Highlights at a Glance
HOKKAIDO & SAPPORO Sample Book
OLD HOKKAIDO GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, SAPPORO
INTRODUCTION
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From magnificent landscapes to grid layout modern cities, Hokkaido (literary means ‘road to the northern sea’) offers a continent-sized dramatic travel to the travelers. Perhaps Hokkaido is different from your image of Japan, this means the land has been developed in Western-style and risen fast in just 150 years. In addition to you will hear Ainu place names and see traditional culture in many destinations. Aweinspring natural wonders such as picturesque lakes and active volcanos form relaxed onsen resorts. Winter is a dream destination for powder skiers and snow lovers. The prefectural capital Sapporo is one of Japan’s most interesting and dynamic cities. 1
HOKKAIDO AT A GLANCE SAKHALIN ISLAND (RUSSIA)
Korsakov Aniva Bay
Soya Strait (La Perouse Strait)
Wakkanai
Soya-misaki
Rebun-to Kutcharo-ko Hamatonbetsu
Rishiri-to
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Teshio-gawa Otoineppu
Etorofu-to
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
Kunashiri-to
Shumarinai-ko Nayoro
Teuri-to & Yagishiri-to
SEA OF JAPAN Asahikawa Fukagawa Takikawa Biei
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO Ishikari Bay
Shakotan Peninsula
Yoichi
Otaru
SAPPORO Kutchan
Shikotsu-ko
Tomakomai
Okushiri-to Shin-HakodateEsashi Kikonai Matsumae
Mutsu Bay
Tsugaru Peninsula Aomori
Nosappu-misaki
Akkeshi
Obihiro Tokachi Plain
Ikeda
Kushiro
Tokachi-gawa
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
Hiroo
Erimo-misaki
Tsugaru Strait Oma
Mutsu
Nemuro
Urakawa Samani
Hakodate
Seikan Tunnel Okutsugaru-Imabetsu
Muroran
Teshikaga
Shinhidaka
Noboribetsu
SOUTHERN HOKKAIDO
Hokuto
Nibutani
Habomai Islands
Mashu-ko
Konsen Plateau
Shintoku
ns tai
Yakumo
Daisetsuzan (Nutapukaushipe) Akanko Furano Onsen
un
Uchiura Bay
Kitami
Kussharo-ko Akan-ko
Mo
Toya-ko
Oshamanbe
Shikotan-to
Shari
ka da Hi
Chitose Niseko
Rausu
Abashiri Sounkyo
Iwamizawa
★
Saroma-ko
Engaru
Ishikarigawa
Rumoi
Shiretoko Peninsula
Monbetsu
Haboro
PACIFIC OCEAN Shimokita Peninsula AOMORI PREFECTURE
N
0
100km
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Hokkaido Highlights CITIES
AINU KOTAN (VILLAGES)
SCENIC BYWAYS
Sapporo One of Japan’s newest and cosmopolitan cities, you will find Western-style buildings, pleasant parks, tasty ramen shops and beer gardens.
Nibutani This small riverside village is a traditional heart of Ainu culture in Central Hokkaido. Museums housing a superb collection of Ainu crafts and folk arts.
Otaru Nostalgic architectures and a scenic coastal setting, Otaru can make for the best day-trip from Sapporo.
Akanko Onsen This lovely lakeside village is the heartland of Ainu culture in Eastern Hokkaido and browse for wooden crafts. Don’t miss the koshiki-buyo (Ainu song and dance) at the theater Ikor.
Ororon Line Heading northwards from Otaru to Wakkanai along the Sea of Japan, the Ororon Line shows off pleasant beaches, fishing towns, campsites and onsen – along with touching sunset over the sea.
Hakodate Hokkaido’s first international trade port, with fine buildings, lively markets, historic parks and coastal onsen. Admire a gorgeous night view from Hakodate-yama. Asahikawa Home to Kamikawa Ainu, wooden furnitures, ramen and sake. There are also scenic ski slopes around the city. Kushiro This fishing town has a wide variety of tasty seafood restaurants and striking avant-garde buildings. Spend for the foggy night around Nusamai-bashi.
