Hokkaido is full of dynamic roads that are perfect for touring and driving, allowing you to experience nature and magnificent scenery. In this issue, we will introduce 15 of the most scenic roads in Hokkaido that we recommend for the touring season!

The name of the route running north-south along the coast from Otaru City to Wakkanai along the Sea of Japan. In particular, Hokkaido Route 106 stretches north from Teshio Town, passing the Ottonlui Wind Power Station with its impressive array of windmills, and continues in a straight line through the Sarobetsu Plains, where there are no man-made structures. On a clear day, Rishiri Fuji can be seen across the sea, and a popular route for driving and touring is through here to the northernmost point, Cape Soya. Wakkanai, where Cape Soya is located, also has other scenic roads such as "Soya Hills" and "White Road.

The Soya Hills, which stretch behind Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan, are glacial terrain, a remnant of the glacial era, and are registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site. The "white road" in the Soya Hills is located on the goal side of the footpath course and is a popular photo spot. The "White Path," which is paved with crushed scallop shells, offers a spectacular view of the contrast between the sky and the sea.

From Sarufutsu Park, a roadside station in Sarufutsu Village, famous for its scallops, drive south on Route 238 for about 18 km to the village road on the Sea of Okhotsk side. Except for the road on which you ride, the sky and horizon are the only other scenery for about 16 km. Please enjoy the exhilaration of riding through the open landscape.

The Shiretoko Crossing Highway is a mountain pass connecting Shari-cho and Rausu-cho in Shiretoko, a World Heritage site. The dynamic view of nature from the Shiretoko Pass at the top is breathtaking. The Shiretoko Highway is usually closed to traffic during the winter season from November to late April, so the road can only be traveled for a short period of time, but it is one of the best places to experience Shiretoko's natural beauty at least once.

The Notsuke Peninsula is famous for being the largest sand spit in Japan. From the base of the peninsula to the tip where the Nature Center is located, there is a straight road flanked by the sea on both sides. The desolate landscape is worth seeing, including "Narawara," where dead oak trees remain standing and "Todowara," where dead Abies sachalinensis trees are standing. In recent years, environmental changes and land subsidence have washed away the sand and made the path thinner, and there are fears that the peninsula itself may disappear, so this may become a valuable path.

Kaiyodai, a landmark of Nakashibetsu Town in the east of Hokkaido, is popular among touring riders for its panoramic view from 270 meters above sea level. The straight road that runs through the dairy farming area from its foot is called "Milk Road. The road, named after the "straight road along which tanker trucks run to ship milk," passes through the "lattice-shaped windbreak forest," which has been recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site, and offers a relaxing view of the area. It is also recommended in autumn when the larch trees in the windbreak forest change color.

This 321-km-long coastal road stretches from Hiroo Town in Tokachi to Cape Nosappu in Nemuro City, and is particularly attractive for its dynamic cliffs and marshland scenery. The road also has parking areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, and the natural scenery will never bore you as you drive along.

This is the name of the town road West Route 11, which turns from Route 237 connecting Biei-cho and Kamifurano-machi. The wavy ups and downs in elevation are truly worthy of being called a roller coaster, and the magnificent mountains of the Tokachi-dake Federation can be viewed while enjoying the magnificent scenery typical of Hokkaido.

Following National Route 273 leading from Kamishihoro Town to Kamikawa Town, you can see a group of concrete arch bridges of the former Japan National Railways (JNR) Shihoro Line and the Tausubetsu River Bridge, which is called a "phantom bridge". After passing the remains of Mimata Station, the terminus of the Shihoro Line of the former Japanese National Railways, the road is lined with fresh white birch trees and gradually winds through virgin forest toward Mikuni Pass, the highest pass on a national highway in Hokkaido. The spectacular view of the sea of trees that stretches all around from the top of the pass and the "Matsumi Ohashi Bridge" that stands there will overwhelm visitors.

Located about 10 km from downtown Kamishihoro on Highway 806, "Naitai Kogen Ranch" is the largest public ranch in Japan with a total area of approximately 1,700 ha (358 times the size of the Tokyo Dome). The undulating road leading from the entrance to the top of the ranch is flanked on both sides by vast pastureland, and the sight of herds of cows leisurely walking in the grass is soothing. Near the top, there is a café with a view and a "nightai terrace" where you can enjoy a light meal on the terrace, and you can look out over the pasture as well as the patchwork of fields spreading across the Tokachi Plain.

Located on the border of National Route 243 between Bihoro Town and Teshikaga Town, the view from the observatory is called "the best view in the world" because of its beauty. The view from the observatory is "heavenly" because of its beauty. Not only can you see Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, but you can also see Mount Io-zan and the Shiretoko Federation. The roadside station "Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Toge" is also located here, making it the perfect place to rest and enjoy the scenery.

This is a road with a spectacular view named after the endless straight road that seems to lead up to the sky. For those who wish to enjoy this road with its sudden appearance before your eyes, we recommend that you take Route 334 from the Utoro area toward Shari, and turn left at Minehama. If the timing is right near the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox, you may be able to see the sunset as the sun sets at the end of the road and encounter an inspiring moment that is truly a "road leading to heaven.

The section of Highway 66 connecting Niseko Town and Iwanai Town is called "Niseko Panorama Line" and is a popular winding road that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan" for its continuous dynamic scenery. The road offers magnificent views of Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountain range, as well as the Sea of Japan, making it an exhilarating ride with magnificent scenery! You can also take a walk in the surrounding "Shinsen-numa" area while taking a break. While summer is a great time to ride in the lush greenery, autumn is the best time to ride through the golden foliage.

Yotei, which can be seen on Route 276 from Kimobetsu Town in Hokkaido, is the most beautiful and dynamic road in Hokkaido! The "Aikawa Viewpoint Parking" is located along this national highway, so you can take a break from driving to enjoy the scenery. Yotei, popularly known as "Ezo Fuji" because of its beautiful resemblance to Mt.

Road 16 leading from Chitose City to Lake Shikotsu is called "Lake Shikotsu Sky Road." It is a single road through the beautiful forest of larch and white birch. After passing through the deep green forest, you will be greeted by Lake Shikotsu, one of the clearest lakes in Japan. The mystical blue glow of "Lake Shikotsu Blue" is sure to enchant you.

All information is current as of May 2024.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.

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