The Regional Guide
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO, ASAHIKAWA & FURANO Sample Book
WITH USEFUL MAPS
ATTRACTIONS · ACTIVITIES · TOURS · SLEEP EAT · DRINK · FESTIVALS · ENTERTAINMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
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. 1
REGIONS AT A GLANCE Korsakov (Sakhalin Island, Russia)
Soya Strait (La Perouse Strait)
SOYA & WAKKANAI
Oshidomari
Kutcharo-ko Toyotomi Horonobe
Sarobetsu Gen’ya
Rishiri-to
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Teshio-gawa
Hamatonbetsu
SOYA
Nakagawa
Ororon Line
Otoineppu
Shosanbetsu Yagishiri-to Haboro Tomamae
SEA OF JAPAN
Omu Bifuka
RUMOI
RUMOI
Okoppe
Nayoro
Shumarinai-ko
Obira
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Esashi
Teshio
Teuri-to
50km
Okhotsk Line
O-numa
Kafuka Kutsugata
0
Soya-misaki
Wakkanai
Rebun-to
N
NAYORO BASIN
Monbetsu
Nayoro Basin Shibetsu
Saroma-ko Takinoue
Kenbuchi Wassamu
Horokanai
Rumoi
Engaru
KAMIKAWA
Mashike
Ororon Line
SHIRIBESHI
Kutchan
Iwamizawa Ebetsu
Shikotsu-ko
SORACHI
Nukabira Gensenkyo
& BIEI
Shikaribetsu-ko
Minamifurano Kanayama-ko Shuparo-ko Tomamu
ShinYubari
Chitose
EASTERN HOKKAIDO
Nukabira-ko
Furano FURANO
Katsurazawa-ko
ISHIKARI
Niseko
Biei Daisetsuzan Ashibetsu Kamifurano National Park (Nutapukaushipe) Furano Basin
Bibai
Otaru
Sapporo
OKHOTSK
Nakafurano
Ishikari-gawa
Kitami
ASAHIKAWA & DAISETSUZAN
Takikawa
Ishikari Bay
Yoichi
Asahikawa
Fukagawa
Ofuyu
Rubeshibe
Onneyu Onsen
Kamikawa
Shimukappu Hidaka-cho HIDAKA
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
Akan-ko Akanko Onsen
KUSHIRO
TOKACHI
Shintoku Ikeda
Obihiro
PACIFIC OCEAN 2
ASAHIKAWA & DAISETSUZAN
2
Going up along Hokkaido’s longest river Ishikari-gawa across the agricultural plain, Northern Hokkaido’s largest city Asahikawa lies on the Kamikawa Basin. The city is home to Kamikawa Ainu, wooden furnitures, shoyu ramen, sake and the zoo. There are also several scenic ski slopes around the city. Excursion outside Asahikawa lead the highlights of Daisetsuzan National Park, known as the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods in Ainu). You can admire the spectacular mountain views, try the great traverse or downhill skiing from Asahidake Onsen and Sounkyo Onsen. Daisetsuzan is an easy day trip from Asahikawa.
