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【2025 Edition】20 Best Road Trip Spots Near Niseko! Hot Springs, Observatories, Amusement Parks, and Museums
Niseko, a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, is also perfect for family sightseeing and day trips by car! Enjoy delicious spring water and hot springs at the foot of Mt. Yotei, or explore its many art spots. This time, we'll introduce some great driving destinations in the Niseko area.
- Michi-no-Eki Meisui-no-Sato Kyogoku (Kyogoku Town) - Home of the famous "Yotei no Fukidashi Yusui" spring water
- Shinsennuma Nature Recreation Forest (Kyowa Town) - Stroll through a mystical atmosphere
- Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza (Niseko Town) - An eye-catching exterior that highlights its natural wood
- Yoteizan Nature Park (Makkari Village) - Recommended for those who want to enjoy Niseko's nature while camping
- Kyogoku Onsen (Kyogoku Town) - Relax and unwind in a magnificent location
- Sato-no-Eki Hotto Kimobetsu (Kimobetsu Town) - Featuring local agricultural products and more
- Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village) - An amusement park where you can enjoy full-scale activities in the great outdoors
- Maruyama Observatory (Iwanai Town) - A panoramic view that spreads out like a jewelry box
- Michi-no-Eki 230 Rusutsu (Rusutsu Village) - Get your hands on fresh vegetables
- Michi-no-Eki Boyo Nakayama (Kimobetsu Town) - The go-to place for the famous "Age-imo"
- Makkari Onsen (Makkari Village) - A triangular roof with a mountain-lodge atmosphere is its trademark
- Kagaminuma Pond (Kutchan Town) - Especially recommended on a sunny day
- Michi-no-Eki Makkari Flower Center (Makkari Village) - A place to be soothed by lovely flowers
- Rusutsu Onsen (Rusutsu Village) - A healing spot about a 5-minute drive from Rusutsu Resort towards Lake Toya
- Michi-no-Eki Rankoshi Furusato-no-oka (Rankoshi Town) - Enjoy Rankoshi rice, freshly picked vegetables, and even camping
- Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum (Niseko Town) - Immerse yourself in literature in Niseko
- Arai Memorial Museum of Art (Iwanai Town) - Housing 267 prints by the one and only Picasso
- Makkarigawa Kasen Park (Makkari Village) - Featuring a memorial statue of Takashi Hosokawa
- Shu Ogawara Museum of Art (Kutchan Town) - A lineup of works by Shu Ogawara, a leading post-war Hokkaido painter!
- Shell Museum (Rankoshi Town) - An eye-catching building with a distinctive design
1. Michi-no-Eki Meisui-no-Sato Kyogoku (Kyogoku Town) - Home of the famous "Yotei no Fukidashi Yusui" spring water
Fukidashi Park is located on the Kyogoku-Kutchan prefectural road that connects Kyogoku and Kutchan towns. It is home to the delicious "Yotei no Fukidashi Yusui" spring water, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waters of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment, attracting many tourists seeking its famous water. In addition to the Meisui Plaza, the park is well-equipped with facilities such as a restroom building, a triangular stage, playground equipment, and a grassy area. Kyogoku Onsen, a park golf course, and a campground are also adjacent, making it easy to stop by.
■ Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Restaurant 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last Order 3:30 PM)
■ Closed:
・Shop: Wednesdays only during winter
・Restaurant: Wednesdays (*May be open on public holidays, during peak season, etc.)
■ Location: 45-1 Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki Meisui-no-Sato Kyogoku"
2. Shinsennuma Nature Recreation Forest (Kyowa Town) - Stroll through a mystical atmosphere
Shinsennuma is a beautiful and mystical natural marsh located on a plateau over 750 meters above sea level, one of the most stunning in the Niseko mountain range. With its many lakes, marshes, and wetlands, it is a very popular tourist spot and hiking course. It also attracts many visitors during the autumn foliage season.
■ Location: Maeda, Kyowa-cho, Iwanai-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Shinsennuma Nature Recreation Forest"
3. Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza (Niseko Town) - An eye-catching exterior that highlights its natural wood
Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza is located at the intersection of National Route 5 and Prefectural Route Iwanai-Toya Line. It consists of three buildings: the "Information Plaza Building" for specialty product sales and tourist information, the "Free Space Building" with a farmers' market and takeout shops, and the "Restroom Building." Here, you can find Niseko's unique dairy products like fresh milk sweets and cheese, as well as fresh, morning-picked, pesticide-free vegetables and rare vegetables at reasonable prices. It's popular not only with tourists but also with locals.
■ Hours:
・Information Plaza: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
・Farmers' Market: Late April - October 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM / November - Late April 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ Location: 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza"
4. Yoteizan Nature Park (Makkari Village) - Recommended for those who want to enjoy Niseko's nature while camping
Yoteizan Nature Park, sprawling at the foot of Mt. Yotei, is a spot where you can experience and fully enjoy the great outdoors with its campground, field athletics course, and forest learning exhibition hall. The campground is well-equipped with a barrier-free administration building, cooking facilities using spring water from Mt. Yotei, and rental equipment like tents, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.
