Ishikari City, adjacent to Sapporo City, is a relatively new city. Its area stretches long from north to south, and it boasts a long coastline that extends to Otaru, Sapporo, and Mashike Town.

The area boasts numerous beaches known to residents near Sapporo as excellent swimming spots, is rich in seafood, and has a thriving agricultural sector, including rice cultivation.

It's an excellent city to live in and a great place to visit as a tourist. But what exactly makes it so appealing?

This time, we'll introduce the charms of Ishikari City, which is located near Sapporo but is not very well known.

I'm sure you'll discover the delicious food and fun charms of Ishikari City.

～Table of Contents～
1. What is Ishikari City?
2. Tourist attractions in Ishikari
2-1. Hamanasu Hill Park
2-2. Atsuta Park, a sanctuary for lovers
2-3. Ofuyu Cape
3. Shopping in Ishikari City
3-1. Sato Suisan Salmon Factory
3-2. Ban'ya no Yu (Bathhouse Hot Spring)
4. Ishikari City's Gourmet
4-1. Ishikari Nabe (a type of hot pot dish)
4-2. Fruit picking
Final thoughts

Ishikari City was established in 1996. It's a relatively new city, having been created during the Heisei era.

It's surprisingly little known, but Ishikari City is actually the only place in the Ishikari region that has access to the sea. Furthermore, it boasts the mouth of the Ishikari River, making it a truly magnificent combination.

To the north lies a picturesque coastline of towering cliffs. Connected to Otaru City by a sandy beach, it's a seaside town with a swimming beach. This town, boasting the only fishing port in the Ishikari region and Ishikari Bay New Port as its gateway to the sea, is best explored by car. In fact, there are no train stations.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coastline. And be sure to savor the wonderful Ishikari City, blessed with both seafood and mountain delicacies.

2. Tourist attractions in Ishikari

The flower of Hokkaido is the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa). It is the queen of the northern beaches in early summer. Its delicate flowers, with their elegant colors, are beautiful whether blooming individually or in clusters, and they dance in the sea breeze.

You can see this cluster of Japanese roses at Hamanasu-no-Oka Park.

The best time to see the flowers is on a sunny day in late June. The Japanese roses, which bloom so profusely they seem to emit a fragrance, give off a sweet, subtle scent.

This pristine flower garden, a treasure trove of not only Japanese roses but also approximately 180 other plant species, will transport visitors to a state of unparalleled happiness, with the Ishikari River, Hokkaido's largest river, and the vast sky and Sea of ​​Japan as its backdrop.

With ample parking and shops, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Hamanasu Hill Park
Business period:
December 29rd to March 31st, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
December 1rd to March 3st, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed: November 4th to April 28th
Address: 28 Hamacho, Ishikari City, Hokkaido 061-3371, Japan 0133-62-3450 (Visitor Center)

If Hamanasu-no-Oka Park is a seaside park, this park offers a panoramic view of the clear blue Sea of ​​Japan from a hilltop. On a clear day, you can see the Shakotan Peninsula in the distance to the right.

From the Sunset Hill at the foot of this hill, you can see the Lovers' Sanctuary/Atsuta Park Observation Deck. This was the first place in Hokkaido to be selected as a "Lovers' Sanctuary" in 18 as part of the project.

The view of the Sea of ​​Japan from this observation deck is truly spectacular. And, as befits a place known as "Sunset Hill," the setting sun envelops lovers in a pure orange light.

Light is a fleeting brilliance, but the love of the lovers enveloped in it is eternal. It's a beauty that seems to bless the moment.

Of course, their beauty remains the same even if they are not a couple. It could be said to be the number one spot in the Atsuta area.

Don't forget to attach a padlock to the fence to secure it firmly.

It's a sign of deepening bonds. The soft-serve ice cream at the shop is also said to be excellent. You should definitely try it.

Atsuta Park, a sanctuary for lovers
Address: Atsuta, Atsuta-ku, Ishikari City, Hokkaido

There are many places in Hokkaido that were once considered isolated by land.

In particular, the coastline from the Hamamasu area to Mashike town had no roads, and could only be accessed by boat.

You really get a sense of this when you drive along National Route 231, also known as the Orolon Line.

First of all, I have to say, I'm amazed they managed to build a road through a place like this. That's the feeling I get when I'm driving. The deepest part of it is Cape Ofuyu.

A series of tunnels and caverns. At the end of the winding road, Cape Ofuyu rises majestically, silently jutting out into the Sea of ​​Japan.

While the strangely shaped rocks and sheer cliffs are certainly interesting, the observation deck, situated 135 meters above sea level atop a steep slope, is a popular tourist spot recommended by many locals.

It's not exactly in Ishikari City, but I highly recommend making the trip.

After all, it's one of Hokkaido's three most secluded cape spots, alongside Cape Chikyu in Muroran and Cape Ochishi in Nemuro.

I highly recommend taking photos of the magnificent, silvery waterfall.

Ofuyu Cape
Address: Ofuyu, Hamamasu-ku, Ishikari City, Hokkaido

3. Shopping in Ishikari City

Photo by Flickr: Sato Suisan Salmon Factory / Kentaro Ohno

Ishikari City has three fishing ports, and fishing is so thriving that morning markets are held at each of them. Among the fish caught there, salmon has long been a popular autumn delicacy.