3
Horokanai X 11–4
275
Takasu Pass
Imon Pass
Etanbetsu Pass
Shiokari
Shiokari Pass
Pippu Ski Area
Ranru
Teshio-dake Prefectural Natural Park
KAMIKAWA
450
Kitoushi-yama (379m)
Etanbetsu
Teshio-dake (1558m)
Kyowa Onsen
Aibetsu
Soya Line
Sekihoku Line
Pippu 39
Takasu
Toma Limestone Cave
40
Hokkaido Expwy
Toma
12
Kamikawa
Antaroma
39
Sakuraoka Kamuikotan Hakodate Line Osamunai
Road Closed X
★
★
Asahikawa
Asahiyama Zoo
Kamui Ski Links
Higashikagura
Higashikawa
Shinjo Pass
452
Shinjo
Chubetsuko
237
452 38
Ashibetsu
★
★
Aizankei Onsen
X 10–5
Asahidake Onsen ★
★
Asahidake (2291m)
Tenninkyo Onsen
Biei Under Construction
Sounkyo Onsen
X 10–5
Asahikawa Airport
SORACHI
Taisetsu Highland Asahigaoka
Kuro-dake (1984m)
Asahikawa 21st-century Forest
12
Kamui-yama (799m)
273 450
Daisetsuzan National Park
Furano Line Bibaushi
KAMIKAWA N
0
10km
Asahikawa & Daisetsuzan Top Destinations ★
Asahikawa
Exploring Northern Hokkaido’s largest city en route to Daisetsuzan and sampling delicious ramen or sake. ★
Asahiyama Zoo
Looking for various animals from brown bears to penguins at Japan’s northernmost zoo. ★
Asahidake Onsen
Cure your body in the smoothing onsen water after hiking or skiing.
★
Asahi-dake (2291m)
Riding the cable car up Hokkaido’s highest peak for panoramic views over the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods). ★
Sounkyo Onsen
This onsen village boasts impressive gorges, waterfalls and ice sculptures. ★
Kuro-dake (1984m)
Make an easy-going ascent of marveling peak in the northeastern part of Daisetsuzan. 4
Asahikawa
DIALING CODE 0166 POPULATION 336,000
旭川
Hokkaido’s second-largest city after Sapporo lies the Kamikawa Basin, Asahikawa (literary means ‘sunrise river’) is a good transport hub for Biei, Furano, Wakkanai and Abashiri or as a base for Daisetsuzan National Park. The city is straddles the clear rivers and laid out in a grid pattern, with its varied attractions, bustling izakaya, ramen and craft shops. This city is also home to Kamikawa Ainu.
Kaimono Koen
ATTRACTIONS Central Asahikawa Kaimono Koen 買物公園 Japan’s first pedestrian street (developed in 1972) heading north from the train station, Kaimono Koen is lined with shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, as well as a hundred of bronze sculptures. Near the north end of the the street, you will find the Symbol Tower in the center of Tokiwa traffic circle. ‣ STREET: JR Asahikawa Station to 8jo-dori ‣ www.kaimonokouen.com Asahi-bashi 旭橋 Asahikawa’s iconic symbol across Ishikarigawa, Asahi-bashi is the city’s most beautiful bridge opened in 1932. The bridge was the first link between the city center and the military base, it was hung with the Order of the Rising Sun before WWII. Best to take photos from a riverbed for sunset. 5
Central Asahikawa Asahikawa
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Site of Asahikawa Snow Festival
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Asahikawa City Museum
Taisetsu Arena
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Kitasaito Garden
14
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Foreign Tree Specimen Forest 13
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Asahiyama Zoo (8km)
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Asahikawa Red Cross Hospital
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ChidoriTokiwa 15 ga-ike Park Tokiwa Park
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03
Takasago Onsen (3.8km): Kamuikotan (14.5km):
500m
Riverline City Hospital Asahikawa Ushu Park KINSEIbetsu -gaw CHO a
01
Sho
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Asahi-bashi
0
N
40
10 08
Kaguraoka Park
6
FURANO & BIEI
3
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. Head further inland from Biei or Kamifurano, you will find the real onsen halfway up the Tokachidake Mountains. The mountain valley by the shore of the artificial lake Kanayama-ko and Yunosawa Onsen are pleasant escape from the main tourist routes.
