Matsumae Castle is a rare Japanese-style castle built near the port to prioritize trade, and can be viewed from Route 228 along the coast.

Route coordinator for this tour

Yoshiko Sato, coordinator of the Donan-Oiwake Scenic Byway Route

Driving route this time

Tounan-Oiwake Scenic Byway Route

We set out for a quick drive!

1,2Blue Cave Cruise (between Yakoshi and Iwabe )

Cruises to the unexplored and untouched wilderness of southern Hokkaido are offered from two different locations, one from Yagoshi in Chonai Town and the other from Iwabe in Fukushima Town. Both departures from the east and west of the same location offer different attractions.
Please enjoy the 75-80 minute cruising tour while being impressed by the mysterious and fantastic sea including the "Blue Cave" and listening to the background of historical legends.

854CRUISE (Yagoshi Cruise)IWABE CRUISE

3Shirakami Cape, Cape Shirakami Observation Plaza（Viewpoint Parking)

It is little known that Cape Shirakami is the southernmost point of Hokkaido and is located south of the northernmost point of Honshu.
Cape Shirakami Observation Plaza, located 1.5 km west of Shirakami Cape, is a view point parking as a superb spot where not only Tsugaru Peninsula but also Kojima and Oshima Islands can be seen at times.
The Seikan Tunnel, one of the world's most famous undersea tunnels, is connected to the Tsugaru Straits, and the sea route continues to Aomori via National Route 280.

What is Viewpoint Parking ?

4Esashi Kamome-jima

The island looks like a "seagull" when seen from above and is designated as a special area of Hinoyama Provincial Natural Park.
It is recommended for its beautiful view of the Sea of Japan overlooking Okushiri Island, especially at sunset. The island, a symbol of Esashi Town, is now connected to the land and can be accessed on foot from the town center, where visitors can enjoy walking trails and footpaths, as well as outdoor facilities such as campgrounds and fishing grounds.

Esashi Town Tourist Information Portal Site

5Ino Tadataka Hokkaido Survey Commencement Memorial Park (Viewpoint Parking)

Ino Tadataka, the great man who created a map of Japan in the 1800s that is almost identical to the modern map, began his survey from this location in Yoshioka, Fukushima Town, Hokkaido. Based on this historical fact, a statue of him surveying toward Hakodate was erected in 2018, and a memorial park was created.
The area is located in the Matsumae-Yakoshi Provincial Natural Park, a scenic spot overlooking the Tsugaru Straits. Please experience the historical romance of the map and the road.

What is Viewpoint Parking?

Fukushima Town

6Roadside Station Kitamaebune Matsumae (Scenic Deck) (Viewpoint Parking)

Michi-no-Eki Kitamae-fune Matsumae (Roadside Station Kitamae-fune Matsumae) in Matsumae-cho, the southernmost town in Hokkaido, is located in Matsumae-Yakoshi Provincial Natural Park and is always ranked high in the ranking of roadside stations with great scenery.
The Umikaze Terrace, which boasts a spectacular view of the Tsugaru Straits, is also registered as a scenic deck. The attached "Umikaze Shokudo" offers seasonal seafood such as locally caught tuna and sea urchin from Maehama, a spot that will soothe all five senses.

What is Viewpoint Parking?

Roadside Station Kitamaebune Matsumae

Summary

How was it?
This route was the kind of route where you can enjoy the sky, the blue of the sea, and the pleasant sea breeze. You will want to drive while learning about the history as well as the scenery.

Please continue to enjoy your drive with good infection control measures.