Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Nurtured by rare flora and fauna and unique ecosystems, the Shiretoko Peninsula is characterized by its cliffs and coastlines formed by volcanic activity and drift ice. This area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, still retains its untouched natural beauty. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large mammals such as brown bears and orcas. The nutrient-rich plankton carried by the drift ice supports a rare ecosystem that connects the sea to the land.

Among the many scenic spots in Shiretoko, the "Shiretoko Goko Lakes" is particularly notable. As you walk along the elevated boardwalks and ground trails that circle the five lakes, you can enjoy views of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of Okhotsk, all while being surrounded by dense primeval forests. You might even encounter animals like Ezo deer. Shiretoko offers many other scenic spots, making it easy to enjoy a dispersed travel experience. To avoid the crowds from summer to autumn, it is best to explore in the evening, avoiding the busy hours from 8 AM to 3 PM, allowing for a stress-free visit.

Asahidake (2,291m), the highest peak in Hokkaido, is the main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, which consists of mountains over 2,000 meters high. It is also selected as one of the "100 Famous Japanese Mountains." One of its attractions is the ropeway that takes you up to the 5th station at an altitude of 1,600 meters, allowing you to easily enjoy the overwhelming natural beauty of Daisetsuzan, which the Ainu people called "Kamui Mintara" (the garden where gods play).

While there are serious climbing routes, the recommended option is a walking course that takes about an hour to complete. Daisetsuzan is a treasure trove of alpine plants, and in summer, the slopes are covered with flowers like the yellow rhododendron and the Geum pentapetalum. Additionally, Asahidake is known as the place where autumn leaves arrive the earliest in Japan, allowing you to enjoy the colorful scenery early in the season. During the autumn foliage season, it is especially crowded, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays or early in the morning right after the ropeway starts operating to avoid the crowds.

The Soya Hills, located south of Cape Soya, Japan's northernmost point, are the northernmost hilly area in Japan, characterized by gentle undulations that resemble waves. These hills, ranging in elevation from 20 to 200 meters, were formed by the repeated freezing and thawing of soil during the glacial period 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, creating a unique and magnificent periglacial landscape.

In the hills, you can find "Soya Black Cattle," Japan's northernmost brand of beef, grazing. Additionally, the "Cape Soya Wind Farm," with 57 wind turbines lined up along the ridges, offers a serene and grand Hokkaido-like landscape. The "White Path," paved with scallop shells, has recently gained popularity on social media. There are footpaths available, so you can experience the grandeur by walking through the area. The vast Soya Hills are rarely crowded, but consider visiting early in the morning to have this breathtaking scenery all to yourself.

When it comes to scenic spots in southern Hokkaido, Mount Hakodate is quite popular. However, the view from Kijihiki Highland in Hokuto City, about a 15-minute drive from JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, is equally impressive. The observation deck, located 200 meters higher than Mount Hakodate, offers a panoramic view of southern Hokkaido, including Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, the majestic Mount Komagatake, and the expansive Onuma Park. On clear days, you can even see the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, Muroran, and Mount Yotei.

The observation deck also has indoor facilities, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views even in bad weather. Kijihiki Highland is popular not only during the day but also at night, offering a "reverse night view" of Mount Hakodate from the opposite side.

If you're lucky, you might also see a sea of clouds or a star-filled sky. Since tourist buses don't come here, it's less crowded and easier to visit. You can even enjoy the spectacular views and night scenery from your car without using the observation deck.

Mount Usu, an active volcano recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark (Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark), offers breathtaking views of the dynamic landscape shaped by ancient geological changes. The ropeway gondola connecting the base and summit of Mount Usu was renovated in spring 2020, featuring larger windows for an even more impressive panoramic experience. 

Additionally, the summit observation deck "Mt. USU Terrace" was renovated in spring 2021. The deck was expanded by 1.4 times and equipped with sofa seating, creating a more open and comfortable terrace. A café was also added, offering smoothies and hot sandwiches made with local ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning views of Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, and Showa Shinzan.

Mikuni Pass, which connects Kamikawa Town and Shihoro Town, has an elevation of 1,139 meters at its highest point, making it the highest point on a national highway in Hokkaido. Below, a vast sea of primeval forest stretches out, and the panorama created by the distant mountains of the Daisetsuzan range is one of the most magnificent in Hokkaido.

Among the highlights is the view from Ryokushin Bridge, which overlooks Matsumi-Ohashi Bridge, a large hairpin curve. This scenery, selected as one of Japan's 100 famous roads, is breathtakingly beautiful, especially in summer when the greenery is lush and during the autumn foliage season when the primeval forest is vividly colored. It's also an attractive driving route, and driving over Matsumi-Ohashi Bridge feels like running on a runway connected to the sky. For those who want to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace, the observation deck at the Mikuni Pass rest area is highly recommended.

Naitai Kogen Farm, boasting a total area of about 1,700 hectares, is the largest public ranch in Japan. At its peak, more than 2,000 cows graze on the farm, creating a vast landscape where the cows look like tiny dots, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the grandeur of Hokkaido.

Near the summit, a new café facility called "Naitai Terrace" had its grand opening in June 2019. Here, you can enjoy gourmet dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and soft-serve ice cream made with fresh milk from Shihoro. The vanilla flavor is called "Shiro" (white), the chocolate flavor "Kuro" (black), and the mix of both "Ushi" (cow), reflecting the farm's theme. Visitors can relax and enjoy the sight of cows leisurely grazing while savoring these treats.

Cape Chikyu is a scenic spot that has been designated as a national scenic beauty site and was ranked first in the "100 Best Natural Spots in Hokkaido" in the 1980s. It is one of Hokkaido's premier viewpoints. The cape is located in an area with cliffs around 100 meters high, and its name, Chikyu, is derived from the Ainu word "chikep," meaning cliff.

From the observation deck on the cliffs, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, with a vast panorama that makes the horizon appear curved. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Komagatake and the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales swimming in the Pacific. The area is also a nesting site for migratory birds, so you can see various birds, including those preying on the migratory birds.

Locally, it is also popular as a spot to view the first sunrise of the year.