HAKODATE
Shiraoi Known as Poroto Kotan facing a tranquil lake, Shiraoi is home to the Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park).
IMPRESSIVE ONSEN Tokachidake There are wonderful rotenburo (open-air baths) from panoramic baths to konyoku (mixed bathing pools). Noboribetsu Hokkaido’s most popular onsen town beside the steaming Jigoku-dani (hell valley).
Oiwake Soran Line This spectacular coastal road, stretch south from Hakodate to Otaru on Route 228, is the home of Hokkaido’s Japanese tradition. Matsumae and Esashi keeps tasteful buildings and traditional festivals. Route 273 Extending from the Tokachi Plain to Daisetsuzan National Park, Route 273 makes a pleasant drive with expansive views of beautiful forest and surrounding mountains.
MARKETS Hakodate Morning Market Asa-ichi (morning market) selling fresh seafood from all over Hokkaido.
Kussharo-kohan You fill find man-made rocky konyoku roten-buro by the picturesque lake.
Washo Ichiba Kushiro’s main market is best known for its katte-don (seafood bowl topped with a wide range of sashimi as you like it).
Hoheikyo Sapporo’s best onsen with 100% free-flowing hot sulfur spring grand-scale roten-buro.
Furano Marche Has a good range of souvenir and take-away shops specialising in local goodies. 3
VIEW FROM THE JR TOWER
SAPPORO
POPULATION 1,970,000 DIALING CODE 011
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Hokkaido’s 150-year-old capital and Japan’s fifth-largest city, Sapporo is a spacious and laid-back place. The compact city center is well-laid-out and it has a lot of parks dotted with Western-style historical landmarks, which makes a pleasant stroll. If you are looking for favorite items, they are all here. With grand-scale parks, excellent ski areas, relaxed onsen and varied museums popping up around the city. Visitors enjoy Hokkaido-style dining scene, drinking options, joyful concerts, lively snow and food festivals throughout the year. Sapporo is Hokkaido’s key transport hub and one of the best places to start or finish your journey in Japan.
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HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
a aw i-g
Ishikari-Futomi
Shinshinotsu Onsen
ISHIKARI-SHI
SHINSHINOTSUMURA
Sh in -k Hoshimi aw
Zenibako
KITA-KU
a
OTARU-SHI
Haruka-yama (907m)
Tsutaya HIGASHI-KU
Ebetsu Nopporo
EBETSU-SHI
Hokkaido University
Teine-yama (1023m) Sapporo Kokusai Ski Area
Moerenuma Park
Teine
TEINE-KU
Teine Ski Area
Beer Sapporo Sapporo Museum
NISHI-KU
Okura-yama (307m)
Odori Park
Maruyama Park
Bankei Ski Area
CHUO-KU
Nakajima Park
Moiwa-yama Ski Area
Jozan-ko
Hoheikyo Onsen
Susukino SHIROISHI-KU
Shin-Sapporo ATSUBETSU-KU
Hokkaido Museum
Ebetsu Ceramic Art Center
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Nopporo Forest Park
Sapporo Dome TOYOHIRA-KU
Kitahiroshima
Toyohira-gawa Fu’z Snow Area
KIYOTA-KU
KITAHIROSHIMASHI
Sapporo Art Park
MINAMI-KU
Shimamatsu
Shikotsu-Toya National Park Auto Resort Takino
Hoheikyo Dam
Sapporo-ko
Chitose -gawa
Oasa Shinrinkoen
Moiwa-yama (531m)
Jozankei Onsen
tsu
TOBETSUCHO
r ika Ish
Barato -gawa
Hokkaido-iryodaigaku
Ca na
SWEDEN HILLS
Ishikari Bay New Port
Ishikari Bay
IshikariTobetsu
ino
SEA OF JAPAN
l
Tobetsu -gawa
Sh
10km
ha ma
0
Ish ika ri-
N
Sapporo-dake (1293m)
Masumi-numa
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park Soranuma-dake (1251m)
ENIWA-SHI
Eniwa Sapporo Beer Teien
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ERIMO-MISAKI
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
POPULATION 1,360,000
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As you leave the megacity of Sapporo, Central Hokkaido (simply called Do-oh) is such a good distillation of all Hokkaido highlights that can be visited in a day or longer. It is an easily explored region on a short schedule and you can accesible a wide range of must sees. The nostalgic port town Otaru is the best destination from Sapporo if your time is limited. Japan’s most cosmopolitan ski resort Niseko makes a memorable vacation – along with a lot of onsen options. Shikotsu-Toya National Park contains active volcanos and calm caldera lakes. Sorachi holds several mining remnants since the 1870s. Horse lovers should head southeast to Hidaka.
