Things To Do
in Kamikawa

A grilled lamb dish popular across Hokkaido; try it at local izakayas and specialty shops — tender, often cooked at your table and best with seasonal vegetables.

Must-Try!

Spring and early summer bring wild ferns and greens served tempura, in soups or as side dishes at ryokan and small restaurants.

Hokkaido dairy is famous; sample local cheeses, creamy soft-serve ice cream (soft cream) and yogurt available at roadside stations and cafes.

Local freshwater fish often grilled with salt or served as sashimi-style in some traditional meals; available at mountain inns and seasonal stalls.

Small roadside rest stops selling fresh produce, dairy products, baked goods and seasonal snacks — great for picking up local cheese, jams and freshly baked bread.

Weekend stalls in town squares and outside onsen areas where you can try fresh berries, pickles and grilled skewered fish or yakitori.

Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan and some restaurants; slippers are often provided. Use indoor slippers sparingly (not in bathrooms).

Follow bathing etiquette: wash before entering, enter naked (no swimsuits), keep towels out of bathwater, and avoid loud behavior. Tattoos can be frowned upon at some onsen — check policies or cover small tattoos with a bandage if required.

Keep noise low in public spaces, queue patiently, and be discreet with phone calls on trains. Bowing and polite language are appreciated.

Carry your trash until you find proper bins; separate burnable, cans, bottles and PET plastics as instructed by local signage.

Tipping is not customary in Japan; a polite thank-you and proper manners are preferred. If you receive extraordinary service, a small gift or postcard is more appropriate than cash, though some ryokan will accept a gratuity if discreetly offered.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used, especially in rural Kamikawa. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, some restaurants and shops, but many small businesses and markets are cash-only. IC transit cards (e.g., Suica/Pasmo) have limited coverage; renting a car and carrying cash is recommended.

Late snowmelt and blooming wildflowers; higher trails may still have snow in May. Roads reopen gradually and mountain huts start preparations for summer — bring layers and waterproof gear.

Cool, pleasant temperatures (often 15–25°C); excellent for hiking, alpine flowers and avoiding lowland heat. Mosquitoes can appear near water; pack sun protection and a light jacket for evenings.

Spectacular fall colors from late September to October; popular with photographers and hikers. Early snow can arrive at higher elevations — book accommodation early during peak leaf season.

Heavy, dry powder snow creates ideal conditions for ski touring, snowshoeing and snow photography; roads can be icy and some access routes close due to avalanche risk. Carry winter gear and check road/ropeway status.

Hokkaido’s tallest peak with well-marked routes, alpine scenery and ropeway access; ideal for day hikes to see volcanic landscapes and early-season snow.

Popular trail accessible by ropeway offering dramatic ridgelines, wildflowers in summer and vivid autumn colors; moderate difficulty with rewarding views.

Shorter, scenic walks along the gorge and river with waterfalls and viewpoint platforms — suitable for families and photographers.

Longer, multi-day routes across the Daisetsuzan range for experienced hikers; requires planning, mountain weather awareness and potential hut reservations.

Closest airport (roughly 40–60 km depending on specific Kamikawa location) with domestic flights to Sapporo (Chitose), Tokyo and other cities; car rentals and buses connect to Kamikawa towns.

Hokkaido's largest international airport near Sapporo, about 2–3 hours by car or bus/train combination; offers many international and domestic connections and more rental car options.