7
Asahikawa Airport Shinjo Pass Shinjo
Chubetsuko
452
SORACHI
★ 237
KAMIKAWA Bibaushi Miyama Pass X
Furano Line
Senbo Pass
10–5
Blue Pond Shirogane Onsen
Kamifurano
38
Takisato-ko Farm Tomita
Nemuro Line
452
10–4 X
Nishinaka
Fukiage Onsen
Lavender East
★
★
Nakafurano
Tokachidake Onsen
Shikauchi Gakuden Kitanomine
★
Furano
Torinuma Park
Furano Ski Area
Furano-nishi-dake (1331m)
Rokugo
Nishitappu 38
Shimo-Kanayama Nemuro Line
Kanayama
10–5 X 237
Yunosawa Onsen
Shimukappu Onitoge Pass Niniu
Minamifurano (Ikutora)
Kanayama-ko
Kanayama Pass
KAMIKAWA
Jukai Pass
HigashiShikagoe
★
Kanayama Dam
Tomamu-yama (1239m)
Tomamu
Doto Expwy
Wallow in 100% volcanic onsen water at the bases of the dynamic Tokachi-dake Mountains. ★
Nakafurano
Admire Japan’s lavender mecca at Farm Tomita and nearby hilly flower gardens in summer.
Furano
Northern Hokkaido’s ‘ski and agricultural capital’, indulge in tasty cheese, wine and ice cream.
Kanayama-ko
Relaxing in a cottage, log hotel or campsite by this pleasant artificial lake in the forested valley. ★
Ochiai Ikutora Pass
★
Sekisho Line
Tokachidake Onsen & Fukiage Onsen
★
Kita-Ochiai
Kanayama-ko Forest Park
Tonashibetsu Valley
Yubari-dake (1668m)
Daisetsuzan National Park
Roseppu
Yamabe
Biei
★
★
Sorachi-gawa Yamabe Natural Park
Ashibetsu-dake (1726m)
Furebetsu
Nunobe
Furano-Ashibetsu Prefectural Natural Park
★
Tokac hi-dak eM
Ashibetsu
ountai ns
452
★
Cycling through the photogenic hilly countryside spread like a patchwork.
Biei
Under Construction
Furano & Biei Top Destinations
Tomamu
Skiing or overlooking the dramatic unkai (sea of clouds) at this Hokkaido’s most inland resort with its high-rise hotels.
HIDAKA N
0
20km
8
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 car, bike or on foot. While Biei is a very easy day-trip from both Asahikawa and Furano. Head further inland, you will find the blue pond and waterfalls around Shirogane Onsen.
View from Patchwork Road
DIALING CODE 0166 POPULATION 10,000
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES There are several rent-a-cycle shops around JR Biei Station, including bicycles (¥200 per hour), electric bicycles (¥600 per hour) and MTB (¥300 per hour) rentals. Free luggage storage is available for guests, and cycling is doable from May to October. Note: all private fields and pasture are off-limits, you can enjoy the views from the roads or the viewpoints.
Patchwork 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 walking or cycling from JR Biei Station will take about three to four hours. 9
NAYORO BASIN
4
North along Route 40 and the JR Soya Line from Asahikawa cross over the Shiokari Pass, the peaceful Nayoro Basin spreads alongside Teshio-gawa, Hokkaido’s second longest river that flows gently to the Sea of Japan. Many travelers just go through this area and aim for Wakkanai, but a few relaxed places are worth to take a placid time and get their taste of the night sky full of stars. At the west side of the basin on Route 275, Horokanai is one of Hokkaido’s snowiest and coldest towns in winter. The highlights of the town are Japan’s largest artificial lake Shumarinai-ko and varied soba restaurants.
