Where does the Chitose River begin and end? Introducing its history, creatures, and river activities and river rafting experiences

Where does the Chitose River begin and end? Introducing its history, creatures, and river activities and river rafting experiences

This time Hokkaido Chitose The Chitose River that flows through Sapporo Special feature on!
The Chitose River is a seasonal sight from summer to autumn. There are many things to see, such as salmon swimming upstream and the lush natural environment. .

Characteristics of the Chitose River In addition, History and popular activities We will also introduce you to the following!
While touring Hokkaido with my family, Sapporo Why not take a little trip and experience the great outdoors of the Chitose River?

What is Chitose River?

In the following Basic trivia about the Chitose River Introducing!
Check out everything from the Chitose River Basin to its history and the creatures that live there.

Where does the Chitose River flow from?

Hokkaido Lake Shikotsu Mountain Line Railway Bridge Chitose River
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

Chitose River It is a first-class river in the Ishikari River system!
The source is Sapporo Southern Lake Lake Shikotsu This is Mount Fure, towering in the west.

Passing Lake Shikotsu Hokkaido Chitose It passes through the city and joins the Ishikari River near Ebetsu, northeast of Sapporo.

The total length is about 108km!
The map below So, After leaving Lake Shikotsu, it flows all the way around the eastern side of Sapporo. You can see that.

History of the Chitose River

Chitose River, Hokkaido
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

The previous name of the Chitose River was " Shikotsu River " .
It was renamed "Chitose River" in 1805 (Bunka 2) during the late Edo period.

During the Edo period, Hokkaido It was a key point for travelling between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Chitose area .
at that time, Managed the area Hakodate Magistrate's Official, Yamada Koibei Yoshimitsu Heiyoshimitsu Yamadari petitioned the magistrate of Hakodate to rename the river because he felt that the name Shikotsu River had a bad ring to it. .

The magistrate at the time was Habuto Masayasu, who noticed that cranes lived in the area that is now Chitose.
" The crane lives for 1,000 years, the turtle lives for ten thousand years It is said that the name "Chitose River" was chosen based on this story.

Creatures of the Chitose River

Hokkaido Chitose River Swans
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

The Chitose River is home to many plants and creatures.

In some coastal areas, Lush greenery and reeds (a type of grass) grow in clusters. .
It forms a landscape full of natural beauty that is different from urban rivers.

River rafting activities When You can experience a little adventure. Yo!

If it is a living thing, Fish including salmon and cherry salmon , Insects such as fireflies , and arrive as a stopover point for migration. Migratory birds such as teals and whooper swans , Wild birds such as kingfishers and Japanese bush warblers And so on.
A wide variety of species can be observed each season is!

Chitose River and the salmon run

Chitose River salmon run
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

Salmon spawning grounds The famous Chitose River .
Salmon are born in rivers, go out to sea, grow large, and then return to their native rivers to spawn and finish out their lives.

During spawning season, salmon swim upstream in the river. Upstream migration " He said that...

If you want to see and learn about salmon swimming upstream in the Chitose River, then the aquarium " Chitose Aquarium, the home of salmon " is recommended !
As the name of the facility suggests, this is one of the largest freshwater fish aquariums in Hokkaido, with a focus on salmon.

Chitose River, Hokkaido
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

The basement of the facility is equipped with an underwater observation zone where you can look through glass into the waters of the Chitose River. .
Unlike artificial aquariums, you can see a variety of creatures, including salmon, in their natural state.

This is a great spot unique to the Chitose River, which boasts high transparency, where you can observe the underwater world illuminated by sunlight without the use of lighting!

The salmon run peaks in the Chitose River every year between September and October. .
If you want to see the salmon schools up close, come during the above times. Hokkaido Chitose Plan your sightseeing.

At Chitose Aquarium during the salmon migration season, The " Indian Waterwheel " is popular !

Chitose, Hokkaido, Chitose Aquarium Indian Waterwheel
Images Courtesy: PIXTA

The waterwheel, which rotates 24 hours a day, is fitted with stainless steel cages that capture the salmon that fall into the cages. The salmon are then transported around the waterwheel to the fish tanks.

After typhoons and heavy rains, large schools of salmon tend to appear and sometimes as many as 10,000 fish can be caught in a single day. .

Don't miss the sight of fully grown salmon being scooped up by the waterwheel one after another and dumped into the fish tank. That's right!

Chitose River Map

Chitose River Recommended river boating and river activities 1: Canoeing and kayaking

People enjoying kayaking on the Chitose River at "HORTO Sapporo" in Hokkaido

Enjoy the nature of the Chitose River at your leisure Canoeing and Kayaking Experience is a popular local activity. .

Surrounded by lush greenery and with crystal clear water, sailing slowly through the river is truly an extraordinary adventure!
It's also nice that you can experience this in an area close to the airport and downtown Sapporo. That's right.

