The Regional Guide
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO Sample Book
1
Introduction
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO Central Hokkaido is the perfect province to go for destinations both foodie towns and scenic parks, they are never far away from Sapporo.
Hidaka Mountains near Erimo-misaki
Central Hokkaido Chapters Horokanai
Rumoi
Sea of Japan
Uryu-numa Shitsugen
Asahikawa Hokuryu
Fukagawa
Takikawa Shintotsukawa Urausu
Shakotan-cho Ishikari Bay (Bikuni)
Raiden Coast
Ebetsu
Yoichi ★
SAPPORO
Iwanai
Utashinai
SORACHI
Ishikari Tobetsu Plain
Ishikari Otaru
OTARU & NISEKO
Iwanai Bay
Atsuta Tsukigata
Daisetsuzan National Park
Furano
Bibai
Mikasa Iwamizawa
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
Yubar i
AROUND SAPPORO
Kamuimisaki
Biei
Akabira
tains
Hamamasu
Sounkyo Onsen
Moun
Ofuyu
Shakotan Peninsula
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
Yubari Kuriyama
Shintoku Shimukappu
Kutchan Niseko
Chitose Shikotsu-ko New Chitose
Suttsu
Rusutsu Kuromatsunai
HIDAKA Tomikawa
Shiraoi
N TAI S
Date
Nibutani
UN
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan)
Noboribetsu Onsen
Mukawa
MO
Toyoura Oshamanbe
Tomakomai
KA
Airport
Shikotsu-Toya Toya-ko National Park
Obihiro Tokachi Plain
Hidaka
HIDA
Yotei-zan
Abira (Oiwake)
TOYA & NOBORIBETSU
Muroran Yakumo
Shinhidaka (Shizunai) Niikappu
Hiroo Urakawa Apoi-dake
PACIFIC OCEAN
Mori Onuma Park Shin-HakodateHokuto Hokkaido Shinkansen
Kikonai
Samani
SOUTHERN HOKKAIDO
Erimo Erimo-misaki
Hakodate N
0
50km
Tsugaru Strait 2
Central Hokkaido regions at a glance
Sapporo
Otaru & Niseko
Capital city of Hokkaido offers modern culture, pleasant parks and onsen.
This area boasts nostalgic port towns, beautiful coastlines and the world-class ski resorts.
Around Sapporo
Toya & Noboribetsu
Peaceful lakes, rural and onsen, Sapporo’s suburban sprawl makes a good excursion.
One of Hokkaido’s most popular destinations with attractive onsen and lakes.
Sorachi
Hidaka
Once Japan’s top coal mining region has photogenic remnants, rice fields and flower gardens.
Countless stables, alpine mountains and the Ainu museums dotted along the scenic byway. 3
2
SAPPORO 札幌 Founded in 1869 as the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is one of Japan’s most dynamic and newest cities. Just four Japanese people lived here before the Meiji period, but the population has rising continuously to nearly two million. Today this Japan’s fifth largest city leads the lifestyle and modern culture of the country. If you are looking for favorite items such as clothes and souvenirs, they are all at the compact city center. Main attractions are not only handsome buildings but also artistic parks, hiking trails and onsen.
Sapporo Station south gate
Teine
5
TEINE-KU
Teine Pool
Teine IC
Inazumi-koen
Sapporo-nishi IC
Teine-yama (1023m)
★
Teine Ski Area Highland Zone
Sapporo Teine
Shinkotoni
Maruyama Park
Soen
★
Asahiyama Memorial Park
Odori
Nakajima Park ★
Sumikawa
Toyohiragawa Koganeyu Hakken-zan Onsen (498m)
Hakko Gakuen
Fukuzumi Jieitai-mae
Kotsu Shiryokan
Hitsujigaoka Observation Makomanai Hill Edwin Dun KIYOTA-KU Memorial Hall
Oyachi Sapporominami IC
★
Chitose Line
274
Morino-yu
Kaminopporo Elfin Hokkaido Road Expwy 36
Kitahiroshima IC
Mitsui Outlet Park
★
Hoheikyo Onsen
Shin-Sapporo
nanachome
TOYOHIRA- Sapporo KU Dome
Salmon Museum Makomanai Park
Shinrin-koen Atsubetsu
Asahi Beer Nango- 12
Waterworks Museum Central Library
Moiwa-yama (531m)
Jozankei Onsen
Forest Park
Shiroishi ToyohiraShiroishi koen
Horomi-toge
CHUO-KU
ATSUBETSU-KU Sapporo Nopporo IC
Naebo
★
Okura-yama (307m)
EBETSUSHI Hokkaido Expwy
Central Sapporo Beer Museum
Kotoni
NISHI-KU
Moerenuma
231
Kotoni
Miyanosawa
★
Okadama Sakaemachi Airport Sapporo Park Satoland Asabu HIGASHI-KU Sapporo275 kita IC
Hakodate Line
Sasson Expwy
Teine Ski Area Olympia Zone
KITA-KU
Gakuen-toshi Line
Ishiyama Ryokuchi Park 230 453
MINAMI-KU
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park & Auto Resort Takino
Sapporo Art Park (Geijutsu-no-mori)
N
Hoheikyo Dam
KITAHIROSHIMASHI
0
5km
TOP DESTINATIONS IN SAPPORO ★
Central Sapporo
Gridded streets, relaxed parks and handsome Western-style historic buildings. • Odori Park: A great Sapporo snow festival and unique events are held here. ★
Nakajima Park
This cultural park has a sizable pond, garden, literary museum and concert hall. ★
Maruyama Park
Hugging the gentle mountains and forest. Visit the leafy shrine and ski jump stadium.
