Ishikari River

Overview

The Ishikari River is a Class A river forming the main stream of the Ishikari river system, flowing through central-western Hokkaido into the Sea of Japan. At 268 kilometres it is the third longest in Japan and the longest in Hokkaido, while its drainage basin of 14,330 square kilometres is the second largest in the country. It is counted among Japan's three great rivers and has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage site.

Highlights

• ●The third longest Class A river in Japan at 268 km
• ●A drainage basin of 14,330 sq km, second largest nationwide
• ●Counted among Japan's three great rivers
• ●Designated a Hokkaido Heritage site

History

The Ishikari originates on Mount Ishikari in the Daisetsuzan volcanic group and flows through Asahikawa and Sapporo before reaching the Sea of Japan. Its name derives from an Ainu word meaning 'winding river,' and it once meandered greatly across the Ishikari Plain. Extensive construction over the years shortened its course by roughly 100 kilometres and left numerous oxbow lakes across the plain.

Map

43.2674, 141.3717 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head to the riverbank from a city within the basin
2. 2View the current of this great river, third longest in Japan
3. 3Seek out the oxbow lakes scattered across the Ishikari Plain
4. 4Enjoy the scenery toward the river mouth at the Sea of Japan

Did you know?

💡 The river's name is said to derive from an Ainu word meaning 'winding river.'

Nearby spots