Enjoy the beautiful nature in Nanae Town, a town next to Hakodate City [Sightseeing & Attractions] Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

Enjoy the beautiful nature in Nanae Town, a town adjacent to Hakodate City [Sightseeing and Attractions]

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: Last updated: September 10, 2018

Table of contents

1.Akamatsu Kaido

2. Jotai Farm Observation Deck

3. Onuma Quasi-National Park

4. Nanae Snow Park

5. Yamakawa Ranch

6. Hakodate Wine

Final thoughts

Nanae eye-catching Hakodate City is a famous tourist destination in southern Hokkaido, but are you familiar with Nanae Town, a neighboring town located about 15 kilometers north of Hakodate City?

The town is known for places like Onuma, where Western apples were first cultivated in Japan and which was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 2012, but there are still many other sights to see.

So, this time, we'll introduce six spots where you can enjoy the nature and flavors that are so typical of Hokkaido, such as the magnificent Mt. Komagatake, a representative peak of southern Hokkaido, and the sight of grazing cows!

Table of contents
1.Akamatsu Kaido
2. Jotai Farm Observation Deck
3. Onuma Quasi-National Park
4. Nanae Snow Park
5. Yamakawa Ranch
6. Hakodate Wine
Final thoughts

1.Akamatsu Kaido

Nanae Akamatsu Kaido
This road stretches from Kikyo-cho in Hakodate City to Togeshita in Nanae Town, but it is said that the best-preserved Japanese red pine trees can only be found within Nanae Town (the section from Onakayama to Narukawa).

When visiting Nanae town by car from Hakodate city, taking the bypass known as Hakodate Shindo will shorten your travel time, but I highly recommend taking National Route 5, the Akamatsu Kaido! There's even a monument at the intersection near Akamatsu Park.

Address: From Kikyo, Hakodate City, Hokkaido to Togeshita, Nanae Town, Kameda District
Telephone number: 0138-65-2517 (Nanae Town Hall, Economic Department, Commerce and Tourism Division, Tourism Section)
URL:http://www.town.nanae.hokkaido.jp/hotnews/detail/00000225.html

2. Jotai Farm Observation Deck

Jotai Farm Observation Deck 1

Shirotai Ranch is a historic town-run ranch that has been used as a pasture for livestock since 1920 (Taisho 9).

Located at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, the Jōdai Ranch enjoys a refreshing breeze even in summer. Many visitors come not only to watch the cows grazing peacefully in the vast pastures, but also to admire the spectacular scenery.

Jōdai Ranch

This spot is popular with locals because you can enjoy panoramic views from the townscape of Nanae all the way to Mount Hakodate!

Jotai Farm Observation Deck 2

In 2012, an observation deck was built, making it even easier to enjoy the scenery.

Please note that the observation deck is closed at night, but the parking lot remains open, and the night view from here is known as one of Hakodate's "hidden night view" spots (*).
*This is called the "backside night view" because it is the view of Hakodate City from Mount Hakodate, not the "front night view" which is the view of Hakodate city from Mount Hakodate.

Incidentally, please note that the "Shirodai Skyline" road leading to the ranch and observation deck is closed during the winter months, and the observation deck is also closed during that time!

Address: 564 Kamifujishiro, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0138-65-2517 (Nanae Town Hall, Economic Department, Commerce and Tourism Division, Tourism Section)
Observation deck opening hours: 10:00-16:00
URL:http://www.town.nanae.hokkaido.jp/hotnews/detail/00000229.html
Parking: Free all day
*The Jōdai Skyline is closed during the winter season (typically from mid-November to early April).

3. Onuma Quasi-National Park

Onuma Quasi-National Park

Onuma Quasi-National Park has long been a popular resort in southern Hokkaido. It's a spot where you can enjoy the small islands floating in the lake and Mount Komagatake, one of the most famous peaks in southern Hokkaido. In recent years, it has become famous as the birthplace of the hit song "A Thousand Winds."
There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself throughout the seasons, from cycling and camping in the summer to ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter!

Address: 1023-1 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0138-67-3020 (Onuma Nanae International Tourism Convention Association)
URL:http://onumakouen.com/

4. Nanae Snow Park

Nanae Snow Park 1

For those who want to enjoy snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in southern Hokkaido during the winter, Nanae Snow Park is highly recommended.

Even beginners can enjoy skiing and snowboarding here, as there are plenty of rentals and lessons available! Plus, there's a kids' park where younger children can enjoy sledding, which is a great bonus!

And from the cafe at the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of a snowy landscape, Mount Komagatake, and Uchiura Bay (Funka Bay)!

Nanae Snow Park 2 Self-taken photos

The gondola at Nanae Snow Park operates not only in winter but also in summer. In the summer, the snow park is lush with greenery, offering stunning views from the four observation decks located near the summit, as well as unique Hokkaido trees and alpine plants.

Address: 666 Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0138-67-3355
Opening hours: 9:00 AM onwards *Closing times may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
URL:http://hakodate-nanae.jp/

★Let's go on a long-distance trip to Hakodate with JAL!★

5. Yamakawa Ranch

Yamakawa Ranch

Yamakawa Farm is popular for its rich, high-quality milk. Products made from dairy cows raised in the abundant natural environment of Nanae Town are sold in various stores in Nanae Town and nearby towns such as Hakodate City, but if you visit Nanae Town, be sure to make a trip to the farm!

In the barn adjacent to the milk plant, you can also visit and see the Holstein and Jersey cows being raised there!

Yamakawa Farm Milk

Enjoy delicious milk and soft serve ice cream at the milk plant, which was renovated in March 2016!

In addition, they sell dairy products such as yogurt and cheese produced on the farm, as well as local specialties from Nanae Town, making it a great spot to buy souvenirs!

Address: 628 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0138-67-2114
営業時間：4月から10月9：00～17：00、11月から3月9：00～16：00
Closed: Every Tuesday from November to March
URL:http://yamakawabokujyo.com/

6. Hakodate Wine

Hakodate Wine 1 Self-taken photos

Hakodate Wine, a popular souvenir from Hakodate, produces wines using a variety of fruits, including grapes from Hokkaido and apples from Nanae Town.

Actually, Hakodate Wine's winery and direct sales store are located in Nanae Town!
If you make a reservation in advance, you can also take a tour of the adjacent factory!

Hakodate Wine 2

In addition to selling winery-exclusive wines available only at their directly managed stores, you can also enjoy tastings of more than 10 different wines at any given time! It's great to be able to choose your favorite wine for yourself or as a souvenir.

For drivers who can't sample the wine, enjoy the aroma of Hakodate Wine with our non-alcoholic wine soft serve ice cream!

Address: 11 Kamifujishiro, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0138-65-8170
Opening hours: 9: 00 to 18: 00
URL:https://www.hakodatewine.co.jp/

Final thoughts

So, that concludes our introduction to some recommended sights in Nanae Town, a town adjacent to Hakodate City, one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations. What did you think?

Nanae Town is a place where you can enjoy the nature that is typical of Hokkaido, which shows different faces depending on the season.

In addition to the spots we've introduced, there are many other attractions in Nanae Town, so if you're planning a trip to Hakodate or southern Hokkaido, be sure to add Nanae Town to your itinerary!

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