Discover Sangaitaki Park Hokkaido

Sangaitaki Park is a great stop if you have time to spare between Niseko and Chitose, if you are visiting Kita Yuzawa, looking for a place to hike or you are simply wanting to enjoy the natural surroundings and a great coffee. The park is less than an hour from Hirafu and just four minutes off route 276 which is the most common route taken between Niseko and Chitose Airport.  

The white water of a waterfall.
The center piece of the park, the Sangaitaki Waterfall cascading down its three levels.

With its centerpiece the beautiful Sangai Waterfall the park is particularly famous for its stunning autumn foliage, when the surrounding forest transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and golds that perfectly frame the waterfall. But it isn't  just autumn that is a great time to visit as like much of Hokkaido every season brings something unique.

A waterfall cascades through the snow
Sangaitaki is a beautiful spot anytime of the year.

During the summer there are many hiking trails to explore and nearby Mount Horohoro and Mount Tokushunbetsu offer some excellent opportunities for the more adventurous. The river is also rich in wildlife with ducks such as the Mandarin Duck and the Eastern Spot-billed Duck for bird watchers. The Sangaitaki river is a tributary of the Osaru river which is also home to many species of fish including native trout and salmon.

A clear river surrounded by sparse foliage
The crystal clear waters of the Sangaitaki River.

Beyond the rivers, visitors can discover charming features like the Totem Pole Hill, which showcases unique wood carvings commemorating a sister-city relationship with Lake Cowichan in British Columbia, Canada. 

A counter top packed with home made snacks for sale
The Tachibana Coffee Shop is well worth a visit with a range of healthy snacks and a delicious cheese cake to compliment your coffee.

A real highlight of a visit to Sangaitaki Park is the Tachibana Coffee Shop. A family owned and operated store that is an experience in itself. A delicious array of sweets and snacks, teas and coffees in a space where every item is carefully placed and considered like the mise en scene of a movie.     

The interior of Tachibana Coffee Shop
Delicious home baked goods and carefully curated treats and trinkets adorn the shelves of this unique and cozy space.

If you are looking for a scenic detour and a coffee stop on your way to or from Niseko, Sangaitaki Park is well worth a visit. As you can see if you have more time up your sleeve there is much more to explore too even if you only make it as far as the coffee shop. Which you can see more of here - https://www.tachibana-coffee.com/

Find it here - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GEYUEykaQjgeasR9A

The interior of a coffee shop with log burning stove and large speakers.
This cozy coffee shop comes complete with an indoor / out door swing for the kids, a play area, a wood burning stove and a great sound system.