It is the first place in Japan to be certified as a Global Geopark (UNESCO project), and visitors can experience Lake Toya, which was formed by a massive eruption about 110,000 years ago, Mount Usu and Mount Showa Shinzan, which still have volcanic activity, and many other natural ruins.

This route coordinator

This drive route

Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route Toya Area

The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route runs through two national and quasi-national parks, Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and is an area where you can encounter beautiful lakes, magnificent mountains, and volcanoes. The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route is made up of three areas. These three areas are representative tourist regions of Hokkaido, and are home to natural resources that are considered to be A-class in Japan, such as Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, Mount Usu, and Mount Yotei, as well as other excellent natural resources such as Niseko Annupuri and Mount Tarumae.

Let's go for a drive right away!

1 Viewpoint: Silo Observation Deck

Drive along National Route 230 from Sapporo to Lake Toya. The Silo Observatory, marked by a silo along the road, is an observation deck located on a hill on the west shore of Lake Toya. It is a spectacular viewpoint from which you can get a panoramic view of Lake Toya, Nakajima, Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan, and more. It's a popular photo spot for social media posts and is crowded with tourists regardless of the season.

Silo Observatory

2 <Scenic Cafe> Woodpecker Canadian Club

The restaurant, Woodpecker Canadian Club, has a distinctive log cabin exterior and offers a spectacular view of Lake Toya from its wooden deck on sunny days. The restaurant is located amongst the trees, far from the crowds. The popular hamburger steak will whet your appetite with the tenderness of the golden pork and the juicy beef. Why not try experiencing the clear, sweet air and the sounds of the winter forest?

Woodpecker Canadian Club

3 Showa Shinzan and Masao Mimatsu Memorial Museum

Showa Shinzan is a landmark in the Toya-Usuzan Geopark, alongside Mount Usu and Lake Toya. Its origins are interesting, as it was a volcano born from farmland during the war in the Showa era. At the foot of the mountain is the "Mimatsu Masao Memorial Hall," where you can learn about the coexistence of people and volcanoes and disaster prevention. Every February, the "Showa Shinzan International Snowball Fight" is held on Mt. Showa Shinzan, and the heated battle with flying snowballs is a spectacular sight.

4 <Scenic Cafe> TOYACAFE Coffee Roastery

TOYACAFE Coffee Roastery is a renovated old house located on the shores of Lake Toya. When you enter the store, you will be captivated by the beautiful view of Lake Toya framed in the window. The freshly roasted beans are fair trade and organic, and are roasted to order, so they are fragrant and delicious. You can also have a lively conversation with the owner, Kaya Nagatomo, who is also a volcano master.

TOYACAFE Coffee Roastery

5 Sobekkudamono Village

Sobetsu Town is one of the leading fruit producing areas in Hokkaido. Sobetsu Fruit Village is a tourist farm village established in 1987 by young people from 23 orchards in Sobetsu. With a strong desire to let consumers know about truly delicious fruit, each orchard painstakingly grows their finest fruits. Come and experience the real taste of these fruits by going fruit picking.

Sobekkudamono Village

summary

How was it? This route was a dynamic one that allowed us to feel the power of the earth and the abundance of nature. There were many wonderful spots where we could enjoy the scenery and food that the earth produces at the same time! As the season gradually approaches spring, the scenery before our eyes becomes more colorful and exciting. Please continue to take precautions against infectious diseases while enjoying your drive.