Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Guide: Sapporo’s Best Budget Snow World (Free Winter Entry!)

❄️ Why Go? The “Zero Yen” Snow Paradise

While most ski resorts in Hokkaido charge over 5,000 JPY just for a lift pass, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park (國營瀧野鈴蘭丘陵公園) offers an unbeatable deal. It is the only National Park in Hokkaido and covers a massive 400 hectares.

• Green Season: Admission is approx. 450 JPY.
• Winter Season (Snow World): Admission is FREE!

You can play all day, use the tube slides, and enter the facility for 0 Yen. You only pay if you need to rent ski gear or use the ski lift.

Quick Guide: Takino Snow World

WOW: Takino Suzuran Park Highlights

Free Winter Entry: The only place to play in the snow for 0 Yen admission (Winter season only).
200m Tube Slide: One of Japan’s longest tube slides—thrilling, fast, and completely free to ride! (Warning: You have to walk back up!).
Beginner’s Paradise: Features a gentle 7° slope perfect for kids and first-time skiers who are scared of big mountains.
Budget Gear: Full ski rental sets are a fraction of the price of major resorts (approx. 2,200 JPY).

🎿 Activities: Tube Sliding & Beginner Skiing

1. The 200m Tube Slide (Free)

This is the star attraction. It is one of the longest tube slides in Japan.

• The Thrill: It’s fast, exciting, and completely free.
• The Workout: Be warned—while the slide down is fun, there is no lift for the tubes. You must walk back up the 200m slope pulling your tube. It is exhausting but worth it!

2. Family Ski Slope (Perfect for Beginners)

If you are afraid of the steep mountains in Niseko, start here.

• The Slope: A gentle 7-degree slope, ideal for first-timers and kids.
• Rental Cost: Very cheap. A full ski set costs about 2,200 JPY (less than $15 USD).
• Experience: It’s perfect for practice. We stayed at the base of the Family Slope without even buying a lift ticket. It’s a safe, stress-free environment.

🚌 Critical Access Guide: Don’t Miss the Bus!

This is the most challenging part of the trip. The park is far from the city center, and public transport is infrequent.

Step 1: Subway

Take the Namboku Line to the final stop: Makomanai Station (真駒內).

Step 2: Bus 106

Transfer to Chuo Bus No. 106 (labeled for Takino Suzuran Park).

• Ride Time: 30–45 minutes.
• Timetable Strategy: Since buses are rare (sometimes 1 per hour), we highly recommend catching the 08:45 AM first bus from Makomanai to maximize your play time.

⚠️ The Return Trip Trap

• Last Bus: The final bus leaves the park at 16:30.
• Queue: It gets incredibly crowded. You must head to the bus stop by 15:30 to ensure you get a spot. Do not wait until the last minute!

💡 Pro-Tips for a Perfect Visit

1. Enter via the East Gate (Higashi-guchi)

The park is massive.

• East Gate: Closest to the Snow World (Skiing & Tubing). This is where you want to go.
• Central Gate: Leads to the bottom of the hill (not recommended for winter sports).

2. Lunch at “Country House”

The park restaurant, “Country House,” serves meals that are delicious and affordable. The children’s meals are generous, making it a great place to recharge.

3. Bear Warning 🐻

While rare in the busy ski area, this is a national park surrounded by forest. Signs warn of “Bear Sightings” in the woodland areas. For safety, always stay within the designated play zones.

📍 Visitor’s Guide

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