★
Nopporo Forest Park
The 2000-hectare prefectural natural park with the historical museums of Hokkaido. ★
Moerenuma Park
Designed by Isamu Noguchi, artworks on a grand scale. ★
Jozankei Onsen
Sapporo’s oku-zashiki (inner parlor) set along the scenic mountain valley. ★
Sapporo Teine
Skiing down the Olympic slopes. 5
Central Sapporo 札幌中心部 The heart of Sapporo has pleasant gridded streets, relaxed parks and handsome Western-style historic buildings. You can easily explore on foot for a day.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES A good starting or meeting point for a stroll is the white-marble monument of Myomu, at the JR Sapporo Station south gate facing the Daimaru department store, created by Bibai-born famous sculptor Yasuda Kan. From here, a 520m-long lively underground walkway (Chika hoko kukan: 5.45am-0.30am) under Sapporo-ekimae-dori leads to Odori, events and markets are held every day. At the basement of Odori Park, there are two underground malls (Sapporo Chikagai) and three subway stations. You can continue to walk on the underground walkways to Susukino Station on the Nanboku subway line and Bus Center-mae Station on the Tozai subway line. Old Hokkaido Government Office Building 北海道庁旧本庁舎
Sapporo’s largest Western-style architecture built in 1888, the American neo-baroque red brick government office (Akarenga) is now an exhibition hall with archives of Hokkaido, Karafuto (Sakhalin) and the disputed Hoppo-ryodo (Northern Territories). There is also a small souvenir shop. A photogenic garden square is open by 9pm. ‣ HISTORIC BUILDING: N3W6 Chuo-ku; 8.45am-6pm; Closed 29 Dec-3 Jan; FREE; Wi-Fi
Old Hokkaido Government Office Building
HIGHLIGHTS ★ Odori Park and Seasonal Events ★ Clock Tower ★ Old Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga) ★ Hokkaido University Botanic Garden
HOTSPOTS @ Sapporo, Odori, Susukino and Bus Center-mae Subway Stations @ Sapporo Tourist Information Center @ Underground Walkways @ Odori Park @ Akarenga (Old Government Office) @ JR Tower Square @ Sapporo Factory
LEFT LUGGAGE ✓ Sapporo Station & Subway Stations ✓ Sapporo Underground Malls 6
Central Sapporo Agriculture School Second Farm (1km)
03
Furukawa Hall
Information i Center
Statue of Dr. William Smith Clark
Seikatei
7-Eleven
JR Sapporo Sta. i
50
37
43
Buses to the airport
i Cafe 21
28 19
53
56
29
06
22
15
WEST 11
WEST 10
WEST 9
NishiJuitchome Sta.
WEST 8
WEST 7
WEST 6
i
Sapporo City Museum (100m)
SOUTH 2
Chuo-kuyakushomae Sta.
10
300m
Shiseikanshogakko-mae Sta. SOUTH 5
40
47 39
25
Min 45 Chitosetsuru Sake Museum (450m)
42
52
P @ Place Kanariya KP Car Park
Tanukikoji Sta.
48
08 11
Susukino Intersection
Nijo Market
Route
Susukino Sta.