■ Open:
・Campground: May 1 (Thu) - October 19 (Sun)
■ Fees:
・Sanitation Fee (per person): High school students and older 800 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 700 yen / Preschoolers Free
・Site Fee (per night): Free Site 800 yen per plot / Auto Site 2,800 yen per plot (with power and water) / Barrier-Free Site 2,000 yen per plot (with power)
■ Location: Yashiro, Makkari-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Yoteizan Nature Park"
5. Kyogoku Onsen (Kyogoku Town) - Relax and unwind in a magnificent location
Located right next to Fukidashi Park, Kyogoku Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility that's easy to stop by. The view of Mt. Yotei while soaking in the open-air bath is exceptional—a truly blissful moment. A great feature is that you can also enjoy a meal in the attached large hall or dining area.
■ Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM)
■ Closed: Please check the closing day calendar on the official website.
■ Fees: Bathing: Junior high school students and older 600 yen / Elementary school students 300 yen *Preschoolers Free
■ Location: 68 Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Kyogoku Onsen"
6. Sato-no-Eki Hotto Kimobetsu (Kimobetsu Town) - Featuring local agricultural products and more
"Sato-no-Eki Hotto Kimobetsu" offers a selection of fresh vegetables grown with care by local farmers. In addition to recommended products from municipalities in the Shiribeshi area, centered on Kimobetsu, you can also purchase popular souvenirs. Located just after Nakayama Pass when coming from Sapporo, it's a perfect rest stop during your drive.
■ Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Varies by month)
■ Closed: Open year-round *Irregular holidays in winter
■ Location: 306-3 Kimobetsu, Kimobetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information for "Sato-no-Eki Hotto Kimobetsu"
7. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village) - An amusement park where you can enjoy full-scale activities in the great outdoors
Rusutsu Resort is an amusement park popular for its wide variety of attractions. With over 60 attractions centered around 8 roller coasters, it transforms into a huge ski resort in winter. It's an activity spot that can be enjoyed by couples, friends, and families all year round.
■ Hours: Summer at Rusutsu Resort: April 29 (Tue) - October 13 (Mon) (tentative)
・Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, GW period, weekdays from July 21 to August 22: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
・August 9 - August 16: 9:00 AM - 7:45 PM
・Other weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM / All days in October: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Fees: Summer at Rusutsu Resort
・May 7 - July 25, August 25 - October 10: Ages 19-64: 7,000 yen / Ages 13+: 6,400 yen / Ages 7-12, 65+: 5,800 yen / Ages 4-6: 2,100 yen
・Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, April 29 - May 6, July 26 - August 24: Ages 19-64: 8,000 yen / Ages 13+: 7,300 yen / Ages 7-12, 65+: 6,700 yen / Ages 4-6: 2,500 yen
■ Location: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Rusutsu Resort"
8. Maruyama Observatory (Iwanai Town) - A panoramic view that spreads out like a jewelry box
The panoramic view of the "Iwanai Nightscape" from the Maruyama Observatory at the foot of Mt. Iwanai is like a jewelry box and has been selected as a Japan Night View Heritage site. The observatory is a popular new recreational spot for families, offering a view of the town of Iwanai and the Shakotan Peninsula. Nearby, facilities such as a plaza, a promenade, and free large telescopes are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing atmosphere of the mountains and sea depending on the time and season.
■ Location: Nozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Maruyama Observatory"
9. Michi-no-Eki 230 Rusutsu (Rusutsu Village) - Get your hands on fresh vegetables
The roadside station "230 Rusutsu" reopened in April 2025. The direct sales corner, which sells fresh vegetables harvested in Rusutsu Village, is popular. You can get fresh, morning-picked local vegetables at reasonable prices. They also have a variety of processed foods made by local shops using fresh ingredients, making it a recommended spot to stop by during your drive.
■ Hours: Late April - September 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM / October - Late April 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ Closed: December 31 - January 4
■ Location: 127-191 Rusutsu, Rusutsu-mura
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki 230 Rusutsu"
10. Michi-no-Eki Boyo Nakayama (Kimobetsu Town) - The go-to place for the famous "Age-imo"
The most popular gourmet item at Boyo Nakayama is the famous "Age-imo," which are potatoes coated in a special powder and deep-fried. It has been overwhelmingly popular since its launch. In addition, the souvenir shop "Hokkaido Produce 230" sells carefully selected ingredients related to Hokkaido, such as meat, seafood, drinks, and alcohol, that meet the criteria of either being "from Hokkaido" or "made with Hokkaido ingredients." There is also an eat-in corner, so you can satisfy your hunger during your drive.
■ Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
■ Location: 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki Boyo Nakayama"
11. Makkari Onsen (Makkari Village) - A triangular roof with a mountain-lodge atmosphere is its trademark
At "Makkari Onsen," you can enjoy a free-flowing hot spring straight from the source. What captivates many onsen fans is the view of Mt. Yotei from the open-air bath. You can enjoy a relaxing and warm moment while gazing at the magnificent Mt. Yotei.
