"Kami no Ko Pond" (God's Child Pond) is nestled deep in the forests of Hokkaido. Many people have seen its stunning scenery in photos and dream of visiting it at least once!

However, since it's located in eastern Hokkaido, quite far from Sapporo, the center of Hokkaido, and even deeper in the forest, many people might be hesitant to go, thinking it's difficult to get there.

So, in this article, I'd like to introduce the charm of this mystical pond, focusing on how to get there.

*Partially revised in August 2017.

[Update] We have added "Sakura Falls" and "Kiyosato Shochu Brewery" to the list of places to visit along with Kaminoko Pond (June 14, 2016)

Table of contents
・What is Kami no Ko Pond?
Location and directions to Kami no Ko Pond
To the pond of the gods
Enjoying Kaminoko Pond in winter
Places to visit along with Kami-no-ko Pond
Final thoughts

Kaminoko Pond is a pond located in the forest near Lake Mashu, in the southern part of Kiyosato Town in eastern Hokkaido.

Lake Mashu is said to be formed from the groundwater of the lake, which in the Ainu language means "lake of the gods," and is therefore called "the pond of the child of the gods" or "the pond of the child of the gods."

The pond has a circumference of 220m and a depth of 5m. A staggering 12,000 tons of groundwater springs forth from it daily, providing clear water.
It shines with a mysterious blue color.

Kami-no-ko Pond is located in Kiyosato Town in eastern Hokkaido, close to the World Heritage site of Shiretoko.

Go by plane + rental car

The most common route is to arrive at Memanbetsu Airport and rent a car.
Approximately 70km and 1 hour 30 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport.

While Nakashibetsu Airport is the closest in terms of distance, there is only one ANA flight per day from Tokyo. Although there are no flight options, we recommend this option for those who prefer a closer location.
Approximately 50km and 1 hour 10 minutes from Nakashibetsu Airport.

Going by JR train + rental car

If you're traveling from Sapporo to Kaminoko Pond by JR train, the most common and best route is to take the JR train to Abashiri and then rent a car from there.
In that case, it's about 60km from Abashiri Station, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Please note that there is no way to get to Kaminoko Pond other than by car.

If you absolutely must go, you can go to JR Midori Station (about 11km from Kaminoko Pond, though trains are infrequent) and take a taxi from there. However, this will involve taking a taxi round trip and having the driver wait for you, so it will cost a fair amount.

From Memanbetsu Airport or Abashiri, head southeast towards Lake Mashu. If you try to set your navigation system to "Kaminoko Pond" and it doesn't show up, set it to "JR Midori Station".

While Kami-no-ko Pond itself is located in the mountains, the road leading up to the pond (2km before it) is easy to drive on, so please enjoy your drive with peace of mind!

When you see a sign like this, you're almost at Kaminoko Pond. The road is easy to speed on, so drive slowly.

When you see this sign, you're almost there and need to turn right.

Turn right at the location of this sign.

From here, we'll be following an unpaved road through the forest. Just 2km to go, we're almost there.

As it's a tourist area, there's a fair amount of oncoming traffic. However, the road isn't extremely narrow, so if you see a car ahead, yield early and proceed slowly.

After walking for 4-5 minutes, you will come to a wide open area. This is the parking lot for Kaminoko Pond. It is a large parking lot that can accommodate 4-50 cars.

There is a toilet, but it's not very clean, so use it only if absolutely necessary.

There is a sign at the entrance to Kami-no-ko Pond.

And here's something that really gets you startled: a sign warning of bear sightings. Since it's a primeval forest, there's a possibility of encountering bears.

Bears don't appear indiscriminately in popular areas (meaning the chances of encountering one are low), so it's generally recommended to come during the daytime when the area is busy, rather than early morning or twilight.

The pond is just ahead; you can't get lost.

We cross the river. The water feels cool to the touch!

A wooden boardwalk has been constructed from the parking lot to Kaminoko Pond, making it easier to walk (this photo was taken in July 2017).

We've arrived at Kami-no-ko Pond. That cobalt blue pond is right in front of us.

A fallen tree lying in the water, not rotting.