36
20
Nakajima Park (700m)
HosuiSusukino Sta.
awa
230
SOUTH 4
46
Odori Bus Center ri hijo-do ic im a
Sosei-g
rcade pping A o h S i j ko Tanuki 13 12
Route
0
51
18
34
SOUTH 3
N
26 44
Nishi-yonchome Sta. Tram
Odori Sta.
32
Odori Sta.
$ 58
Nishihatchome Sta.
07 31
16
SOUTH 1
Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal
Sapporo Bus-Center-mae TV Tower Station (100m)
City 60 Hall
Odori Park 05
Black Slide Mantra
WEST 2
WEST 3
WEST 4
12 Route WEST 1 NHK
01
62
230
5
23
WEST 5
NORTH 1
Clock Tower (Tokeidai)
54
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art (500m)
i ijo-dor
Kita-N
57
Route
NORTH 3 ori anjo-d Kita-s
Route
Hokkaido Prefectural Police Headquarters
Sapporo Factory (150m): Sapporo-Kosei General Hospital (800m)
30
e-dori
Akapla 27 Square Akarenga Terrace
Sapporo Subway Sta.
NORTH 2
-ekima
Old Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga)
02
Northern Peoples Museum Entrance Natural Gate History Museum
Nissay Building
EAST 2
NORTH 4
Kamiyama Car Park P
ro Sappo
Hokkaido University Botanic Garden
Sapporo Station Bus Terminal
Sapporo 49 Subway Bus stop Sta.
ori
NORTH 5 EAST 1
55
35
-d -Teine jo o g a it
Hakodate Line
36
33
Myomu marble monument
14
K
Sapporo Chuo Post Office NORTH 6 59
17
41 09
Sapporo Beer Museum & Garden (900m)
NORTH 7
61 04
38 24
NORTH 8
-dori achijo h a it K Buses to the Sapporo Beer Garden
a-dori
HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
Untapped Hostel (1km)
w Taruka
Faculty of Agriculture Building
University Hospital (800m)
7
Central Sapporo ATTRACTIONS 01 Clock Tower 02 Hokkaido University Botanic Garden 03 Hokkaido University Museum 04 JR Tower Observation Deck 05 Odori Park 06 Old Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga) 07 Sapporo TV Tower
ENTERTAINMENT 08 Dinos Bowl Sapporo Chuo 09 Sapporo Cinema Frontier 10 Theater Kino
SLEEP 11 Capsule Inn Sapporo 12 Dormy Inn Premium Sapporo 13 Grids Sapporo (hostel) 14 Hotel Gracery Sapporo 15 Hotel Monterey Edelhof 16 Hotel Resol Trinity Sapporo 17 JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo 18 La’gent Stay Sapporo Odori 19 Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo 20 Mercure Hotel Sapporo 21 Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo 22 Nakamuraya Ryokan 23 Sapporo Grand Hotel 24 Sapporo House Seminar Center (hostel)
EAT & DRINK 25 Azabu Sabo (tearoom) 26 Azumaya (soba) 27 Bar Terrace (food court) 28 Duet & Glass Seasons (cafe & buffet) 46 Ginza Tricolore (cafe) 29 Godiva (sweets) 30 Gotoken (Yoshoku)
31 Kita Kitchen (food hall) 32 Marui Imai Restaurants 07 New Sanko (Yoshoku) 33 Sky J (buffet & bar) 34 TK6 (bar) 35 Tokyu Food Show (food hall) 36 Uoya Itcho (izakaya) 37 Yebisu Bar (beer)
SHOPPING 38 Daimaru (dept.) 39 Daimaru Fujii Central (stationeries) 40 Ikeuchi (dept.) 41 JR Tower Square (shopping complex) 42 Kanariya (handicrafts) 43 Kinokuniya Bookstore 44 Marui Imai (dept.) 45 Maruzen & Junkudo Bookstore 46 Mitsukoshi (dept.) 47 Parco (clothing) 48 Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade 49 Tokyu (dept.) 50 Yodobashi Camera (electronics) 51 Yonchome Plaza (clothing)
PRACTICAL TIPS 52 @ Place (internet cafe) 53 Australian Consulate 54 Doshin Playguide 55 Eki-chari Sapporo (bike rentals) 56 i Cafe 57 JTB Hokkaido 58 Porocle Counter (bike rentals) 59 Sapporo Chuo Post Office 60 Sapporo Odori Post Office 61 Sapporo Station Paseo Post Office 62 Sapporo International Communication Plaza
8
3
AROUND SAPPORO 札幌近郊 With an idyllic rural, rustic onsen and family-friendly attractions, Sapporo’s suburban sprawl makes a good excursion. Locals enjoy driving, camping and fishing in the countryside on weekend. Chitose is not only Hokkaido’s airline hub but also located in the eastern part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. If you are driving on Route 337 from New Chitose Airport, interregional movement allows much more flexibility. A good balance would be to spend at least two days in Sapporo and a few days in the suburbs.