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HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE RUMOI Horokanai
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
Rumoi Mashike
ISHIKARI
Asahikawa Fukagawa
Uryu
Takikawa
Hamamasu
Akabira Ashibetsu
Shintotsukawa
Kamuimisaki
Shakotan (Bikuni)
OTARU & AROUND SAPPORO Otaru
Shakotan Peninsula
Yoichi
Urausu
Atsuta
SORACHI
Tsukigata
Ishikari Tobetsu Plain
Ishikari Ebetsu
Furano
Bibai
Mikasa Iwamizawa Yubari
Iwanai Bay Iwanai
SHIRIBESHI
NISEKO & SHAKOTAN
ISHIKARI
Kutchan
Jozankei Eniwa Onsen
Shikotsu-ko New Chitose Airport
Tomakomai
Date
IBURI
HIDAKA
Mukawa
Nibutani
Biratori
S
Muroran
HIDAKA
Tomikawa
Shiraoi
Obihiro Tokachi Plain
Hidaka
Noboribetsu
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan) Yakumo
Abira (Oiwake)
N TAI
Toyoura Oshamanbe
Shimukappu
UN
IBURI Toya-ko Noboribetsu Toyako Onsen
SORACHI
Shintoku
MO
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
TOKACHI
KA
Rusutsu Kuromatsunai
Chitose
Karikachi Pass
HIDA
Nakayama Yotei-zan Pass
Suttsu
Kuriyama
SAPPORO
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
Yubar i
Ishikari Bay
Sounkyo Onsen
Daisetsuzan Park National Biei (Nutapukaushipe)
tains
SEA OF JAPAN
OKHOTSK
KAMIKAWA
Moun
Ofuyu Ororon Line
Numata
Shokanbetsudake Hokuryu
SHIKOTSU-TOYA NATIONAL PARK
Shinhidaka (Shizunai) Niikappu
Hiroo Urakawa Apoi-dake
PACIFIC OCEAN
Mori
OSHIMA
Onuma Park Shin-HakodateHokuto Hokkaido Shinkansen
Kikonai
Samani Erimo
SOUTHERN HOKKAIDO Kameda
Erimo-misaki
Peninsula
Hakodate
Tsugaru Strait
N
0
50km
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YOTEI-ZAN
ニセコ · 積丹 POPULATION 85,000 (Kutchan 16,000)
Niseko & Shakotan Designated as Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this area (formally called Shiribeshi Region) has a variety of nicest attractions, from the impressive coastlines along the Shakotan Peninsula to the world-class ski resorts in the Niseko Mountains overlooking the wonderful Yotei-zan. Many international tourists come to the Niseko United in winter, but summer is also a great time to visit, perfect for hiking, cycling or rafting. Yoichi is a gateway of Eastern Shakotan and home to rich taste Japanese whisky. This area is recommended to visit along with Sapporo, Otaru or Toya-ko.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Yoichi 余市 Just 20km west of Otaru, the engaging town of Yoichi is a gateway to the Eastern Shakotan Peninsula and on the route for Niseko. The main attractions here are the whisky distillery and the old fishing houses. With many kajuen (orchards) scattered the countryside between Yoichi and Niki, so you can experience fruit picking from mid June to early November. It is worth stopping to stroll if you are passing.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery ニッカウヰスキー余市蒸溜所
Founded by Taketsuru Masataka (Massan) in 1934, this Scottish-style distillery just a short walk from Yoichi Station is home to Japanese malt whisky. Yoichi has the necessary conditions for distillery construction such as cool climate, peat, clean air and water. You can taste brands of whisky at the Nikka Kaikan. ‣ DISTILLERY: 7-6 Kurokawa-cho; 9am-5pm; Closed 25 Dec-7 Jan; FREE ‣ www.nikka.com/eng/distilleries/yoichi 8
TOYA-KO, VIEW FROM SOBETSU PARK
支笏洞 国立公園 PEAK Yotei-zan (1898m) AREA 993-sq-km