If you look closely, you can see fish swimming. These are Dolly Varden trout, a species found only in Hokkaido.

There's a walkway around the pond, so you can view it from different angles.

Aside from human voices, the only sounds are those of the stream and wild birds. The mystical colors of the spring soothe the soul.

Please note that there are no other attractions at Kami-no-ko Pond besides the pond itself, so 20 minutes should be sufficient.

As for the period when you can enter Kami-no-ko Pond, it is usually from around June to October or November each year.
Snow removal is not carried out during the winter months, so the area becomes snowbound.

Additionally, during the winter season, snowshoe tours organized by the local tourism association are held on certain dates.

Image provided by: Kiyosato Tourism Association (NPO)

It is usually held around February each year, so please check the Kiyosato Tourism Association website closer to the time!

Please note that Shiretoko Tourist Co., Ltd. offers a "Snowshoeing Tour to Kaminoko Pond" during the winter season, so please refer to their website for more information.

Uramashu Observation Deck

Located about 11km and 15 minutes from Kaminoko Pond, this is the lowest elevation of the Lake Mashu observation decks. Because the lake surface is (relatively) close, it is an observation deck where you can easily see the lake even when the famous Lake Mashu fog is present. Compared to the First Observation Deck on the opposite shore, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy it in peace.

The restrooms here are relatively clean. However, there isn't much parking available.

Sakura Falls

Located about 26km and 30 minutes from Kaminoko Pond, Sakura Falls, a 3.7m high waterfall, is situated south of the center of Kiyosato town, upstream of the Shari River. While the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage are magnificent, the most spectacular sight is the cherry salmon jumping over the waterfall, which can be seen from June to August.

You will surely be moved by the sight of them bravely leaping over large waterfalls in order to swim upstream.

Kiyosato Shochu Brewery

Located about 26km and 35 minutes from Kaminoko Pond, the Kiyosato Shochu Brewery stands amidst vast potato fields. There, potato shochu is made using the pure water of the Shari River, which has been selected as having the "clearest water in Japan," and delicious potatoes grown in the fertile land.

You can take a free tour of the sake brewery, so why not stop by?

Kiyosato Shochu Brewery
62 Hagoromo-cho, Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0152-25-2227
Visiting hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (excluding New Year's holidays)
*It is preferable to contact us in advance.

Kaiyodai

It's about 40km and about an hour from Kaminoko Pond.
Unlike Kaminoko Pond or Ura-Mashu, this observation deck offers a magnificent panoramic view of the vast Nemuro-Kushiro Plateau. On a clear day, you can even see Kunashir Island in the distance across the sea.

The island you see in the distance is Kunashir Island.

Also located on the first floor of the observation deck is "Cafe Kaiyodai." While their specialty "Nakashibetsu Hot Dog" is delicious, you absolutely must try their "Honey Soft Serve Ice Cream." Made in the Nemuro-Kushiro Plateau, one of Japan's leading dairy farming regions, the soft serve ice cream is delicious on its own, but then it's topped with honey... It's definitely something you should try when you're there.

Kotan Onsen

Approximately 50km and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Kaminoko Pond.
If you've come all the way to Eastern Hokkaido, to places like Kaminoko Pond and Lake Mashu, you should definitely enjoy the hot springs. Among them, Kotan Onsen offers the most spectacular views.

The free mixed-gender hot spring located right next to Lake Kussharo is safe and comfortable as you can bathe while wearing a swimsuit or wrapped in a bath towel.

Why not experience the magnificent nature of eastern Hokkaido firsthand? There are many other hot springs to enjoy, including Kawayu Onsen, Mashu Onsen, and Yoroushi Onsen!

Final thoughts

So, we've introduced the charm of Kaminoko Pond and the surrounding attractions. What did you think? We hope you thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of eastern Hokkaido, centered around Kaminoko Pond.
Please note that Kaminoko Pond is inaccessible by car during the winter. Plan your visit between June and October!

For inquiries about Kami-no-ko Pond,

Kiyosato Tourism Association (NPO)
Address: 12 Mizumoto-cho, Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-25-4111

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