Rice Fields, Shinshinotsu
N
0
20km
Sea of Japan Ishikari-gawa
Otaru Hakodate Line
Sasson Expwy
Yoichi-dake (1488m)
Kaminopporo
Jozankei Onsen
453
Nakayama Pass
276
Eniwa-dake (1320m)
Shikotsu-ko 276 453
Otaki 453
ISHIKARI
★
Kurisawa
Nishiki-Onuma Park
SORACHI
Kuriyama
Yubari
Shin-Yubari Mikawa (Momijiyama)
274 337
Abira (Oiwake)
Osatsu
Expwy
Muroran Line
Tomakomai
Doto Expwy X
274
Inasato
X Road X Closed X
Tomiuchi
X X
Hobetsu
Atsuma 237
235
★
West Port
36
Muroran Line
Sekisho Line
Minami234 Chitose IBURI Chitose Northern Horse Hayakita Park New Chitose Airport
Utonaiko Hokkaido
276
Shuparo-ko
Yuni
Eniwa
Shikotsuko Onsen
Fuppushi-dake (1102m) Tarumae-zan (1041m)
IBURI
Chitose Line
Marukoma Monbetsu-dake (866m) Onsen
National Park
452
Kitahiroshima
Sapporo Beer ★ Hokkaido Brewery
Soranuma-dake Shikotsu-Toya (1251m) Kimobetsu
Hokkaido Expwy
36
Sapporo-dake (1293m)
Iwamizawa
Nopporo Nanporo Forest Park Naganuma
230
SHIRIBESHI
Katsurazawa-ko
Ebetsu
Teine-yama (1023m) SAPPORO
Mikasa
12
★
393
Kitamura
KamiHoromui
337 275
SORACHI
Bibai
Hakodate Line
★
Tobetsu
Teine
12
Shinshinotsu
IshikariFutomi
337
5
Gakuentoshi Line
IshikariKanazawa
Sweden Hills
Ishikari Bay
275
Tsukigata
Nakagoya Onsen
231
Ishikari
Shukutsu
Domin-nomori
Tobetsu Fukuro-ko
East Port
Hama-Atsuma Hidaka Line
PACIFIC OCEAN
Mukawa
Nibutani HIDAKA
Biratori
TOP DESTINATIONS AROUND SAPPORO ★
Shikotsu-ko
Japan’s clearest cardera lake environed by the picturesque mountains. • Shikotsuko Onsen: The lake’s charming hot spring village is not far from the airport. • Marukoma Onsen: A lakeside ryokan with panoramic open-air baths. ★
Sapporo Beer Hokkaido Brewery
Beer lovers are worth visiting this Hokkaido’s leading brewery. Join a free brewery tour and tasting beer before or after boarding.
★
Tomakomai
The coastal industrial city offers a somewhat unique attractions such as bird sanctuary and fresh hokki (edible saltwater clam). ★
Ebetsu
Japan’s top renga (red brick) producing area is just 15 minutes from Sapporo by train. ★
Shinshinotsu
Idyllic rural village near Sapporo, getting into onsen after ice fishing at the crescent-shaped lake Shinotsu-ko. 10
4
SORACHI 空知 Sorachi Region was Japan’s major coalfield with more than 100 mining sites in the 20th-century, this region supported Hokkaido’s rapid economic growth after the 1950s. Underground mining ended in 1995, today several mining remnants are open to the public. Route 275 follows the western side of Ishikari-gawa, from Sapporo to Kita-Sorachi. Flower lovers should go to the high altitude wetland of Uryu-numa Shitsugen or the sunflower village of Hokuryu in summer. The rural area is ideal for pleasant cycling.