Shikotsu-Toya National Park Shikotsu-Toya National Park is one of Hokkaido’s most popular destinations with foreigners and easily accesible from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport. Volcanic activity has been created the unique mountains, cardela lakes and excellent onsen. The classic attractions in the park are the two peaceful lakes of Shikotsu-ko and Toya-ko, plus atmospheric Noboribetsu Onsen. Shiraoi is known for its lakeside Ainu village of Poroto Kotan. The heavy industrial port city Muroran has a dramatic setting, with its scenic coastlines and steel factories make up the photogenic views. See also the chapters of Niseko & Shakotan, and Sapporo (Jozankei).
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Shikotsu-ko 支笏湖 Japan’s clearest lake Shikotsu-ko is plunges as deep as 363m. This mysterious lake is never freeze in winter and its convenient access from New Chitose Airport. Shikotsuko Onsen, the charming village on the eastern shore, has accommodation, shops and restaurants. Chuo Bus 3 runs from New Chitose Airport to Shikotsuko Onsen (50min; ¥1050) via JR Chitose Station (40min; ¥950).
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center 支笏湖ビジターセンター
On the lake shore of Shikotsuko Onsen, this visitor center has an informative exhibition of nature and ecosystem with a short film. You can rent a bike (1-day ¥500; deposit ¥2000) and excursion to its surrounding area. A birdwatcher’s trail starts from the nearby century-old Yamasen Railway Bridge. ‣ VISITOR CENTER: 9am-5.30pm Apr-Nov, 9.30am4.30pm Dec-Mar; Closed Tue Dec-Mar; FREE ‣ shikotsukovc.sakura.ne.jp 9
Jozankei Onsen
Hakodate Line
66
Hoheikyo Sapporo (10km) Onsen
393
Kutchan Yotei-zan (1898m)
Niseko
Kyogoku
230
Eniwa
66
SHIRIBESHI Makkari
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
276
Rusutsu
Toya-ko
Otaki
Otaki
Toya-cho
132 Toya Mizu-no-eki Toya-ko Silo Observatory Oshamanbe Naka-jima Tsukiura Sobetsu Toyoura Toyako Park Onsen Sun Toyoura Palace Rebunge Sobetsu Toyako
Coast
Sobetsu Usu-zan Showa-shinzan Aputa (733m) (398m) Usu Zenko-ji (Abuta)
Usu
Date
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan)
Muroran Line
Date Rekishino-mori 37
Hakucho-ohashi Mitara Muroran
Sokuryo-zan (199m)
Onsen Shikotsuko Onsen
453
X
X
IBURI
Kitayuzawa Onsen
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park Orofure-yama (Open in April 2020)
Bankei (1230m) Onsen Orofure Pass 2 X 5pm-5am in winter JigokuKarurusu dani Kuttara-ko Onsen Noboribetsu Onsen
X 11–4
Hokkaido Expwy
276 Tarumae-zan (1041m) 11–4
12–4
453
16
Shikotsu-ko
276
86
Chitose
Monbetsu-dake Marukoma (866m)
Bifue Pass
230 97
117
Eniwa-dake (1320m)
Kimobetsu
Rusutsu Resort
453
Boyo Nakayama
97
66
5
Nakayama Pass
Chitose Line
ISHIKARI
Sapporo-ko
Niseko Annupuri (1308m) Rankoshi
36
Tomakomai 36
Shiraoi Muroran Line
Kojohama Onsen
Noboribetsu
Washibetsudake (911m) Horobetsu
PACIFIC OCEAN
Higashi-Muroran Wanishi Bokoi
Muroran Etomo Peninsula Chikyu-misaki
N
0
20km
GETTING AROUND Bicycle You can rent a bicycle from... • Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center • Shiraoi • Toyako Onsen (Takayanagi Shokai)
Bus Buses from Noboribetsu Onsen: • Karurusu Onsen (20min; ¥450) • Muroran (1.5hrs; ¥1220) • Noboribetsu Station (¥350)
