Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, let me introduce you to a really special winter activity unique to Hokkaido. It’s called “Wakasagi Tsuri,” or ice fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt)! Let me tell you all about the charm of this ice fishing, sprinkled with some honest opinions from a local.
Ice Fishing Near Sapporo? What’s It Like?
Wakasagi are small fish, usually around 10cm (about 4 inches) long. In winter, people drill small holes in the frozen lakes and rivers, drop a line, and fish for them. You know, it’s surprisingly easy and fun, even for beginners and kids.
One great thing about Sapporo is that while it’s a city, beautiful nature is just a short trip away. There are several spots near Sapporo where you can enjoy wakasagi fishing as a day trip. Many places offer full gear rentals, so even travelers from overseas can easily give it a try without bringing anything. It might be perfect for those looking for easy ice fishing experiences in Japan, or perhaps searching for rentals near Sapporo.
Recommended Spots!
Let me introduce two popular spots for wakasagi fishing near Sapporo.
1. Barato River (Barato-gawa)
The Barato River is relatively easy to access from Sapporo city center. It’s an old channel of the Ishikari River that freezes solid in winter, attracting many anglers.
- Access: It takes about 30-40 minutes by car or taxi from central Sapporo. There are local buses, but they might require transfers, so it’s best to check the route carefully beforehand.
- Features: You’ll find several fishing parks here. Most offer rentals for everything you need, including tents equipped with heaters. You can literally just show up empty-handed! Staff are often available to teach you how to fish, which is reassuring. If you’re specifically looking for a guided tour, it’s worth checking if the facilities offer that service.
- A Local’s Honest Take: The easy access is a huge plus. However, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. But hey, that’s also proof of its popularity! If you like a lively atmosphere, this might be for you. When it’s busy, the tents can be quite close together, which might feel a bit cramped for some. But seeing how others are doing and sharing a sense of camaraderie is part of the fun at places like this.
- Related Info: You can find information about wakasagi fishing on the Barato River on specialized websites.
- Sapporo Wakasagi Info: https://www.dolphins.gr.jp/sapporo-wakasagi/ (This is a Japanese site with info on Barato River fishing. Try using your browser’s translation feature!)
2. Lake Shinotsu (Shinotsu-ko)
If you’re willing to travel a bit further, Lake Shinotsu in the village of Shinshinotsu is another great option.
- Access: It’s about an hour’s drive from Sapporo. If using public transport, you’d likely take the JR train to Iwamizawa Station and then a bus or taxi from there. Access takes a bit longer than Barato River, but because of that, you really get the feeling of being out in Hokkaido’s nature. Plus, there’s the reward of an onsen (hot spring), making it perfect for a winter day trip from Sapporo!
- Features: The big highlight here is its connection to the “Tappu no Yu” hot spring facility! They also have fishing huts (like small greenhouses) and gear rentals readily available. And best of all, they’ll cook the wakasagi you catch into tempura right there! I enjoyed this with friends years ago, and the experience of “hot springs + eating fish you just caught yourself” was truly novel. If you get the chance, definitely try it!
- A Local’s Honest Take: Being able to combine fishing with a hot spring bath is the biggest advantage here, in my opinion. Soaking in an onsen after braving the cold… it’s fantastic. It’s very popular with families too.
- Related Info:
- Shinshinotsu Onsen Tappu no Yu: https://tappunoyuonsen.com/ (Looks like a Japanese site, so try using your browser’s translation feature!)
Tips for Enjoying Wakasagi Fishing
- Clothing: Okay, listen up, because this is SERIOUSLY important when thinking about what to wear for ice fishing in Japan, especially Hokkaido! The ice in winter is colder than you can possibly imagine. Seriously, intensely cold!! If you underestimate it, you might actually freeze out there (just kidding… mostly! Haha). You absolutely need waterproof and warm outerwear, like ski wear (top and bottom), a warm hat that covers your ears, sturdy waterproof gloves (bring spares if possible), a neck warmer, and non-slip, super warm snow boots. Layering thick socks and tucking heat packs into your pockets and shoes is the way to go. Prepare for the cold as thoroughly as you possibly can!
- What to Bring: While you can rent most things, bringing warm drinks and snacks is a good idea. Even if you plan to have your catch cooked as tempura, having something to munch on or warm you up helps when you get hungry or cold.
- Booking: Generally, you don’t need reservations just to enter the fishing area. However, if nobody in your group speaks Japanese, or if everyone is a complete fishing novice, you might consider booking a guided tour. It could make things smoother and more enjoyable.
- Language: The staff at the fishing spots might not be fluent in English. But they’re usually very kind and will try to help you with gestures and simple words.
The Joy of Eating Your Catch! (And a Backup Plan… Just in Case?)
The best part of wakasagi fishing is, without a doubt, eating the fresh fish you just caught! Many fishing spots, especially Tappu no Yu, offer a service where they’ll deep-fry your wakasagi into delicious tempura right on the spot (usually for a fee). Eating fish you caught yourself, out on a frozen lake… Crispy, slightly sweet, it’s absolutely delicious.
A Local’s Honest Take: Honestly, it tastes completely different from the wakasagi you buy at the supermarket. Part of it is the satisfaction of catching it yourself, but it’s also about feeling like you’re having a true “This is Hokkaido in winter!” experience.
But, let me be frank… whether you actually catch fish or not can depend a lot on the conditions that day, and frankly, quite a bit of luck. When I went with friends, even though we were fishing right next to each other in similar spots, some people caught a lot while others barely got a bite. (I was one of the lucky ones, thankfully!) So, if you decide to try it, I recommend going with a relaxed attitude, thinking, “Even if I don’t catch anything, I’ll enjoy the experience itself!”
And here’s a little secret… If, by some chance, you really don’t catch a single fish… (haha) the restaurant at Tappu no Yu in Lake Shinotsu actually has menu items like a “Wakasagi Tempura Set Meal.” So, you can still eat wakasagi! Just keep that in mind as a sort of insurance plan! (lol)
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Are you getting a more realistic picture of wakasagi fishing near Sapporo? The quiet focus on that small hole in the ice amidst a pure white snowy landscape. Then, the excitement of feeling that little tug on the line and pulling up a small, silvery fish! The great thing about wakasagi fishing is that it’s accessible – easy for beginners, and you don’t need your own equipment (just rent!).
Even the intense cold of Hokkaido becomes part of the adventure if you’re well-prepared. If you’re looking for unique winter activities in Sapporo or special experiences in Japan, definitely consider giving this a try! I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable memory.
