![A drive around the scenery of Okhotsk blue in spring [Scenic Byway Hokkaido (9)|Domingo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2Fb9e835f3d06fdf1cff13c77f11b1c186.jpg)
EDITORIALS
A drive around the scenery of Okhotsk blue in spring [Scenic Byway Hokkaido (9)
Route Coordinator
This time's driving route
East Okhotsk Scenic Byway
We set out on our drive as soon as possible!
1Meruhen Hill (Ozora Town)
![メルヘンの丘(大空町)](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2Ffca3e2d4afab71a4778cf621f9d0ff78.jpg)
This is a beautiful field view of seven larch trees standing on a gentle hill. It has been famous as a photo point since it became a filming location for Akira Kurosawa's movie "Dream. The scenery changes with the seasons, including potato blossoms, ears of wheat coming up, and combine harvester harvesting scenes. There are parking strips and wooden decks (scenic decks) where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
![メルヘンの丘(大空町)2](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2F38c2b37ec4ab3e169e42c2d10e45426f.jpg)
Location
Memanbetsu Showa, Ohzora-cho, Abashiri-gun
■Inquiries
0152-74-4323(Ohotsukku Oku-cho Tourist Association)
Closed
Scenic decks are not open from November to mid-May.
■Map Code
305 308 400*68
■Map
2 Bihoro Pass (Bihoro Town)
![美幌峠(美幌町)](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2Fde0c75b9a33348ff0a74c561104a3151.jpg)
Located in Akan-Mashu National Park, the pass offers a panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, and the mountains of Akan.
At the pass, there is an observatory and a roadside station, Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass. You can enjoy the spectacular view while eating the famous fried sweet potato and Kumazasa soft serve, or wake up early and be impressed by the sea of clouds.
Location
Koume, Bihoro Town, Abashiri-gun
Inquiries
0152-75-0700(Michi no Eki Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass)
Hours of Operation
Late April - Late October 9:00-18:00
Late November to late April 9:00-17:00
Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays (12/31 - 1/3)
Map Code
638 225 370
Map
3 Oozu-cho's potato dishes
![大空町のながいも料理](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2F60f986aa25d0f47cae4ac74c05ce53e8.jpg)
Long potatoes" are a specialty of Higashimokoto in the town of Ozora. It is pure white and crispy. It is delicious simply grated and served over rice.
At Roadside Station Nonkey Land Higashi Mokoto, the lunch menu is full of dishes in various preparations, such as steak and tempura. Please also enjoy the shijimi clam soy sauce made from shijimi clams from Lake Abashiri. It is healthy.
Location
100 Higashimokoto, Ohzora-cho, Abashiri-gun
■Inquiries
0152-66-3600
Business Hours
Restaurant Kururinku 11:00-20:00(LO19:00)
Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays
■Map code
305 050 116*55
■Map
4 Shari-dake (Kiyosato-cho )
![斜里岳(清里町)](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2F6009948d80f8f056bb01b81c235e38ee.jpg)
There is a scenic deck (wooden deck) on Highway 1115 (Cosmos Road), which is a "reflection" point for views of Shari-dake, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains.
From summer to autumn, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the view of Shari-dake, the rural landscape, and seasonal flowers such as cosmos and kikarashi. The gentle breeze and the scent of the soil make this a pleasant place for photography.
Location
Kamishari, Kiyosato-cho, Shari-gun
Inquiries
0152-25-4111(Kiyosato Tourist Association)
■Closed
Scenic decks are not available from November to mid-May.
■Map Code
444 688 499
■Map
5 The Road to Heaven
![天に続く道](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2F2bb14e2083fb4699a26f776ce13cb138.jpg)
Located at the foot of Mount Kaibetsu at the base of the Shiretoko Peninsula, the "Road Leading to Heaven" is like a straight road stretching to the sky, a viewpoint that makes you feel like you are on a hill in Hokkaido! It is a viewpoint where you can feel as if you are on a straight road stretching to the sky.
From the high ground here, you can see the entire Sea of Okhotsk, and the sunset is beautiful. The view of land and sea unique to East Okhotsk is worth seeing.
Location
Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Shuen-higashi
Inquiries
0152-22-2125(Shiretoko Shari Tourist Association)
Map Code
642 561 459*26
■Map
Recommended road
View of Utoro city and Oronko Rock from Cape Puyuni
Conclusion
How was the tour?This route was a typical Hokkaido route with the beautiful contrast between the wide sky and the magnificent land. We hope you will enjoy your visit to each town, stopping at delicious foods and wonderful places!
Take precautions against infection and enjoy the drive in the warm weather.
Scenic Byway Hokkaido
The program started in 2005, and as of the end of December 2019, there are 13 designated routes and 3 candidate routes, with approximately 440 organizations involved in activities.
Scenic Byway Hokkaido
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