The Ikushunbetsu River is a Class A river having its source in the Yubari Mountains, which include Mt. Ikushunbetudake (alt. 1,063 m). After it joins with mountain streams and flows into the Katurazawa Dam, it flows through Mikasa and Iwamizawa cities and into the Ishikari River. Lake Katsurazawa has been designated as a prefectural natural park and is surrounded by unspoiled primeval forests. The area around the Ikushunbetsu River is dotted with railway and coal mine heritages, and the entire Mikasa City has been designated as a geopark.
Many people enjoy canoeing and other activities in the upper reaches of the river. In the area around the Katsurazawa dam lake, canoeing, camping and winter pond-smelt fishing can be enjoyed.
River data
●Channel length
59 km
●Catchment area
343 km2
●Origin of the river name
The name Ikushunbetsu is said to come from i-kush-pet (river on the other side) in the Ainu language.
* Reference: Hokkaido Place Names (YAMADA Hidezo)