• Toyako Onsen (1.5hrs; ¥1730) • Tomakomai (1.5hrs; ¥1120) Buses from Toyako Onsen: • Muroran (2.5hrs) via Sobetsu or via Toya Station (18min; ¥340) • Showa-shinzan (15min; ¥340) • Toya Mizu-no-eki (30min; ¥590) • Silo Observatory (Dec-Feb; ¥510) Buses from Date-Monbetsu: • Kutchan (2.5hrs; ¥1730) via Otaki and Kitayuzawa Onsen (¥720)
Train Local trains run for Higashi-Muroran from Tomakomai, Noboribetsu and Toya. Muroran is off the main line but is easily reached from HigashiMuroran (13min).
Transport Operators Donan Bus www.donanbus.co.jp
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KOMA-GA-TAKE, ONUMA PARK
SOUTHERN HOKKAIDO
POPULATION 430,000
4
As the crossing point between Hokkaido and Honshu, railway travelers have been passing through this region for over a century. The nostalgic port town of Hakodate, a tourist-friendly regional capital, has an unusually East-meets-West rich cultural heritage that makes it one of Hokkaido’s most interesting cities. Hakodate is the gateway to the stunning Oshima Peninsula of volcanic mountains, rugged coastlines, pleasant onsen and compact historic towns, with a variety of activities. Less than an hour away to the north, Onuma Quasi-National Park oers picturesque landscapes and relaxed vibe.
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HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE N
0
50km
Kutchan Rankoshi
Niseko
ISHIKARI
Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Yotei-zan
Suttsu Shimamaki
Shikotsu-ko
Rusutsu
SHIRIBESHI
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
Kuromatsunai Kariba-yama Toya-ko
Oiwake Soran Line
Toyako HIYAMA
SEA OF JAPAN
Imakane
Setana
IBURI
Date
Kunnui
Noboribetsu
Uchiura Bay (Funka-wan)
Kitahiyama Ota-yama
Noboribetsu Onsen
Oshamanbe
Higashi-Muroran
Muroran
OSHIMA
Yakumo
Okushiri-to Taisei
Miyano
Yurappu-dake
ONUMA PARK & AROUND HAKODATE
Okushiri Kumaishi
OSHIMA PENINSULA
PACIFIC OCEAN
Mori Koma-ga-take
Aonae
Shikabe
HIYAMA Onuma Park
Otobe
Yokotsu-dake
Assabu Esashi
OSHIMA
ESASHI & OIWAKE SORAN LINE
Nanae
Hokuto
Hokkaido Shinkansen
Kaminokuni
Oiwake Soran Line
Minamikayabe
Shin-HakodateHokuto
Kameda Peninsula Goryokaku
Esan
Todohokke E-san
Toi
HAKODATE
Kikonai
Matsumae Peninsula Haraguchi
Shiriuchi
Tsugaru Strait
Daisengen-dake Matsumae O-shima
Oma Fukushima Matsumae Shirakami- Seikan Tunnel misaki Matsumae Shin-Aomori Ko-jima & Tokyo
AOMORI PREFECTURE
Ohata
Shimokita Peninsula Aomori
Mutsu
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NAITAI KOGEN FARM, KAMISHIHORO
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
POPULATION 920,000
5
Majestic and beautiful, Eastern Hokkaido (simply called Do-to) boasts no fewer than wilderness national parks ideal for climbing, trekking, wildlife watching, getting into the smoothing onsen and learning about Ainu culture. This area has Japan’s largest wetland, plateau, lagoon and sandbank as well. During midwinter fantastic sea ice covers from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Nemuro Strait. It is a land of sprawling fields and dairy farms, particularly the Tokachi Plain and the Konsen Plateau. Easygoing Obihiro and Kushiro are strongholds of the region’s rich food culture, there are plenty of reputable restaurants and bars in the attractive nightlife districts.
