Lake Sapporo さっぽろ湖

An artificial lake located approximately 7 kilometers beyond the Jozankei hot spring village, formed by the Jozankei Dam. Completed in 1989, the 117.5-meter gravity dam impounds the Onai River, creating a vivid cobalt-blue lake whose waters harmonize beautifully with the surrounding mountains. The name "Sapporo Lake" was chosen through a public competition, and four viewing points with parking areas have been established along Hokkaido Route 1.

The lake's scenery changes dramatically with the seasons: spring brings fresh green reflections, summer envelops the surroundings in deep verdant forest, and October transforms the mountains into a rich tapestry of red, orange, and yellow mirrored on the reservoir's surface. Below the dam, the "Jozankei Dam Downstream Park" allows visitors to look up at the massive concrete structure from below. A small museum on the grounds explains the dam's history and engineering.

Whether visited as a scenic stop on the way to or from Jozankei hot springs, or as a destination during the autumn foliage season, Lake Sapporo is cherished by both locals and travelers as one of the region's most rewarding natural stops.