Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Lake Saroma is the third largest lake in Japan. The lake surface is a uniquely beautiful blue color, which has been described as "Saroman Blue." As the eastern coast of Lake Saroma offers a breathtaking view of the sunset, we recommend catching the views at sunset. There is an observation deck, camp site, stores selling local specialty products, and other amenities and attractions near the lake, so the area is usually bustling with many tourists.

With an altitude of 376 meters, Mount Horoiwa is the highest peak in the region and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The out-of-the-way but totally-worth-it Lake Saroma Observatory is a scenic spot providing an expansive view of Japan’s third-largest lake. The observation deck on top of Mount Horoiwa located in the center of the coastline gives a vantage point of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountains, and more. The gradation of blues between the Okhotsk skies and seas along with the “Saroma Blue” of the lake is a breathtaking sight you can enjoy for hours on end.

“Notoroko Sangoso Festival” Held in mid Sep.

Lake Notoro, a massive saltwater lake with a surface area of 580,000 square meters, overlooks the Sea of Okhotsk in Eastern Hokkaido. When Sep. hits, the lake turns a beautiful shade of crimson, all thanks to the growth of a unique aquatic plant that locals call "Sangoso (coral grass)." The contrast between the ruby red of the coral grass and the sapphire blue of the lake is jaw-droppingly stunning and can not be missed. A wooden walking path snakes leisurely through the lake, so visitors during this special season should take a stroll through this mysterious coral-like wonder.

A well-known hot spring known by those in the know with a history of over 100 years. All of the hot spring water is free-flowing from the source, and is known for its anti-aging properties and skin whitening and beautifying properties. One-day bathing is also available, making it a great place to casually enjoy the hot spring on a road trip. The area is also dotted with places famous for their flowers, such as Ezomurasaki azalea in early May and Japanese honeysuckle in summer, and the Nezu-no-oka Garden offers a variety of flowers from spring to summer.

An aquarium where you can see fish behaving naturally in an environment close to their natural habitat. In Japan's first tank where you can look up at a waterfall from below, you can observe fish swimming desperately against the strong current. Additionally, the large tank where taimen over 1 meter long swim is the largest taimen tank in Japan and is truly impressive. There are also unique exhibits such as tanks that freeze like natural rivers in winter, allowing you to see rare displays that are not usually visible.

Ueno Farm is an original “Hokkaido garden” based on an English-style garden that takes advantage of Hokkaido's climate. The family of Ms. Sayuki Ueno, who designed the garden that appeared in the TV drama “The Wind Garden” set in Furano, created this garden at the foot of a hill, emphasizing its natural atmosphere. In the garden, flowers and grasses change with the seasons, and ducks and chickens can be seen walking around. The shooting mountain behind the garden is a “sacred place for lovers” that is believed to bring happiness to couples. Why not extend your walk to the mountain's symbolic tree, the large Unryu willow?

Otokoyama began brewing sake in the Kansai region during the Edo period (1603-1868) before moving to Hokkaido to take advantage of the famously pure waters of Mount Daisetsu. Explore the museum’s three floors for an exciting insider look at the brewing process, tastings of Monde Selection sake, traditional Ukiyo-e block-print art connected to the brand, and seasonal activities for the whole family. Be sure to pose for pictures in an Otokoyama happi (traditional Japanese coat) in the lovely front yard, overflowing with seasonal flowers in the warmer seasons and glistening and snow-covered in the winter!

The Asahikawa Ramen Village is a collection of eight popular shops that serve Asahikawa-style ramen, one of the unique ramen varieties created in Hokkaido. Each restaurant has its own special take on the broth recipe, but the base remains the same: thick tonkotsu pork broth blended with soy sauce and seafood dashi. Asahikawa ramen noodles tend to be thin and firm, making for a delectable medley when slurped up with the thick and flavorful soup. The restaurants in the ramen village also serve up half-sizes for those looking to sample multiple shops’ recipes. Don’t forget to stop by the Ramen Village Shrine and the Ramen Bowl Bench for an adorable photo-op.

The zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” in which animals are shown in a comfortable space that is tailored to their ecology. The “Penguin Pavilion” where animals swim freely in an underwater tunnel, the “Seal Pavilion” where animals go up and down in a cylindrical tank, the “Arctic Bear Pavilion” where animals dive into a pool, the “Orangutan Pavilion” where animals walk on a 17-meter-high tower, the “Hippo Pavilion” where you can watch them swim in a pool from directly below, the “Crested Butterfly Pavilion” where you can see them swim in a pool from directly below, the “Hokkaido Zoo In 2022, the Ezo Brown Bear Pavilion will open, and visitors will be able to see Hokkaido's representative wild animals up close and personal in an indoor zoo enclosure designed to resemble Shiretoko. The museum is a great place to see Hokkaido's representative wild animals.

The “Mogu-mogu Time” is a must-see event that allows visitors to observe the animals in their natural habitat as they eat! The times are determined on the morning of the day, so it is recommended to check the park's bulletin board or official website before planning your route around the park.

Seasonal events are also attractive. The “Night Zoo,” held only during the Obon season, is a summer tradition that is open at night. Visitors can watch animals sleeping, see nocturnal birds of prey in action, and even hear wolves howling. During the “Penguin Walk,” held in the winter when there is snow on the ground, you can see the adorable penguins waddling freely along an unfenced course.