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HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE N
0
50km
Omu Etorofu-to
Okhotsk Line
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Okoppe
Nayoro
OKHOTSK
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
OKHOTSK & ABASHIRI
Yubetsu
Takinoue
KAMIKAWA
Utoro Onsen
Notoro-ko
Abashiri
Abashiri-ko Ozora Tofutsu-ko OKHOTSK Bihoro
Asahikawa
Kamikawa
Onneyu Onsen Sekihoku Pass
Sounkyo Onsen
Daisetsuzan National Park (Nutapukaushipe)
Biei
Shikaribetsu-ko
Mikuni Pass
Kamishihoro
Nissho Pass
Shiranuka
Kushiro
Ikeda TOKACHI
Obihiro
Tokachi Plain
HID AK
Plateau
Shibecha NEMURO
Kunashiri-to
Notsuke Peninsula
Nemuro Bay Nemuro Furen-ko
Attoko
KUSHIRO
Akkeshi
Shikotan-to Habomai Islands Nosappumisaki
Nemuro Peninsula
KiritappuAkkeshi-ko misaki
KUSHIRO & NEMURO
Urahoro
AIN NT
To k
OU
ac hi
Co
as t
TOKACHI & OBIHIRO
AM
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Shihoro
Shibetsu Nakashibetsu
Konsen Betsukai
AKAN-MASHU NATIONAL PARK
Ashoro
Shintoku Shimizu
Tomamu
HIDAKA
Akanko Onsen
Rausu
Shari Nemuro Konpoku Pass Kiyosato Strait Shari-dake
Mashu-ko Teshikaga
Akan-ko
Rausu-dake
Shiretoko Pass
Kussharo-ko
Higashi- Karikachi Shikagoe Pass
Hidaka
Kawayu Onsen
Gensenkyo
Furano
Mokoto-yama
Kitami
Rikubetsu Tomuraushi-yama Nukabira Nukabira-ko
Shiretoko-dake
SHIRETOKO
Saroma-ko Engaru
Shiretoko-misaki
Shiretoko National Park
Monbetsu
PACIFIC OCEAN
S Hiroo
Urakawa Samani
Erimo-misaki
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SHIMIZU-TAIKI LINE
十勝 · 帯広 POPULATION 340,000 (Obihiro 166,000)
Tokachi & Obihiro ‘Crossing the Karikachi Pass, there is real Hokkaido.’ The magnificent Tokachi is Japan’s ‘Agricultural Kingdom’, with endress picturesque countryside and beautifully mountain ridges. Friendly chefs making delicious sweets, buta-don (pork bowl) and handmade soba from local produces. The nature-rich Northern Tokachi offers soothing onsen, serene lakes, hiking trails and civil engineering heritages. The vague and marshy Tokachi Coast lies on the Pacific Ocean, and the popular destination of sea fishing and the ‘jewelry ice’. Obihiro is a good base of explore throughout Tokachi.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Obihiro 帯広 Tokachi Region’s capital and transport hub, Obihiro was founded in 1883 by Banseisha led by Yoda Benzo (1853-1925). This modern city boasts numerous reputable restaurants, sweet shops and onsen sento (public bathhouses: ¥450 each facility). A well-laid-out city center was modeled on Washington DC, which makes an ideal for pleasant strolling. It is hot in summer and cold in winter.
