The Daisetsu-Furano Route is a treasure trove of spectacular views. The landscape is adorned with the Daisetsuzan mountain range and rolling hills, colored by a vibrant tapestry of flowers in the summer. But winter is also highly recommended. Why not visit this stunning scenery when it's blanketed in silver?

This Route's Coordinator

This Drive's Route

Daisetsu-Furano Route

The Daisetsu-Furano Route, which runs along the foothills and into the heart of the Daisetsuzan and Tokachi mountain ranges, is a landscape of beautiful patchwork-like rolling fields and colorful flowers like lavender, making it a popular filming location for movies, dramas, and commercials. Blessed with high-quality agricultural products such as potatoes and wheat, the area also boasts numerous hot springs like Tokachidake Onsen and Fukiage Roten-no-yu, creating a relaxing environment where time seems to slow down and soothe the soul.

Let's Start the Drive!

1 Shirogane Blue Pond

A mysterious pond where the water surface appears blue. The withered Japanese larch trees create a fantastical atmosphere. In the middle of winter, the pond freezes over and is lit up at night. You can enjoy its different expressions throughout the seasons.
Blue Pond Light-Up Period: Until April 30, 2021.
Check the website for details.

Information on the light-up (Biei Town Office)

2 Miyama Pass

Located on the border between Kamifurano and Biei, Miyama Pass is an outstanding viewpoint along the road.
Beyond the gently rolling hills, you can see the magnificent Tokachi mountain range, making it a truly representative scenic spot of the Daisetsu-Furano Route.
You can enjoy the scenery of each season: lavender in summer, autumn colors in fall, and a world of silver in winter.

Eight Views of Kamifurano (Kamifurano Tokachidake Tourism Association)

3 Shirakaba Kaido (Birch Tree Road)

Prefectural Road 966, the Tokachidake Onsen Biei Line from Biei to Shirogane Onsen, is also known as "Shirakaba Kaido" (Birch Tree Road).
It's a beautiful road with two majestic mountains, Mt. Biei-dake on the right and Mt. Biei-Fuji on the left, flanked by rows of white birch trees.
Additionally, a 3km-long birch tree walking path runs from the Blue Pond to Shirogane Onsen, making it a pleasant spot for a stroll in the summer sun filtering through the trees.

4 Daisetsu Asahidake Spring Water

The mystical "Daisetsu Asahidake Spring Water" is snowmelt from Mt. Asahidake that has slowly percolated through nature's filter over many years. It is the highest quality water in Higashikawa, a town rare in Japan for not having a public water supply system.
This natural water is rich and well-balanced in minerals, and so popular that many people bring tanks and bottles to collect it daily. Anyone is free to draw water here.

Higashikawa Tourism Association

Conclusion

What did you think?
This route was designed to let you fully enjoy the beautiful, eye-opening blues of Hokkaido's winter. Be sure to try this drive, equipped with information on delicious natural water brought by Hokkaido's snow and local gourmet food.

Hokkaido's long winter is beginning, but please enjoy your drive while taking thorough precautions against infectious diseases.