By car (Highway)
About 1 hr 11 min, 90 km
By car (open road)
about 25 min, 22 km
JR Rapid Airport 3 min
JR Ltd. Exp. Ozora
1 hr 33 min
North Liner
Bound for Asahikawa Station 41 min
Kanayama Lake Ice Candle Night
Kanayama Lake Ice Candle Night
Date and Time: Scheduled for 2/1, 2/2, 2/8, and 2/9 (16:00–20:00)
Location: Kanayama Lake Shore Campground
Under the light of the sky, create an ice promenade space with local guides.
The sky's brightest star, the "Winter Triangle," and handmade lights created by the shores of Kanayama Lake.
A night in Minamifurano’s winter, where you can see the “Winter Triangle” formed by Betelgeuse in Orion, Procyon in the Canis Minor, and Sirius in the Canis Major. On the shores of Kanayama Lake, where temperatures can drop below minus 20°C, handmade ice candles are lit. Would you like to experience an extraordinary day, creating a fantastical scene of light with the locals, surrounded by the enchanting lights of the sky and earth?
In February in Minamifurano, you can also see the Winter Diamond (the six brightest stars). The red object in the center of the photo is Betelgeuse, meaning both the Winter Triangle and the Winter Diamond can be seen together.
Nationally Managed Minamifurano Ski Resort
A popular ski resort with just the right conditions. And it's close! 30 minutes from Tomamu, 40 minutes from Furano.
Overview of Minamifurano Town
Minamifurano Town is located almost in the center of Hokkaido, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with Mt. Tokachi in the Daisetsu Mountains to the northeast, the Hidaka Mountains to the south, and the Yubari Mountains, whose main peaks are Ashibetsu and Yubari, running north to south in the west. The majority of the area is covered with natural, rich forests. Most of the area is covered with rich, unspoiled forests, and is bordered by Furano City to the north, Shintoku Town to the east, Shimukappu Village to the south, and Yubari City to the west. Lake Kanayama, an artificial lake created by the Kanayama Dam, is located almost in the center of the town and is filled with rich water, offering relaxation and peace of mind to visitors.
Origin of Minamifurano Town
The town’s name comes from its location to the south of Furano when it was separated from Shimofurano Village (now Furano City) in 1908, and in 2001 it was selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the “100 Selected Fragrant Landscapes” as “Furano’s Lavender”. 2009 saw the enactment of the “Minamifurano Town Sakhalin Taimen Conservation and Management Ordinance”, the first single species ordinance of its kind in Japan, to preserve biodiversity and maintain the natural environment by protecting Sakhalin taimen. The place name Furano was written by a man named Uchida Kiyoshi in 1886 in a colony selection report, writing the name of the wilderness in this region, and later “Furanui” was also used. “Hulanu” is an Ainu word meaning “a place with a lot of red lava or burned stones,” referring to the situation near Tokachi-dake.
Minamifurano Town Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Minamifurano Town belongs to the humid continental climate. It has a pronounced continental climate with large annual and daily differences in temperature due to the large difference in cold and warm temperatures. The town receives a large amount of snowfall and is designated as a special heavy snowfall area, as are the surrounding municipalities. It is not uncommon to observe temperatures below -25°C in the winter, making it very cold.
Minamifurano's Economy, Industry and Local Products
Its core industry is agriculture, supported by rich forestry resources, which also promote the development of the forestry industry. Mining activities are conducted, including the extraction of limestone. Tourism focuses on nature-based experiences utilizing the area around Lake Kanayama. Agriculture leverages the high-altitude, cool climate, making it one of Hokkaido’s leading production areas for potatoes and carrots.
Local specialties include “butter potatoes,” “sweet corn,” “hokkaido pumpkin yuki kesho,” “kumasasa tea” and “Furano Highland Soba.” Additionally, the regional gourmet dish “Nampu Ezo Katsu Curry” is popular.
1891: Gold prospectors settled in Kanayama, marking its foundation.
1900: The railway between Shimo-Furano (now Furano Station) and
Shikagoe was opened.
1901: The opening of the railway between Shikagoe and Ochiai.
1902: Ikutora Station opens.
1907: Completion of the Tokachi Line (Karikachi Tunnel completed).
1908: Split from Shimo-Furano Village, and the establishment of the village
office for Minamifurano Village and one other village.
1919: The implementation of the Second-Class Town and Village System,
and Minamifurano became a village.
1967: The town system was established, and Minamifurano became
a town. Kanayama Dam was completed.
1972: The first ‘Kanayama Lake Water Festival’ was held.
1980: The Nationally-operated Minamifurano Ski Resort was opened.
1982: Kanayama Lake Forest Park opened.
1988: The Minamifurano Product Center opened.
1989: The 44th National Sports Festival (Hamanasu National Sports Festival) held canoeing competitions.
1990: The 100th anniversary commemorative ceremony was held.
1993: The Minamifurano Product Center was registered as a roadside station.
1996: A ‘Sister City’ agreement was signed with Motobu Town, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture.
1999: The film ‘The Railroad Man (Poppoya)’, which was shot on location in the town, was released.
2009: The ‘Minami-Furano Town Ito (Sakhalin Taimen) Protection and Management Ordinance’ was enacted.
2022: Roadside Station Minami-Furano reopened after renovation.
2024: Roadside Station Minami-Furano Nampu Adventure Park opened.
Tourism in Minamifurano
Both the Green Season and White Season offer activities year-round, and the concept of tourism in Minamifurano is ‘The Village of Joy.’ There are various exciting tourism options that will make you shout with joy from deep inside and balance while holding hands, all of which allow you to fully immerse yourself. A recommended style is to base yourself in Minamifurano and enjoy the Furano & Tomamu Resorts.
Sightseeing Spots
Activities
687 Ikutora, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 079-2403
(Roadside Station Minamifuranouchi)
TEL：+81-167-39-7000 FAX：+81-167-56-7990