10 Things to Do in Ishikari City

10 Things to Do in Ishikari City

Ishikari (石狩市) is a city in the Ishikari Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The name "Ishikari" is derived from "Ishikarapetsu," which is how the Ishikari River is referred to in the native Ainu language, and it also comes from the name of the river that runs through the city. 'A meandering river' or 'a lovely river made by God' are some of its believed meanings.


For those planning to visit Ishikari City to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ishikari City:

Ishikari City manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Ishikari. So far, I have seen two unique manhole covers. The first one is common and can be seen around the city while the picture on the right is uncommon and can be seen in the Atsuta district. 

Costco Ishikari

2. Avail of the membership at Costco Ishikari. It is one of the two Costco branches in the whole of Hokkaido. It’s a great place to go shopping for groceries and other stuff. Don’t miss out on the very affordable but super delicious hotdog and pizza.

Ishikari Hachiman Shrine

3. Visit the Ishikari Hachiman Shrine. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here.

Shiroganeno Falls

4. Check out the beautiful Shiroganeno Falls. It is located along Route 231 near the boundary of Ishikari City and Mashike. There is free parking near it too.

Ishikari Pokemon Manhole Cover

5. Take a picture of the Ishikari Pokemon Manhole Cover featuring Vulpix and Turtwig. It is located outside the Hamamasu Spa.

Hamamasu Onsen

6. Take a dip at the onsen of Hamamasu Onsen. They accept day trip bathers and the price is very affordable. Their outdoor onsen has a relaxing feel as it is surrounded by nature. However, some say that the onsen water here is not that hot.

Kawashimo Beach Park Campsite

7. Pitch a tent and camp overnight at the Kawashimo Beach Park Campsite. The place is well maintained and is at the seaside so it’s quite scenic and relaxing. Aside from camping, you can also go fishing in the area and of course, take a dip in the sea during the summer times.

Ishikari Roadside Station

8. Visit the Ishikari Roadside Station and buy products that are produced or made in the town. You can also get the roadside station stamp here for the Hokkaido Stamp rally booklet. It is also one of the popular sunset viewing areas in the city.

Atsuta Park Observation Deck

9. Head up to the Atsuta Park Observation Deck and enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding mountains in northern Ishikari. If you visit on a clear afternoon, don’t miss out on the beautiful sunset. Atsuta Park Observation Deck is also considered as a lover’s sanctuary so why don’t you bring your partner along during your visit?

Hamanasu no Oka Park

10. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you stroll around Hamanasu no Oka Park. This location is ideal for birdwatching. Aside from that, if you go in the spring or summer, you may see a lot of wildflowers blossoming. In the park, you can also see the Ishikari Lighthouse.


I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Ishikari City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit one of the scenic coastal cities of Hokkaido in the future.

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