Central Welcome Party 2009

Central Welcome Party 2009

Lake Shikotsu at the Morappu Camp Grounds

Where: Morappu Camping Grounds, on the picturesque Lake Shikotsu!

When: Saturday 29th August at 10am, until Sunday 30th August at 4pm.

Bring: Tent and camping gear if you have them (tents can be hired), clothes, balls, hiking gear if you fancy a climb, frisbees, board games, cards, anything you like! The camping ground is right on the lake, so bring your swimming costume and you can take a dip! Also, please bring food for Sunday breakfast and lunch, as only Saturday dinner will be provided (you can usually get something pretty tasty at a convenience store). There’s a little shop on the camping ground that sells drinks and food, but is a little limited, so best be prepared.

Activites available: Hiking (Mt. Tarumae is nearby and is a great climb!), Paddle ducks, Bike hire, Speed boat cruises, Sightseeing Cruises, and of course, Onsen (Hot Springs).

There’s a section in the Lonely Planet on Shokotsu-ko, so if you’ve got a copy look it up if you get a chance.

Transport: There are three/four daily buses from Sapporo that get you to Shikotsu Kohan (the station) in about 100 minutes for about 1300 yen. We’ll have people waiting at the station to bring you to the camping ground. If you want to car pool, google maps can give you great directions! If you know any 2nd year JETs or above, find out if they are going, and how they are getting there (they’ll know the way too)-you might be able to grab a lift!

Price: 500 yen for non-HAJET members, free for all others (for the Saturday night meal). The cost of hiring a camping space is 500 and if you wish to hire a tent it will be a few hundred yen as well.

If you’re coming by train www.hyperdia.com with give you great train times.

Get set for a relaxing weekend with nature! Don’t forget your camera!