Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village, Higashikawa

Kitoushi Forest Park Family Travel Village is located at the foot of Mount Kitoushi (457 meters) in Higashikawa Town, approximately 20 minutes east of Asahikawa City in central Hokkaido. The park was established with the theme of family recreation and outdoor enjoyment, transforming the forested mountainside into a comprehensive resort facility that combines natural preservation with recreational infrastructure. Since 1993, the park has featured a unique cherry tree grove where 72 couples from Higashikawa planted trees as marriage commemorations, creating what locals call the "Marriage Cherry Trees" that bloom from late April to early May.

The natural significance of the site centers on its position within Hokkaido's pristine forest ecosystem. The park encompasses observation decks that provide panoramic views across the Higashikawa plains and rice paddies, distinctive rock formations, and trails that wind through dense woodlands rich in native flora including dogtooth violets, moss pink, and seasonal lavender. The walking routes around the various lookout points cover less than 3 kilometers but pack in expansive views, deep woods, moss coverage, and wide vistas over the adjacent ski field. The forest environment supports diverse wildlife, making it valuable for nature study and bird watching, particularly during morning hours.

Visitor experiences at Kitoushi Forest Park span multiple seasons and activity types. The park features fully equipped rental cabins available year-round, with accommodations including separated bathrooms, living areas, and complete kitchens. The campground can accommodate approximately 300 people across lawn and forest sites. Children particularly enjoy the jabu-jabu pond, a shallow water play area, while families can access the go-kart course and park golf facilities.

Winter visitors benefit from direct access to the adjacent Canmore Ski Village, located just a 3-minute walk from the accommodations. A nearby onsen resort sits within a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk, with discounted entry vouchers available at reception for ¥400. Snowshoeing equipment rents for ¥500 for 3 hours.

Campground admission costs ¥300 for elementary school students and older, or ¥200 for day trips, with car sites at ¥4,000 per compartment for overnight stays. The park itself charges no admission fee for general access. For transportation, visitors traveling by car from Sapporo should allow 2.5 to 3 hours via the Hokkaido Expressway to Asahikawa, exiting at Higashikawa Interchange and following Route 39.

Public transport users take the JR train from Sapporo to Asahikawa Station (approximately 1.5 hours), then transfer to a local bus toward Higashikawa for about 40 minutes. The park is located at Nishi 5, Kita 44, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun. Note that no restaurant operates within the park itself, though dining options exist at the Canmore Ski Village food court nearby. Contact the facility at +81 166-82-2632 for reservations and current information.