Himawari-no-Sato Sunflower Village, Hokuryu
0
N
Numata
10km KITA-SORACHI
233
Rumoi Line
275
Yuyu
Himawari- ★ no-Sato Hokuryu
Kamui Ski Links
Mumei-zan Okirika(804m) yama (802m)
Otoe Mountains
275
Nemuro Line
451
Takikawa
Tsukigata area
Satteki
Tsurunuma Park
Naie
Sunagawa Hokkaido Expwy
X X X X Road X X Closed Raijo
Tomei Park
Hakodate Line
Miyajimanuma
Bibai ★
Ishikarigawa
Kitamura Onsen
452
Arte Piazza Bibai
Mikasa Ikushunbetsu ★
Katsurazawa-ko
Horonai
Iwamizawa Iwamizawa Park
Yubari Mountains
Miruto Manji Manji-Tanzan Forest Park
Muroran Line
452
Coal Mine Museum
Nanporo
Kobayashi Sake Brewery Naganuma
Once Hokkaido’s second largest mining city offers the sculpture park and tasty yakitori. A number of white-fronted geese come flying the idyllic marsh of Miyajima-numa.
Uryu-numa Shitsugen
Kuriyama Yuni
This high altitude wetland is called the ‘heavenly paradise’ that scattered about 700 marshes.
Maple Lodge
MINAMI-SORACHI
Kurisawa
★
Bibai
★
234
337
Mikasa
Explore the mining remnants around Horonai and Ikushunbetsu. ★
Tsukigata
Yubari
Once one of Japan’s most dynamic coal mining cities hold the underground Coal Mine Museum and historical remnants. Don’t miss the tasty melon. ★
Furano (15km)
Under Construction
275
12
38
Kamisunagawa
12
KamiHoromui
452
Kamoi-dake Ashibetsu (467m) Tyrol-no-yu
Tsurunuma Winery
Urausu
Sorachigawa
Utashinai
Gakuentoshi Line
Hokkaido’s oldest sake brewery has historical kura (warehouses) and houses. All sake brands are using local rice. ★
Shinjo
38
Akabira
Shintotsukawa
Tsurunuma Urausu Jinja
Hato-no-yu
12
Uryu
NAKA-SORACHI
Ichiban-gawa area
Kamuikotan
Fukagawa
Roadside Station
Shokanbetsu-TeuriYagishiri QuasiNational Park
Shinshinotsu
Hakodate Line
Moseushi
Gate Park
Domin-nomori
Kobayashi Sake Brewery ★
★
Pinneshiri (1100m)
IN SORACHI
Chippubetsu
Hekisui Hokuryu Onsen
Uryu-numa Shitsugen
TOP DESTINATIONS
Tadoshi
Yubari ★
Sekisho Line Shimizusawa
Nanbu
★
Yubari-dake (1668m) Shuparo-ko
Himawari-no-Sato
Japan’s largest sunflower village is covered with 1.5 million yellow flowers in summer. 12
5
OTARU & NISEKO 小
· ニセコ
Formally called Shiribeshi Region, this area has nicest attractions both impressive coastline and countryside. From Sapporo, you will reach the romantic port town Otaru at first. The historic buildings and stone warehouses make a nostalgic atmosphere. Heading west from Otaru, Yoichi is home to rich taste Japanese whisky. The coastal national route 229 leads to Shakotan Peninsula. Today, Niseko is one of highly renowned ski resorts in the world that provide slopes, trails and onsen with wonderful mountain views.
Old Nihon Yusen Otaru Branch
N
0
20km
Kamui-misaki
Shakotanmisaki Yobetsu
Numamae-misaki Sai-no-kawara
Shimamui Coast
Shakotan-cho (Bikuni)
229
Shakotan-dake Furubira (1255m)
Kawashira
Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park
229
Yoichi
Benzaima
Sakazuki Onsen
Tomari
Kariba-Motta Prefectural Suttsu Natural Park Motome Ohira Enoshima Harauta Sakaehama Chiwase
Mottamisaki
Suttsu Bay
Shimamaki
Iwanai Onsen
Iwanai-dake (1086m)
Niseko Annupuri (1308m)
Kutchan Fukidashi Park
Konbu
5
Natural Park
Hokkaido Expwy Muroran Line 37
Toyoura Uchiura Bay Toyako (Abuta)
Oshamanbe
Nakayama Pass
Kyogoku
Yotei-zan 230 (1898m) Aikawa Kimobetsu Hikari ★ 230
Neppu
★
Jozankei Onsen
Makkari
Garono-taki OSHIMA
Kiroro Resort 393
Niseko
Rankoshi
Kariba-yama (1520m) Sukki HIYAMA Setana & Esashi
Kozawa
Niseko United ★
Yubetsuno-yu
Kuromatsunai
Akaigawa Miyako
Kyowa
Utasutsu
393
SHIRIBESHI
Katanakake-iwa
Benkiei-misaki
Tokiwa
5
Raiden Coast
229
Otaru
Maru-yama (629m)
Niki
Iwanai
Shell Fish Museum Minato
★
★
Hakodate Line
Iwanai Bay
Shukutsu
Shioya
Ranshima
Shakotan Peninsula
Benten-jima
Sea of Japan
Oshoro
★
Kamoenai
Ishikari Bay
Setakamuiiwa Candle Rock
Rusutsu Resort 276
Rusutsu
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Toya-cho Toya-ko
Kitayuzawa Onsen 453
Toyako Onsen
Otaki
IBURI
Sobetsu
TOP DESTINATIONS IN OTARU & NISEKO ★
Otaru
Explore the nostalgic port town near Sapporo. Otaru Canal and Sakai-machi shopping street are the best for a stroll. ★
Yoichi
The main joy here is tasting Japanese malt whisky at the Nikka Distillery. You can fruit picking at the sightseeing orchards. ★
Shakotan Peninsula
Best known for both its dramatic cliffs and cobalt blue ocean, as well as fresh sea urchin.
