Barato River

The basics

Winter temperatures, especially during February and March, turn parts of the river into giant snowfields, ideal for pitching a fishing tent, carving a hole in the ice, casting a line, and reeling in Japanese smelt. Ice fishing tours offer visitors the chance to sample their catch prepared tempura-style in a wok of hot oil right in the tent. During warmer months, the river is easily accessible, flowing next to the much larger Ishikari River.

Things to know before you go

• Facilities induce parking lots at the Barato River Ryokuchi Park and the Baratogawa Camping Grounds.

• Keep in mind that the short river runs mostly through the northern end of Sapporro in a semi-urban setting.

• The best-developed walking and cycling paths are on the east side of the river beginning at Kannon Bridge.

How to get there

Barato River is about 9 miles (15 kilometers) north of central Sapporo. Traveling with an organized fishing tour group or with your own car is best—it’s 30 to 40 minutes by car. The Nabuko Line of the Sapporo Municipal Subway will take you as far as Asabu Station; from there, it’s a bit of a trek, with a 30-minute bus ride and another 20-30 minutes on foot.

When to get there

Fishing tours run during the coldest time of the year, usually between January and March. Consider timing your visit with the Sapporo Snow Festival, a major winter celebration in early February. On winter weekends, you will likely see the white expanse of the frozen river dotted with colorful tents, as locals and tourists fish for wakasagi, or Japanese smelt.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Travelers interested in visiting Japan sometimes underestimate the country's varied climate. During winter, for example, Sapporo becomes a top skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing destination. Each year during the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February, three city sites—Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino—host hundreds of ice and snow sculptures and more than 2 million visitors.