Sapporo Surroundings One-Day Self-Drive Tour

Highly Recommended! 🚗 Highlights: Tadao Ando-designed Buddha | Stunning Parks | Lake Shikotsu Boat Ride | Popular Soup Curry | Conveyor Belt Sushi 📷 Photo Spots: Buddha front view, waterfall, lakeside boardwalk, glass-bottom boat ⸻ ☀ 08:00｜Depart from Sapporo City 🧘 08:45｜Hill of the Buddha ✨ Tadao Ando's iconic design Admission: 300 yen (Free for elementary school students and younger) Parking: 500 yen per visit * Free parking available at Makomanai Takino Cemetery Management Office, just a few steps away! 🌳 10:00｜Takino Suzuran Hillside Park * If traveling with kids, don't miss the "Children's Valley" playground and grass slides. Admission: Adults 450 yen; Seniors (65+) 210 yen; Free for children under 14 Parking: 500 yen per visit for regular cars Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (may vary by season) 🍱 12:15｜Lunch at Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center * One of Japan's clearest and deepest volcanic lakes, with pure blue waters reflecting mountains and clouds. Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (may vary by season) Parking: Free 🎣 13:15–14:15｜Fishing at Poropinai Park Located next to Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, you can rent a boat or fishing rod for just 800 yen per hour on calm, windless days. 14:30–17:00｜Leisurely sightseeing near Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center ☕ Lakeside coffee time: Several cafes and ice cream shops nearby offer treats made with Lake Shikotsu water, known for its refreshing taste. 🚶 Lakeside stroll and photography: If time permits, take a short walk along the trail near "Moss Gate" hiking entrance. 🛥️ 16:00｜Lake Shikotsu Glass-Bottom Boat Departs every 30 minutes, offering views of the crystal-clear lakebed. If lucky, you might spot the lake's famous "Hime Masu" (Chippu) red trout. Ticket prices: Adults 1,600 yen; Children 800 yen (prices may vary) Operating hours: 9:00–16:30 (may vary by season) Parking: Free 🍽️ 18:00｜Dinner (on the way back to Sapporo) Option 1: Medicineman Soup Curry A popular soup curry spot with rich broth and fresh vegetables. Spice levels are adjustable, perfect for those who enjoy aromatic flavors. Address: 1-18 Minami 12-jo Nishi 10-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Parking: 2 spaces in front of the store; partnered parking lot offers a 200 yen parking voucher with purchase Option 2: Conveyor Belt Sushi Toriton (Sapporo Toyohira Branch) A beloved conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Hokkaido, known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Address: 1-6 Hiragishi 2-jo 15-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Operating hours: 11:00–22:00 (last order at 21:30) Parking: Free parking available in front of the store