★
Niseko United
Asia’s leading ski resort sprawls over Niseko Annupuri overlooking Yotei-zan (Ezo-Fuji). Getting into hot water after skiing or hiking. ★
Rusutsu Resort
The highland leisure complex of Rusutsu has a number of family-oriented attractions with ski slopes and an amusement park. ★
Oshamanbe
This railway town is famous for its kanimeshi (crab meat and rice). 14
6
TOYA & NOBORIBETSU 洞
· 登別
Occupying the western part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this area is one of Hokkaido’s most popular destinations with foreigners. Volcanic activity has been created the unique mountains and peaceful lakes, Toya and Noboribetsu has a variety of good onsen. Shiraoi is known for its lakeside Ainu village of Poroto Kotan. Many travelers skip the heavy industrial city Muroran, but it has a dramatic setting, eastern Japan’s longest suspension bridge, coastlines and factories make up the photogenic views.
Osaru-gawa, Kitayuzawa Onsen
Jozankei Onsen
Hakodate Line
Sapporo (10km)
SHIRIBESHI
Chitose Line
Kutchan
ISHIKARI
Eniwa
Yotei-zan (1898m)
Kyogoku
Nakayama Pass
230
Niseko Rankoshi
Makkari
Rusutsu
276
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
230
276 453
★
Tsukiura
Toya-ko
Toyako Onsen
Rebunge Toyoura Toyako (Abuta) Coast
Shikotsu-ko
Tarumae-zan (1041m)
Bifue Pass
453
Kitayuzawa Onsen
IBURI
Orofure-yama Bankei (1230m) Onsen Orofure Pass
★
Noboribetsu Onsen
36
Shiraoi Poroto Kotan
Muroran ★ Kuttara-ko Line Onsen Date Kojohama Onsen Jidaimura
Usu
Date Muroran 37 Line
Hokkaido Expwy
276
Tomakomai
Sobetsu Raiba-dake Usu-zan (733m) Showa-shinzan (1040m) (398m) Karurusu Usu Zenko-ji
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan)
Shikotsuko Onsen
Otaki
Toya-cho
Chitose
Monbetsu-dake (866m)
Eniwa-dake (1320m)
Kimobetsu
Rusutsu Resort
5
453
Noboribetsu
Washibetsudake (911m)
Kogane Hakucho Ohashi
Muroran ★ Etomo Peninsula
Horobetsu
PACIFIC OCEAN
HigashiMuroran
Chikyu-misaki
N
0
20km
TOP DESTINATIONS IN TOYA & NOBORIBETSU ★
Toya-ko
Listed as a Unesco Global Geopark, it has a calm lake, onsen and unusual volcanos. • Toyako Onsen: On the southern shore of the lake overlooking the islands. • Usu-zan: The island’s most active volcano offers dynamic views and geological sites. ★
Muroran
This industrial city boasts eastern Japan’s longest suspension bridge, photogenic coasts and factories - along with night view.
★
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hokkaido’s most famous onsen nearby the steaming Jigoku-dani (hell valley), relaxing your body and mind. • Date Jidaimura: Has reproduced samurai and merchant houses. Friendly staffs performing exciting and unique ninja action. ★
Shiraoi Poroto Kotan
The Ainu Museum and reconstructed village are situated on the pleasant lake Poroto-ko, see the traditional dancing performances. 16
Jigoku-dani, Noboribetsu Onsen
Naka-jima, Toya-ko
Chikyu-misaki Trail, Muroran
Ainu Museum, Shiraoi
FOUR-DAY SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1: Toya-ko
Day 3: Noboribetsu Onsen
Arrive in Toyako Onsen midafternoon, take a lake cruise or hike the volcanic mountains. Spend a lakeside resort. ➡ Sapporo to Toyako Onsen by bus, or Hakodate to Toya by train.