Midorigaoka Park 緑ヶ丘公園 A 15-minute walk south of JR Obihiro Station along Koen-odori, this 50-hectare sizable park was the site of Old Tokachi Prison founded in 1893 and the cultural heart of the city. At the west side of the park, the Obihiro Centennial City Museum (9am-5pm; Closed Mon; ¥190) houses interesting exhibitions coverning the history of Obihiro and Tokachi, Ainu culture, ecosystem and archaeological finds. This park also has Obihiro Museum of Art (9.30am-5pm Tue-Sun; ¥260) and Obihiro Zoo. 15
MASHU-KO
阿寒摩周国立公園 PEAK Meakan-dake (1499m) AREA 904-sq-km
Akan-Mashu National Park Picturesque caldera lakes, attractive onsen and lakeside Ainu kotan (villages), Akan-Mashu National Park contains many of Eastern Hokkaido’s classic natural wonders. Founded in 1934, around 90% of the park comprises undeveloped nature reserve, inhabited by Ezo red fox and deer. Akanko Onsen’s lakeside Ainu kotan on the western part of the park is a pleasant base for hiking in the volcanic mountains and mysterious marimo viewing for Churui-to. On the eastern side of the park, the town of Teshikaga is accesible by train from Kushiro and Abashiri. Kawayu is Eastern Hokkaido’s most reputable onsen village.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Akanko Onsen 阿寒湖温泉 In the western part of Akan-Mashu National Park, Akanko Onsen (meaning unshakable in Ainu) area is Eastern Hokkaido’s classic tourist destination that has picturesque lakes, coniferous forest, volcanic mountains, pleasant onsen and the lakeside Ainu kotan (village). The triangle-shaped Akan-ko is best known for its marimo (spherical moss) into the lake.
Ainu Kotan アイヌコタン Akanko Onsen is not only the lakeside resort but also the heartland of Eastern Hokkaido’s Ainu culture. This lovely Ainu kotan (village), at the western edge of the town, browse for wooden crafts and souvenirs. You will find the koropokkur (small people) dolls, embroideries and wooden carvings along the photogenic shopping street. ‣ VILLAGE: 4-7-84 Akanko Onsen; Shops 7am-10pm ‣ www.akanainu.jp
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TOMAMU, SHIMUKAPPU
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
POPULATION 600,000
6
Long stretching across Hokkaido’s heartland from the mysterious Hidaka Mountains to the deep-blue Soya Strait near Sakhalin Island, Northern Hokkaido (simply called Do-hoku) oers more than 300km of grand mountain ranges, along with the scenic coastal roads from the Ororon Line to the Okhotsk Line. The home to Kamikawa Ainu, ramen and sake, Asahikawa is a gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park for great traverse on the dramatic peaks. Further inland is the agricultural Furano Basin, with picturesque countryside, grand-scale ski resorts and real onsen. Keep heading for the four nature-rich remote islands in the Sea of Japan in the warm season.
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HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Korsakov (Sakhalin Island, Russia)
Soya Strait (La Perouse Strait)
0
50km
Soya-misaki
Wakkanai
Rebun-to
N
Okhotsk Line
O-numa
Kafuka
SOYA & WAKKANAI Kutsugata
Oshidomari
Rishiri-to Rishiri-zan
Kutcharo-ko Toyotomi Horonobe
Sarobetsu Gen’ya
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Teshio-gawa
Hamatonbetsu
SOYA
Teshio Nakagawa
RUMOI & ORORON LINE
Otoineppu
NAYORO BASIN
Shosanbetsu
Yagishirito
Teuri-to
Tomamae
Haboro Shumarinai-ko
Biei
Takikawa Ashibetsu
Niseko
Bibai Mikasa
Furano
Kamifurano Nakafurano
FURANO & BIEI
Onneyu Onsen
Rubeshibe
Taisetsu-ko Lake Site
Chubetsu-dake
Tomuraushi-yama
New Chitose Airport
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
Kitami OKHOTSK
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
Tokachi-dake Nukabira-ko Nukabira Gensenkyo
