Nopporo Forest Park, Osawaguchi Entrance Car Park

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is the forest of a Hokkaido prefectural natural park, spreading across Sapporo, Ebetsu and Kitahiroshima. Within its roughly 2,000 hectares, woodland that retains its pre-settlement character has been preserved, and the air changes completely the moment you step onto a trail. Osawaguchi is a representative entrance where the forest is easy to reach from the car park, and the level paths make it well suited to walking with small children. What makes this forest interesting is that each walk brings different encounters, from Ezo squirrels and woodpeckers to the calls of summer birds. Even in midsummer the tree shade stays cool, so you can spend the morning without using up the energy you need for the afternoon in the water.

Tips

The trails are mainly earth and gravel, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Mosquitoes and black flies appear in summer, so insect repellent and a thin long-sleeved layer make the walk more pleasant. The further in you go, the longer the way back, so with small children a good balance is to walk 30 to 40 minutes from the entrance and then turn around. There are almost no shops in the park, so bring your own drinks.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. The morning, before the temperature rises, is the coolest time to walk.

Access & map

069-0835, 61-1 Bunkyodai-minamimachi, Ebetsu City, Hokkaido 069-0832