Bus to Date Jidaimura then explore around Jigoku-dani (hell valley) in Noboribetsu. ➡ Muroran to Noboribetsu Onsen by bus, or train to Noboribetsu and transfer the bus.
Day 2: Muroran
Bus to Shiraoi’s lakeside Ainu Kotan (village) and explore around the museum. Catch the train for Tomakomai or Sapporo. ➡ Noboribetsu Onsen to Shiraoi Kotan-mae by bus. Shiraoi to Tomakomai or Sapporo by train.
Head south to Muroran by train or bus, then hike along the coastal footpath and look down at the industrial city with a natural harbor. ➡ Toyako Onsen to Muroran by train or bus.
Day 4: Shiraoi
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Toyoura 豊浦 On the rugged northern coast of the Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan) is a small town of Toyoura just outside of Toya-ko. A couple of beaches and campsites scattered along the coastline. The town is famous for its hotate (scallop).
ATTRACTIONS & SLEEP Rebunge Coast 礼文華海岸 Uchiura Bay’s primer scenic area, Rebunge boasts pleasant sandy beaches and strangely-shaped rocks stretches out the cliff coast. You can easily walk on the coastal road (4.5km) between Okishi and Rebun stations. Kamui-chashi Ruins Park was the former Ainu’s chashi (fortless) on the small rocky cape of Chatsu-misaki with a good view. ✓ Okishi Seaside Camp-jo Located near Kamui-chashi Ruins Park, this seaside campsites offer a gorgeous sunset. It is open from late April to late October. ‣ CAMPSITE: late Apr-late Oct; ¥500 two people ✓ Rebunge Kaihin Park Camp-jo A 10-minute walk straight down from Rebun Station, it has a scenic sandy beach. ‣ CAMPSITE: mid Jul-mid Aug; ¥500 per person
Rebunge Coast
FAST FACTS Population: 4000 Location: 10km west of Toyako Onsen
CAMPSITES ✴ Toyoura Kaihin Park: 豊浦海浜公園 ✴ Okishi Seaside: 大岸シーサイド ✴ Okishi Dai-ichi & Dai-ni: 大岸第1 · 第2 ✴ Rebunge Kaihin Park: 礼文華海浜公園
HOTSPOTS View from Kamui-chashi Ruins Park
@ Toyoura Onsen Shiosai @ Roadside Station Toyoura 18
Toyoura Hokkaido Expwy Toyoura IC
Koboro Sta.
37
Forest Park Camp-jo ran Muro
Koboro Iwaya Kannon Coast
Line
0
Funka-wan Observation Park
OKISHI
REBUNGE
Rebun Sta.
Rebunge Kaihin Park Camp-jo N
TOYOIZUMI
2km
Rebunge Coast
Okishi Sta.
Okishi Seaside (Dai-ichi) Camp-jo Okishi Dai-ni Kamui-chashi Camp-jo Ruins Park
Toyoura Kaihin Park Camp-jo Sta. Toyoura Onsen Shiosai Minshuku Mine
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan)
Bebeshiretomisaki
Ikori-misaki
Toyoura Onsen Shiosai & Kaihin Park 豊浦温泉しおさい · 豊浦町海浜公園
About 1km walk west of Toyoura Station, the Shiosai has modern baths and 10 guest rooms overlooking the ocean. On-site restaurant (11.30am-2pm & 5-8pm) serves local hotate and pork. There is also a sandy beach with campsite (mid Jul-late Aug; ¥500 per person). Five buses run between JR Date-Monbetsu Station (50min; ¥580) and Toyoura Onsen via JR Toya Station (20min; ¥290). ‣ MID-RANGE HOTEL & BEACH: Tel 0142-83-1126; 109 Hama-cho; Day bathing 10am-9pm (¥500) ‣ shiosai-spa.com Minshuku Mine 民宿みね A 5-minute walk straight down from Toyoura Station, Minshuku Mine offers budget private tatami-mat rooms with Wi-Fi, a shared bathroom and laundry. Heating fee is extra ¥500 per room in winter. ‣ BUDGET MINSHUKU: Tel 0142-83-2179; 2-4 Kaigan-cho; ¥3000 without meals ‣ mine-toyoura.com
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Bus Donan Bus runs from Sapporo Station departing at 5.10pm to Toyoura Onsen Shiosai (3hrs 10min; ¥2930) via Jozankei. The return bus is at 8.50am. Compulsory reservation. There is a direct bus from Toyako Onsen departing at 8.05am to Toyoura Onsen (30min).
