Kiyosato, town in Shari district, Hokkaidō, Japan
Kiyosato is a small town in northern Hokkaido with wide open spaces and low-density buildings that create a quiet, rural feel. The area is defined by expansive farmland, Mount Shari as a landmark, and several clear ponds and streams, including the Sakuranotaki waterfall where trout return to spawn.
Kiyosato developed from a rural settlement that built its economy on spring water from mountain streams, particularly for potato shochu production. The town is historically connected to Mount Shari, which held sacred meaning for the Ainu people and remains an important landmark defining the area's identity.
The name Kiyosato means "pure water" and refers to the clear springs and ponds that have been part of daily life for generations. Local residents use this water for traditional crafts like potato shochu production, connecting their work closely to the land and its seasonal rhythms.
The best time to visit is June through August when hiking trails are open and trout return to spawn, though winter offers different appeal with snow cover and snowshoeing options. The Kiyosato tourism office arranges guided tours of Mount Shari and other natural sites, and the town has basic facilities including hot springs and simple overnight accommodations.
At Sakuranotaki waterfall, visitors can watch trout jump upstream between June and August to reach their spawning grounds, with only about 10 percent succeeding in the climb. This natural spectacle has drawn people for generations and shows how wild fish follow their instinctive journey in this river.
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