10
Nakagawa
Michi-no-eki Nakagawa
N
Ponpira Onsen 275 Osashima Saku
Ecole Nakagawa
Kamiji Valley Sakkuru
★
0
20km Utanobori & Esashi
Otoineppu
★
Hako-dake (1129m)
Teshiogawa Onsen
11–6
Road Closed X
Kasumi Pass
Onnenai
X 11–6
Dohoku Super Rindo
Teshio-gawa ★
Niupu
Hatsuno Under Construction (to Enbetsu)
Shumarinai Prefectural Natural Park 10–5 X
Pisshri-zan (1032m)
Piyashiri Ski Area
Sunflower Fields
Moshiri
Nisshin
Ustunai-ko Road Closed X
★
Matsuyama Shitsugen Bifuka Piyashiri-yama Chiebun (987m)
275
★
Nayoro
Shumarinai-ko
★
Shumarinai
Shimokawa
Hinata Onsen Soeushinai 239
239
Kiritachi Pass
Suffolk Land
275
RUMOI
Tappu
Seiwa Onsen
Obirashibeko
Kenbuchi ★
Santo-zan (1009m)
Shiokari Pass Shiokari Minamioka Forest Park Camp-jo 39
Pippu
Aibetsu
Soya Line
Rumoi Line
Sekihoku Line
Toma
Numata
233
Chippubetsu
KAMIKAWA
Hakodate Line
Asahikawa 12
Fukagawa SORACHI
Furano Line 237
Nayoro
Experiencing ‘Japan’s most light and dry snow’ at the ski area on Piyashiri-yama or exploring the sunflower fields by bicycle. ★
Horokanai Pass
Hokuryu
Teshio-gawa
Wassamu
Horokanai
Takadomari Pond Poropiri-ko
Asahi
Lake Side Sakuraoka
40
11–5 X ★
Hokkaido Expwy
Kenbuchi
Discovering laid-back and charming countryside by yourself or check out the Picture Books Museum. ★
Shibetsu
Horokanai
The king of soba (buckwheat) producing area in Japan, head to the noodle shops or the temporary Soba-no-hana Viewpoints. ★
239
Furen
Shumarinai-ko
Take a boat ride, fishing or chill out on Japan’s largest artificial lake listed as a water-based prefectural natural park.
X 40
Teshio Mountains
Nayoro Basin Top Destinations
Otoineppu
Taking placid time out in Hokkaido’s smallest village along the serene river with its woodcraft galleries and peaceful onsen. ★
Teshio-gawa
Canoeing down Northern Hokkaido’s longest river amid the tranquil valleis from Bifuka to Nakagawa.
Asahikawa Airport
11
RUMOI
5
Heading northwards through the scenic coastal road Ororon Line from Sapporo or Otaru, this long and slim region shows o 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.
12
N
0
20km
Horonobe
SOYA
Soya Line
Teshio-gawa
★
RUMOI 232
Nakagawa Enbetsu
SEA OF JAPAN
11–5 X
★
Teuri-to
11–5 X
★
Shosanbetsu
Teuri-to & Yagishiri-to
Under Construction (to Moshiri)
Road Closed
Yagishirito
Old Chikubetsu Coal Mine
Akebono
Sunset Beach
Old Haboro Main Coal Mine
Haboro
X 11–4
Yuhigaoka White Beach
Old Kami-Haboro Coal Mine
Tomamae
Uehira
Kotanbetsu Old Haboro
Coal Mines
Ororon Line Onishika Twin Beach
Old Hanada Family Fishing Hut 232
Tappu
Horokanai
Usuya Beach
Poropiri-ko
Rumoi
RUMOI
Shokanbetsu-Teuri- Mashike Yagishiri Quasi- O-Betsukari ★ National Park
Ofuyu Coast
Iwao Onsen Ofuyu
Rumoi Line
275
Numata
231
Shokan-so Hashibetsu Mountain Cabin
Mashike Mountains Ofuyu-misaki Viewpoint
KAMIKAWA
★
Uryu-numa Shitsugen
Shokanbetsudake (1491m)
Hekisui
233
Chippubetsu
Hokuryu
Gate Park
Fukagawa Uryu
SORACHI
Mashike
Strolling the antiquated fishing town with its charming wooden buildings and a sake brewery. ★
Obirashibe-ko
Obira
★
Kiritachi Pass
Ofuyu Coast
Touring along rocky cliffs and hidden fishing villages, watching the sun set from Ofuyu-misaki Viewpoint. ★
★
Bear X 11–5 239 Road Sankebetsu
Getting away from the mainland for scenic cycling and spot seabirds on the remote pair of tiny islands. ★
X
Chikubetsu
Shokanbetsu-Teuri-Yagishiri Quasi-National Park
Teuri-to & Yagishiri-to ★
Asahi Onsen
Misakidai Park
Ororon Line
Japanese cyclist’s dream, the Ororon Line is one of Hokkaido’s most famous coastal road-touring routes from Otaru to Wakkanai along the pleasant coast.