Sato Suisan is committed to using salmon caught off the coast of Ishikari. They have stores in Sapporo and at Chitose Airport, and offer delicious processed salmon products.

The processing plant of Sato Suisan is located next to the Salmon Factory. If you come to Ishikari City, I highly recommend purchasing processed foods and rice balls here.

It's always crowded on holidays. The first floor sells various processed foods made with salmon, while the second floor is a restaurant offering a wide variety of popular dishes, including seafood rice bowls.

Because they are committed to using ingredients sourced from the local fishing grounds, the ingredients are exceptionally fresh. Every dish is of high quality and popular not only with tourists but also with residents of Hokkaido.

The shop on the first floor sells not only processed foods but also bento boxes and rice balls, which motorcyclists and drivers heading north along the Orolon Line buy as companions for their journey.

It's not uncommon for popular rice balls to sell out before lunchtime.

Processed foods that make the most of the quality of the ingredients are also very appealing as souvenirs. It's definitely a place I'd like you to check out.

Sato Suisan Salmon Factory
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM
10:00-17:00 (January-March)
Address: 1-54 Shinko Higashi, Ishikari City, Hokkaido 061-3243
TEL: 0133-62-5511

The area around Honmachi has been the town center since the days when it was called Ishikari-machi. Here you'll find Ban'ya no Yu, a charming hot spring bathhouse.

While many people enjoy the hot springs as a day trip, the accommodation facilities, which had been closed, have finally reopened after renovations. Now, guests can stay overnight and enjoy the high-quality hot springs.

The baths, including the open-air bath, offer breathtaking views of the magnificent Sea of ​​Japan from Ishikari Bay, providing a truly relaxing and open atmosphere.

Using "fossil seawater," ancient seawater nearly a thousand years old drawn from hundreds of meters underground, the baths offer a truly unique experience. The water, reminiscent of the Heian period, carries a romantic air amidst the rising steam. It gently envelops your body, warming both your mind and body.

Naturally, the facilities are also excellent. You can enjoy meals and entertainment. Relax and soak up the atmosphere of Ishikari City while being caressed by the sea breeze from Ishikari Bay.

There's a beach called Asobeach Ishikari nearby, and it tends to get crowded on weekends, but it's a hot spring with an irresistible charm.

Ban'ya no Yu
Business hours: 10: 00-22: 00
Address: 51-2 Bentencho, Ishikari City, Hokkaido 061-3372
TEL: 0133-62-5000

4. Ishikari City's Gourmet

Ishikari Nabe, a popular hot pot dish in Hokkaido, originated here in Ishikari City.

In Hokkaido, it's so popular that it's even included in school lunches. Along with the salty Sanpei-jiru, salmon chan-chan yaki, and this Ishikari-nabe, these three dishes can be considered the three major regional dishes using salmon.

The ingredients include chunks and scraps of salmon. For vegetables, we use cabbage, which pairs well with salmon, and sweet onions. Tofu, konjac, and other ingredients are cooked in a miso-based broth. Finally, the flavor is adjusted with sansho pepper.

At one point, it was overshadowed by dishes like Chanchan-yaki and sashimi, and its popularity declined. However, the city launched the "Ishikari Nabe Revival Project" in 19, and the number of businesses in the city that are taking part in its return is increasing.

Above all, the salmon broth blends into the miso, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup. The salmon has lost its excess fat, giving it a light and refreshing taste, but the inherent umami of the salmon seems to be greatly concentrated.

The daikon radish and cabbage will absorb the high-quality broth, resulting in a simple yet satisfying dish. Be sure to try the meat around the backbone as well. You'll be able to fully appreciate the flavor of fresh salmon, which is different from salted salmon or cured salmon.

Approximately 20 restaurants in the city are currently offering it. You're sure to discover a different kind of deliciousness in salmon.

In the Poro orchards of the Hamamasu district, you can enjoy cherry picking from July to August.

While Kyowa Town and Yoichi Town are famous for cherry picking in Hokkaido, Ishikari City is just as good when it comes to fruit picking.

In the Oyafuru area, you can enjoy strawberry picking, and in the coming season, you can enjoy cherries on a hill overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan.

While not particularly large in scale, each tree is meticulously cared for. In terms of quality, it's on par with well-known establishments.

In addition to varieties such as "Sato Nishiki," "Nanyo," and "Suimon," there are many other types as well. Grown at the foot of the Shokanbetsu mountain range with pure water and the warm currents of the Sea of ​​Japan, these magnificent, deep red, shimmering particles capture the bounty of nature and burst in your mouth.

A hidden gem of a spot. Please stop by. Takeout is also available, of course.

Final thoughts

The southern part of Ishikari is developing as a commuter town for Sapporo. The northern part, nestled in the foothills of the Shokanbetsu mountain range, is blessed with abundant nature and magnificent views of the Sea of ​​Japan. Ishikari City is one of the few cities in Hokkaido that has two distinct faces.

Please enjoy Ishikari City, which is blessed with so many tourist attractions that it would be a shame to simply consider it a transit point on the Orolon Line.

I couldn't introduce them all here, but there's branded beef and branded pork, as well as the same kinds of seafood from the Shakotan Peninsula, including mantis shrimp and flounder.

This city is a treasure trove of food, boasting an incredibly diverse array of culinary delights. I highly recommend including it in your itinerary!

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