Okhotsk is full of beautiful spots with beautiful scenery that stand out against the clear, "Okhotsk Blue" sky! Come and experience the wonderful feeling of freedom on a warm, sunny day!

This route coordinator

This drive route

East Okhotsk Scenic Byway

It is a land of Shiretoko and Akan Mashu National Parks, vast farmland landscapes, rustic mountains, lakes and marshes where swans fly, primeval flower gardens, and drift ice. The nature that has been carefully protected and nurtured by local residents, including the two national parks, Abashiri Quasi-National Park, and Sharidake Prefectural Natural Park. The area is rich in color throughout the seasons, with beautiful farming and fishing village scenery, beautiful cityscapes overflowing with flowers and greenery, and the rich flavors of the north are also a major attraction. These unique tourist resources will nourish your soul and leave an impression on you, making this route a condensed version of the charms of Hokkaido tourism.

Let's go for a drive right away!

1 Fairy Tale Hill (Ozora Town)

The seven larch trees standing on a gentle hill create a beautiful field view. Since it was used as a filming location for Akira Kurosawa's movie "Dreams," it has also become famous as a photo spot. The field shows different faces throughout the seasons, with potato flowers, wheat ears, and combine harvesters. There is also a parking area and a wooden deck (scenic deck), so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

2 Bihoro Pass (Bihoro Town)

Located within Akan Mashu National Park, it is a scenic spot where you can look down on a panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, as well as the Akan mountains. At the pass, there is an observation deck and a roadside station called Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass. You can enjoy the spectacular view while eating the famous fried sweet potato and bear bamboo soft serve, or you can get up early and be amazed by the sea of clouds.

3 Nagaimo (Japanese yam) dishes from Ozora Town

Nagaimo (Japanese yam) is a local specialty of Higashimokoto, Ozora Town. Its pure white color and crunchy texture are irresistible. It is delicious whether you simply grate it and sprinkle it on rice. At the roadside station Nonkey Land Higashimokoto, the lunch menu is full of various dishes such as steak and tempura. Please also enjoy the clam soy sauce made with clams from Lake Abashiri. It's healthy.

4 Mount Shari (Kiyosato Town)

There is a scenic deck (wooden deck) on Prefectural Route 1115 (Cosmos Highway), which is a spectacular spot for viewing Mount Shari, one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. From summer to autumn, you can enjoy the contrast between the view of Mt. Shari, the rural landscape, and seasonal flowers such as cosmos and mustard. The gentle breeze and the smell of the soil are pleasant, making this a perfect place for photography.

5 The Road to Heaven

The "Road to Heaven" at the base of Mount Kaibetsu at the base of the Shiretoko Peninsula is a view that resembles a straight road stretching into the sky, making it a viewpoint that truly makes you feel like you are in the hills of Hokkaido! From the high ground around here, you can get a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the sunset is beautiful. The land and sea scenery unique to eastern Okhotsk is definitely worth seeing.

Recommended Routes

View of Utoro city and Oronko Rock from Cape Puyuni

summary

How was it? This route was typical of Hokkaido, with the beautiful contrast between the wide sky and the majestic land. I'd like to enjoy stopping by each town to try the delicious food and wonderful places! With perfect infection control measures in place, you can enjoy a drive in the warm weather.