Train Local trains stop at Toyoura Station, one stop west of Toya (6min; ¥210). Note that some local trains skip at Koboro Station.
GETTING AROUND A white-painted municipal bus runs between Toyoura Station and Rebun Station (5 daily; 33min; ¥410), stopping at the main sights.
PRACTICAL TIPS Toyoura Town Hall 豊浦町水産商工振興課 Check out their website (in Japanese). ‣ Tel 0142-83-1408; 10 Funami-cho; 8.45am-5.30pm weekday ‣ toyoura-feel.com 19
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HIDAKA 日高 Hemmed in by the Hidaka Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this sun-kissed region is Japan’s top racehorse breeding ground with countless stables. The scenic coastal byway runs between Tomakomai and Tokachi, via windy cape of Erimo-misaki. Apoi-dake is a lovely alpine mountain in the Unesco Global Geopark. The region’s main river Saru-gawa winds for Nibutani, one of Hokkaido’s most cultural Ainu villages. Inland mountain town Hidaka makes a pleasant stopover point to Northern Hokkaido.
JRA Hidaka Training Farm, Urakawa
SORACHI
Yubari
Kuriyama Yuni Chitose Line
Shin-Yubari (Momijiyama)
274
KAMIKAWA
Doto Sekisho Expwy Line
Shimukappu
X
274
Eniwa
X
Hidaka ★
Chitose
X Road X Closed
Abira (Oiwake) Inasato Muroran Line
Airport
Tomamu
234
Atsuma
IBURI
★
Tomakomai
Furenai
Chisaka
Nibutani
38
Kofuku
336
Churui Petegari-dake (1736m)
Taiki TOKACHI 236
M OU
Pegasus Road
NS AI NT
★
KamiNobuka
235
Obihiro Airport
Sarabetsu
KA
Shizunaigawa
Shinhidaka (Shizunai)
Makubetsu
Nakasatsunai
DA HI
HIDAKA
Road Closed X X Nijukken X X X X Road Takami-ko X
Atsuga
PACIFIC OCEAN
Memuro Obihiro
TOKACHI
Poroshiri-dake (2052m) Kamuiekuushikaushiyama (1979m)
Taiyo
Hidaka (Monbetsu)
Niikappu
Ikeda
Toyonuka
Nukibetsu
Hidaka Line Tomikawa
Nemuro Line
Otofuke
Hidaka-Sanmyaku Quasi-National Park
237
Biratori
Mukawa
241
Shimizu
Kita-Hidaka-dake (751m)
Tomiuchi
Hayakita Hobetsu Atsuma Mukawa Sarugawa Hama-
Shintoku
237
236
Rakko-dake (1471m)
FunbeJRA Hidaka Mitsuishi Training Farm no-taki Mitsuishi Seaside Park AERU ★ Pinneshiri (958m) Urakawa Samani Toyoni★ Horobetsu ko ★ ApoiFuyushima
Horoman
Erimo KamiUtabetsu
0
40km
336
dake (810m)
Hidaka Yabakei
N
Hiroo
Golden Road Meguro Erimo-Ohgon Tunnel (4941m)
Saruru Mountain Path Hyakuninhama Shoya
Erimo-misaki ★
TOP DESTINATIONS IN HIDAKA ★
Hidaka
Rafting on the clean stream of Saru-gawa or the raging stream of Mu-kawa. ★
Nibutani
Central Hokkaido’s top traditional place of Ainu culture along the Saru-gawa; museums, folk crafts and a spiritual landscape. ★
Shinhidaka (Shizunai)
This town is the base of visit the engaging racehorse stables. Nijukken Road is full of cherry blooms in early to mid May.
★
JRA Hidaka Training Farm
Something like ‘Japan’s Newmarket’. ★
Samani
A coastal footpath traces the eight attractive views and sights. ★
Apoi-dake (810m)
Hiking up the flower mountain in the Unesco Global Geopark. ★
Erimo-misaki
Hidaka Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. 21
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TRANSPORT • HOKKAIDO TRAFFIC NETWORK • HOW TO TAKE THE BUS • INTERCITY BUSES • TRAIN
Otaru Station