Wild Flowers, Wild Birds and Soft Serve Ice Cream Can Be Enjoyed in Primeval Flower Garden -Hamanasu-no-Oka Park in Ishikari-

Hamanasu-no-Oka Park (はまなすの丘公園) is a primeval flower garden in Ishkari located in the northern part of Sapporo. Ishikari Lighthouse (石狩灯台) that is famous as a symbol of Ishikari is built around an entrance of the Hamanasu-no-Oka Park. A sand spit with an area of 46 ha was born at the mouth of the Ishikari River, and about 180 kinds of wildflowers such as Rugosa Rose (ハマナス* Rugosa Rose means Hamanasu in Japanese language) that is an origin of the name "Hamanasu-no-Oka Park", V. grayi Franch. et Sava (イソスミレ), Glehnia Littoralis Colony (ハマボウフウ), Seashore False Bindweed (ハマヒルガオ) grow naturally. As for the Rugosa Rose, the best time to see is from late June to early July. There is not a restroom on the park, so toursists should get a wash beforehand at the restroom at Hamanasu-no-Oka Visitor Center (はまなすの丘ヴィジターセンター). Admission free. A parking lot is free of charge.

Wooden paths with 650 m in total length are built at the park, and there are small paths like an animal trail and beach trails with a ocean view as well as the wooden paths, the visitors can enjoy a variety of situations. A lot of wild birds seem to be seen, so some birdwatchers and photographers came when I visited here in mid July. In addition, Rugosa Rose was already past its peak unfortunately. But Yezo Large Pink (エゾガワラナデシコ) and Japanese Iris Ensata (ノハナショウブ) were in full bloom just in time. A walking distance differs depending on the walking courses, but one lap is about 3.5 km and it takes about 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes.

The Hamanasu-no-Oka Visitor Center is at an administrative building around Hamanasu-no-Oka Park. It is famous for eating Rugosa Rose Flavored Soft Serve Ice Cream as its name suggests. There are a souvenir shop, rest places and a restroom on the 1st floor of the administrative building. The Soft Serve Ice Cream and souvenirs are sold at the souvenir shop. There are a rest place on the 2nd floor, too, and vititors can look over the Hamanasu-no-Oka Park. Admission free.

Atmosphere of Hamanasu-no-Oka Park Can Be Watched on Youtube

Moive of Hamanasu-no-Oka Park