Shikaribetsu-ko AshibetsuMinamifurano Iwamizawa dake TOKACHI Kanayama-ko SORACHI Ebetsu Shintoku Tomamu Sapporo Shimukappu Shin-Yubari Ikeda ISHIKARI Hidaka Abira Obihiro HIDAKA (Oiwake) Chitose
Otaru
SHIRIBESHI
Kutchan
Kamikawa
DAISETSUZAN NATIONAL PARK
Shokanbetsu-dake
Yoichi
Engaru
KAMIKAWA
Fukagawa
Ishikari-gawa
Saroma-ko Takinoue
Kenbuchi Wassamu
ASAHIKAWA
Ishikari Bay
Monbetsu
Nayoro Basin Shibetsu
Rumoi Mashike Ofuyu
Okhotsk Line
Okoppe
Nayoro
Horokanai
Obira
Ororon Line
Omu
Bifuka
RUMOI
Ororon Line
SEA OF JAPAN
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Esashi
Akan-ko Akanko Onsen
KUSHIRO
PACIFIC OCEAN 18
BOGAKUDAI
富良野 · 美瑛 POPULATION 50,000 (Furano 21,000)
Furano & Biei Stretching across Hokkaido’s middle ground from the dramatic rural village Biei to the tranquility forested Shimukappu, this agricultural basin along Route 237 ranks high on wish list for many travelers. In summer the picturesque hillside breadbasket and flower gardens covered with colorful patchwork like a mini European village. In winter Furano and Tomamu turns into the international ski resorts. You will find real onsen around the Tokachi-dake Mountains. The shore of the artificial lake Kanayama-ko is pleasant escape from the main tourist routes.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Biei 美瑛 Hokkaido’s most famous countryside on the distinctive undulating hills, Biei is something like a France’s mini rural village. The picturesque hilly fields spread like a patchwork, you can explore the memorable landscapes from the scenic road network by bike or on foot. There are several rent-a-cycle shops (¥200 per hour) around the train station. Cycling is doable from May to October.
Patchiwork Road パッチワークの路 If you only have a half-day in Biei, this classic road network on the northwest of town give you impressive views over the hillside rural. Four photogenic spots on the road are the Ken and Mary Tree, the Seven Star Tree, the Parent and Child Trees (there is no car park) and the Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory. The round-trip cycling from JR Biei Station will take about three to four hours. Keep in mind that all private fields and pasture are offlimits (there are signboards along the roads). 19
AKAIWA VIEWPOINT, TEURI-TO
留萌 · オロロンライン POPULATION 44,000 (Rumoi 20,000)
Rumoi & Ororon Line Heading northwards through the scenic coastal road Ororon Line from Sapporo or Otaru, this long and slim region shows off pleasant sandy beaches, fishing towns, ocean-view campsites and onsen – along with touching sunset over the sea. Engan Bus drives along the coast and can drop you at these attractions. During the winter, the crashing waves lapping on the shore. If you want to spend quiet a bit of time or see local seabirds, the remote pair of tiny islands Teuri-to and Yagishiri-to in the Sea of Japan that can be seen in a day trip or longer from Haboro by ferry.
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE Ofuyu Coast 雄冬海岸 At the southern side of Shokanbetsu-TeuriYagishiri Quasi-National Park, this coastal area is about 100km north of Sapporo on Route 231 (until its construction in 1992, the only access was by ship from Mashike). Until the 1980s, Ofuyu Coast was called as the ‘West of Shiretoko’, one of Hokkaido’s most remote areas with its stunning cliffs and hidden fishing villages. Three buses run between O-betsukari and Ofuyu (20min; ¥890).
Ofuyu-misaki Observatory 雄冬岬展望台 The Ororon Line’s most stunning viewpoint on the superb scenic hills on the cape Ofuyumisaki, 135m above sea level, overlooking the ocean, coastline and the Mashike Mountains. A magnificent sunset on the water is beautiful. The observatory, about a 30-minute walk on the steep slope from Ofuyu bus stop, is open from late April to mid October. It is also accesible by car. ‣ OBSERVATORY: 9am-6pm late Apr-May & Sep-mid Oct, 8am-8pm Jun-Aug; FREE 20