In the following, Recommended canoe and kayak experience tours on the Chitose River Now posted!
There are plans available for participants from 1 year old, so it might be a good idea to use this as an opportunity to take your young children on a boat and river boating debut.

There are also great value plans available, including plans that include transportation and photography services during the experience. .
If you visit the Chitose River in early summer, you should enjoy a refreshing walk where you can see the riverbed from under your feet. Clear Kayak is GOOD .

If you're going on a boat trip with your family, A river boat adventure that can be rented for two or more people and where you can bring your pet dog along is recommended is!

Take a leisurely ride down the Chitose River, observe the wild birds and fish, and enjoy the nature of the Chitose River!

[Hokkaido, Chitose River] ⭐︎Excellent stability boat tour (standard course) ◎Excellent transparency! Let's go on a great adventure down the river while watching the creatures in the middle of nature!

TOIMOK
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
6,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish peeking out of the crystal clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through the great outdoors.

[Hokkaido, Chitose River] [Canadian Canoe Long Course] A canoe tour where you can see salmon swimming upstream. Canoe down the clear and beautiful upper reaches of the Chitose River!

TOIMOK
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
10,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish peeking out of the crystal clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through the great outdoors.

[Hokkaido, Chitose River] [Canadian Canoe Standard Course] Breathtaking nature! Canoe down the crystal clear Chitose River and head out into the lush forest!

TOIMOK
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
7,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish swimming under the clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through this wonderful journey.

[Sorachi / Naganuma Town] Even one person is OK ~ Chitose River midstream inflatable kayak touring 2025

HORTO Sapporo
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
7,700 Yen ~ (tax included)

Canoeing and kayaking are popular water activities. Sapporo is blessed with water resources such as the Ishikari River, and there are many waterside areas where you can enjoy them. However, it may be difficult to suddenly enjoy them on your own, and it may be difficult to assess the risks involved in playing in nature. This experience was an "inflatable kayak"

[Hokkaido, Chitose River] A stable boat tour (long course) ◎ Families are welcome! Let's go on a great adventure on the crystal clear river in the lush forest!

TOIMOK
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
8,000 Yen ~ (tax included)

[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish peeking out of the crystal clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through the great outdoors.

[Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu] Come empty-handed! (Early summer, morning activity) Experience the early morning tranquility and fantastic nature created by Lake Shikotsu, which has been ranked number one in Japan for water quality for 11 consecutive years, and the Chitose River.

Nature Activity Center Ocean Days Lake Shikotsu Main Branch
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
8,500 circle 8,000 Yen ~ (tax included)
Discount campaign underway!

Come empty-handed! 10,000 people experience the facility every year! Experience the natural beauty of Japan's top-class lakes and rivers in a transparent kayak, the first of its kind in Hokkaido! You'll also receive a free photo of your tour! *Lockers, changing rooms, and foot towels are available at the on-site shop. *We have been certified as a tour business approved store by the Ministry of the Environment and are a member of the "JSPASUP

[Hokkaido, Chitose] Relax and enjoy nature on the clear Chitose River!

Hokkaido Lion Adventure
Ishikari, Sorachi, Chitose
5,170 Yen ~ (tax included)

It's a relaxed, leisurely river ride that the whole family can enjoy, from small children to grandmas and grandpas. The Chitose River originates from Mt. Kitafure and flows through Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the clearest waters in Japan, before flowing into the Sea of Japan. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in Hokkaido, where you can see birds such as kingfishers and crested kingfishers, as well as fish of all sizes swimming. At the beginning of summer, you can only see the clear waters of the river.

Related articles

Chitose River Recommended river boating & river activities 2: SUP (stand-up paddle) experience & rafting set plan

Hokkaido "Nature Activity Center Ocean Days Lake Shikotsu Main Branch" Lake Shikotsu Chitose River SUP (SUP) experience

Ride down the river on a specially designed boat River SUP experience .
Standing on the board, you can observe the natural scenery of the Chitose River from a higher perspective than the boat.

At Chitose River, you can try out SUP (stand-up paddle boarding), An exhilarating ride down the river in a rubber boat A set plan for enjoying rafting together is popular !
Rafting The boats used are generally for multiple people, so the whole family can come and have fun.

The Chitose River has a gentle current, so even inexperienced people can participate with confidence. Yo.

Children Participants from age 3 !
With the whole family, including small children, Enjoy an extraordinary outdoor experience in the northern lands Why not give it a try?

Let's go river rafting on the Chitose River!

A family enjoying a boat tour on the "TOIMOK" Chitose River in Hokkaido

This time Chitose River, Hokkaido We featured it here!

Sapporo area Chitose River is easily accessible from the area. You can enjoy the seasonal salmon swimming upstream and rafting. Hokkaido You can enjoy the unique natural beauty.

Please use this special feature as a reference for your next trip to Hokkaido. Sightseeing and activities on the Chitose River Have fun!

*The content of this article is current as of December 2024.
Featured image provided by: PIXTA

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