40
Teshio
Kagaminuma Seaside Park
Rumoi Top Destinations
Misakidai Park
The Ororon Line’s best spot for camping and recharging in an onsen with dramatic ocean views.
Shokanbetsu-dake (1491m) ★
Hiking into the refreshing Mashike Mountains and continue to the beautiful high altitude wetland of Uryu-numa Shitsugen. 13
SOYA & WAKKANAI
6
The northernmost region of mainland Japan, Soya is a dramatic destination for many hitchhikers, cyclists and motorcyclists. With the wilderness islands, primeval wetlands, marshes, wildflower gardens and bamboo grass hills as your playground. Many travelers come in summer to explore Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, however you will probably the call of impressive snow-covered landscapes and pure white frozen sea in winter. The nationally-famous port town of Wakkanai is at the end of the JR Soya Line and Route 40 from Asahikawa, as well as the start of the line for the summer ferry heading further north to Sakhalin Island, Russian Far East.
14
Korsakov, Sakhalin Island, Russia (159km)
Soya Strait (La Perouse Strait)
Soya-misaki Sukotonmisaki ★ Rebun-to
Noshappu-misaki
Soya Hillside Footpaths
Soya Park
Soya Bay
Funadomari
Wakkanai
Kushu-ko
★
Wakkanai Airport
Minami-Wakkanai Sakanoshita
Rebun-dake (490m)
O-numa 40
Shiretoko
Oshidomari (Rishirifuji) Kabuto-
Kutsugata (Rishiri)
Rishiri Airport
Rishiri-zan (1721m)
SOYA
X 11–5
Toyotomi
Beniya Genseikaen
Kutcharo-ko
Toyotomi Onsen
★
Kutcharo-ko
★
Sarobetsu Gen’ya ★
Horonobe
Hamatonbetsu
Shanai-san (439m)
Shirikomadake (529m)
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
40
Teshio-gawa
Toikanbetsu Soya Line
Esashi Pinneshiri-dake (703m)
Utanobori
Tenpoku Pass
232
Ororon Line
Shanai Sando
Nakatonbetsu
275
Teshio RUMOI
Nakagawa Enbetsu
0
Esanuka Genseikaen
Asajino
Wakasakanai
N
North Okhotsk QuasiNational Park
Numakawa
numa
Ororon Line
★
SEA OF JAPAN
Sarufutsu Park
Poro-numa
Oniwaki
Rishiri-to
238
Sarufutsu (Onishibetsu)
Bakkai
Kafuka (Rebun)
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Koetoi
20km
Otoineppu KAMIKAWA
Soya & Wakkanai Top Destinations ★
Wakkanai
Taking in Japan’s northernmost city before hopping to Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park or Sakhalin Island. ★
Sarobetsu Gen’ya
Exploring the isolated wetlands, wildflower gardens and dunes overlooking Rishiri-to. ★
Toyotomi Onsen
Healthy oily water is believed to be helpful in treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
★
Kutcharo-ko
Admire the elegant swans and migratory birds on Northern Hokkaido’s largest lake. ★
Rishiri-to
Hike up to the great mountain Rishiri-Fuji for a 360-degree view of the ocean or reaching the scenic viewpoints around the island. ★
Rebun-to
Hike the spectacular trails from the coastal wildflower gardens to the bamboo grass hills. 15