Hinode Park (日の出公園) is a vast public park known for its seasonal lavender flowers and
illumination festival. It is located at 27-go Higashi 1-sen Kita in the town of
Kamifurano in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Hinode Park |
Hinode Park Details
WINTER
While Hinode Park is best known for its
vibrant lavender fields in summer, it offers a completely different yet equally
enchanting experience during the winter months. With its serene landscapes
covered in a blanket of snow, the park transforms into a peaceful winter
wonderland, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape amidst nature.
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| Hinode Park - Kamifurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In winter, the rolling hills and quiet
trails of Hinode Park offer a picturesque setting for various outdoor
activities. The snow-covered landscape is perfect for leisurely walks, with the
crisp air and snow-laden trees creating a tranquil atmosphere. The park’s
observation deck, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and
Kamifurano town, becomes even more spectacular when blanketed in snow, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of the Hokkaido winter.
Hinode Ski Area
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| Hinode Ski Area |
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| Some people also do paragliding here. |
Given its history as a ski resort, Hinode
Park still offers opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts, including
cross-country skiing and sledding on certain trails. While the park no longer
has active ski lifts, its snowy landscape remains ideal for winter
activities. For those looking to enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding, the
nearby Hinodeyama Ski Resort (also known as Hinode Ski Area) has chairlifts and
a Schlepplift. Lift tickets are reasonably priced—50 yen for a single ride, 500
yen for multiple rides, and 1,000 yen for a full-day pass. While the slopes are
relatively short, they can be a bit steep for beginners, making it more
suitable for those with some experience.
Hinode Park in Winter
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| Hinode Park parking lot toilet |
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| Can you guess what you'd find here? |
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| Mt. Furano as seen from Hinode Park |
The winter season also brings a quieter,
more reflective ambiance to the park. Without the bustling crowds of summer, Hinode
Park’s winter charm makes it a hidden gem for nature lovers and those wanting
to experience Hokkaido’s beauty in a different light.
Team Nicerio visits Hinode Park in late winter
My family and I visited Hinode Park last
March 21, 2023, during our Vernal Equinox Holiday Road Trip. It was my 505th day
here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, Hinode Park
was still covered in snow, so we didn’t see its famed lavender yet. Regardless, we intended to include it
in our itinerary as we were “hunting” for Pokémon manhole covers as part of the
sub-goals of our #Hokkaido179 travel goal. The Kamifurano Pokémon Manhole Cover
features Alolan Vulpix and Delcatty. We might have missed the lavender this
time, but we would definitely revisit it this July to see the beauty of the park
during its lavender season.
Hinode Park Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Hinode Park.
Parking is also FREE, but it is limited, so if you’re planning to attend the
lavender festival, make sure to come early.
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| Hinode Park Ski Area Lift Fees |
Lift tickets are 50 yen per ride, 500 yen
for multiple tickets, and 1000 yen for one day.
Hinode Park Operating Hours
Hinode Park is open to visitors around the
clock, but some areas of the park and town are not well-lit at night. For
safety and the best experience, it's recommended to visit during the daytime,
unless you're attending the Kamifurano Flower and Flame Shikisai Festival.
Hinode Ski Area is open from 9 AM to 8:30
PM during the skiing season.
Why visit Hinode Park in Winter?
Whether you’re exploring the park’s
snow-covered trails or enjoying the winter sports available in the area, Hinode
Park in winter offers a peaceful and captivating experience. The park’s snowy
landscapes and serene atmosphere make it a unique destination for those seeking
the calm beauty of Hokkaido's winter season.
Getting to Hinode Park
To reach Hinode Park in Kamifurano from Sapporo Station, you can follow these steps:
1. By Train and Taxi/Bus
- Train (JR Furano Line):
- Take the JR Limited Express (Lilac or Kamui) from Sapporo Station to Takikawa Station.
- Transfer to the JR Furano Line bound for Furano, and get off at Kamifurano Station.
- Total travel time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Cost: Around ¥4,000 (one-way, regular fare).
- Taxi/Bus:
- From Kamifurano Station, Hinode Park is about 3 km away (5-10 minutes by taxi or a 30-minute walk).
- Local taxis are available outside the station. A one-way taxi ride costs around ¥1,000–¥1,500.
2. By Bus (Cheaper but Longer Travel Time)
- Take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus Furano route from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Kamifurano (Furano route).
- Total travel time: About 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Cost: Approximately ¥2,000–¥3,000 (one-way).
3. By Car (Best for Convenience)
- Rent a car from Sapporo and drive to Hinode Park.
- Route: Take the Hokkaido Expressway and exit at Takikawa IC, then follow the signs to Kamifurano.
- Total travel time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (140 km).
Ratings
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| Crowd |
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| Cleanliness |
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