Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Located in the Yufutsu Wilderness, this freshwater lake with a circumference of approximately 9 km was designated as a sanctuary for wild birds for the first time in Japan in 1981. The marshlands and forests along the lake are a treasure trove of wild birds. Of the about 630 species of wild birds identified in Japan, some 270 species have been recorded here. The Nature Center in the sanctuary rents binoculars and other equipment, so be sure to enjoy bird-watching. The Utonai-ko Wildlife Sanctuary, which also has exhibition facilities, is located on the lakeside.

Located about 8 km northwest of Noboribetsu Hot Spring and surrounded by high mountains on three sides, this was the first national recreational hot spring area in Hokkaido. It was named 'Karurusu Hot Spring' because its water quality is similar to the famous Czech spa, Karlovy Vary. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy mountain climbing and hiking, and in winter, you can enjoy the rime ice and snow activities at the nearby 'Karurusu Hot Spring Sunlaiva Ski Resort.'

Embark on a refreshing mountain horse trekking adventure while enjoying the stunning views of Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan! After receiving basic lessons on riding posture, you will set off with a guide, making it easy for beginners to join. There are various courses, including the full-fledged 'Lake Trekking' that takes you around the highlands and through the forest, and the 'Family Trekking' course that allows small children to participate.

Hokkaido is famous for gelato and soft-serve ice cream, and at Lake Hill Farm you can enjoy these treats made from the fresh milk of cows raised on their vast ranch. The farm is a hidden gem located in the beautiful wilds of south-central Hokkaido. Various ice cream flavors are on offer, but the natural, not-too-sweet tastes of the local dairy and fresh fruits really shine through. A café serving pudding and cream-puffs (a Japanese dessert snack favorite) is also located on-site. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, be sure to try the pizza made with homegrown wheat. While the food is great, the views surrounding the farm are just as appealing: sprawling landscapes featuring snow-crowned mountains and rolling plains. On clear days, you’ll get excellent shots of Mt. Yotei climbing above the horizon – it’s one of the most famous views in Hokkaido.  And if you’re an animal lover, don’t forget to go say hi to the farm’s pet goat Yuki!

A wide variety of sculptures based on the theme of “Anthem of Life” are displayed in an open-air art gallery surrounding the lakeside of Lake Toya, which is rich in nature. 58 sculptures of various kinds are lined up. Visitors can enjoy looking at and touching the artworks, which blend in with their surroundings, while taking a leisurely stroll along the lakeside.

The Edo period (1603-1868) is alive and well, and only a short 15-minute drive from Noboribetsu Onsen. You and your family can walk through this incredible recreation of a town as it appeared in the time of the samurai. While here, why not take in performances, like the exciting ninja show and the extravagant geisha show? If you are feeling creative, make your own traditional Kokeshi doll keyring or Koma top as a souvenir. To really get into the fun, dress up like a ninja yourself and feel like you are on a mission from a local lord. Come to Jidaimura to explore the fun of a bygone era!

From spring to summer, you can observe up to 18 species of marine animals, including dolphins, whales, and seals, in the waters near Muroran. You might see minke whales swimming around the boat, watching humans, and sometimes even groups of 500 to 1,000 Dall's porpoises. Occasionally, you can also spot orcas, the largest species in the dolphin family. The tours operate from June to mid-August and end when the dolphins leave. The period during which dolphins can be seen varies each year depending on the water temperature and other climatic conditions. Typically, there are two trips per day, each lasting about 150 minutes.

As a center for the revival and development of Ainu culture, this facility is a place to learn about and convey the history and culture of the Ainu people. Visitors can watch dance performances and experience playing the "mukkuri" and "tonkori" musical instruments used in the dances. There are also a variety of programs to experience and enjoy the culture, such as cooking and tasting meals that embody the wisdom of living amidst the natural environment.

You can spend a relaxing and fulfilling day with the beautiful scenery of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature. We await your visit.

Japanese beef is considered to be among the best in the world, and the black wagyu cows in Shiraoi Town, central Hokkaido, typically yield delicious grade-A beef. The cattle are given a uniquely blended feed using beer yeast and are raised in a stress-free environment that allows the meat to have a tender texture and a rich, mellow flavor. At the farm’s on-site restaurant, Shiraoi Beef is served barbecued, as steak, or in shabu shabu and sukiyaki (types of Japanese hotpot).

This facility allows visitors to interact with horses in the great nature of Hokkaido. About 80 horses, including ponies and retired racehorses, live freely on the premises. In addition to hands-on activities such as horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides, visitors can also learn about horses by touring the horse museum and the horse barns. Visitors can also enjoy nature activities such as the botanical garden with approximately 1,000 varieties of flowers and plants, and Segway rides. In winter, snow activities such as riding on snowmobiles and cross-country skiing are popular. At the restaurant, visitors can enjoy gourmet foods and sweets made from fresh Hokkaido ingredients.