■ Hours: April - September 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM / October - March 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Last entry 8:30 PM
■ Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, the following day)
■ Fees: Junior high school students and older 600 yen / Ages 4 to elementary school 250 yen *Ages 3 and under free
■ Location: 174-3 Midorioka, Makkari-mura
Click here for details and map information for "Makkari Onsen"
12. Kagaminuma Pond (Kutchan Town) - Especially recommended on a sunny day
There are two popular routes to Kagaminuma Pond. One is the "HANAZONO GOLF Route," which enters through the forest near the HANAZONO golf course, and the other is the "Route 58 Route," which enters from along Prefectural Route 58 and has a mountain path. You can enjoy the different charms of each route. At the pond, one of the pleasures is searching for the floating islands that constantly move with the wind.
■ Hiking Season: Usually mid-May to early October
■ Location: Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Kagaminuma Pond"
13. Michi-no-Eki Makkari Flower Center (Makkari Village) - A place to be soothed by lovely flowers
"Michi-no-Eki Makkari Flower Center" offers a wide variety of items themed around flowers and vegetables. Surrounded by the scent of lovely flowers, you can spend a relaxing and healing time. The facility includes a dog run and a tourist telescope, so even your precious pets, who might be stressed from travel, can run around freely and refresh themselves.
■ Hours: Usually late April - October 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM / November - Late April 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
■ Closed: December 31 - January 3
■ Location: 8-3 Hikari, Makkari-mura
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki Makkari Flower Center"
14. Rusutsu Onsen (Rusutsu Village) - A healing spot about a 5-minute drive from Rusutsu Resort towards Lake Toya
"Rusutsu Onsen," which uses 100% source water, is Rusutsu's pride, a natural hot spring with excellent water quality and a wonderful view. It is located just a few minutes from Rusutsu Resort towards Lake Toya, making it the perfect place to soothe your tired body after a full day of fun at the resort.
■ Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Until 5:00 PM on December 31
■ Closed: Every Wednesday, January 1-3 *May close temporarily for machine maintenance, inspections, or severe weather.
■ Fees: Under 65: 500 yen / Age 15, 65 and over: 300 yen / Under 15: 200 yen / Infants: Free
■ Location: 156-2 Rusutsu, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Rusutsu Onsen"
15. Michi-no-Eki Rankoshi Furusato-no-oka (Rankoshi Town) - Enjoy Rankoshi rice, freshly picked vegetables, and even camping
In addition to selling rice and vegetables from Rankoshi, the ice cream made at the adjacent ice cream factory is very popular with tourists. Behind the roadside station, there is a campground with a tent area and bungalows, which bustles with campers in the summer.
■ Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (until 4:00 PM from November to March)
■ Closed: Every Tuesday from November to the following March (if a holiday, the next day), December 31 - January 5
■ Location: 969 Aioi, Rankoshi-cho, Isoya-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Michi-no-Eki Rankoshi Furusato-no-oka"
16. Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum (Niseko Town) - Immerse yourself in literature in Niseko
The Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum was opened in 1979 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Takeo Arishima, a leading writer of the Shirakaba school. The museum introduces the history of the farm that Arishima liberated, through photographs and letters. You can also learn about Takeo Arishima's life through his publications, paintings, and calligraphy. Near the museum is the "Oyako-no-saka" (Parent-Child Hill), which was the setting for one of his novels, where you can enjoy a stroll.
■ Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
■ Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following day), New Year holidays
■ Fees: Adults 500 yen / High school students 100 yen / Junior high school students and younger, 65 and older Free
■ Location: 57 Arishima, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Arishima Takeo Memorial Museum"
17. Arai Memorial Museum of Art (Iwanai Town) - Housing 267 prints by the one and only Picasso
The Arai Memorial Museum of Art stands on a hill overlooking the town of Iwanai. A major highlight is the Picasso print collection, featuring works by the world-famous artist—an astonishing 267 pieces. In addition, works by painters associated with Hokkaido are on display. Concerts are also held here, making it a spot where you can fully immerse yourself in art.
■ Hours: April 22 (Tue) - November 16 (Sun) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
■ Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following Tuesday), Winter closure (mid-November to mid-April) *Other temporary closures may occur.
■ Fees: General 1,000 yen / University/High school students 700 yen / Junior high/Elementary school students 400 yen
■ Location: 505 Nozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Arai Memorial Museum of Art"
18. Makkarigawa Kasen Park (Makkari Village) - Featuring a memorial statue of Takashi Hosokawa
This beautiful park of green and water was created utilizing the natural surroundings of the clear-flowing Makkarigawa River. Inside the park stands a memorial statue of singer Takashi Hosokawa, a native of Makkari Village, which was erected in 1994 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the village's founding. When you place your hand on the base, it plays a message and loudly sings one of his representative songs. The park's unique walking path and simple design have earned it the Minister of Construction's "Handmade Hometown Award" in the past.
■ Location: Makkarigawa Kasen Park, Makkari, Makkari-mura, Abuta-gun
Click here for details and map information for "Makkarigawa Kasen Park"
19. Shu Ogawara Museum of Art (Kutchan Town) - A lineup of works by Shu Ogawara, a leading post-war Hokkaido painter!
Shu Ogawara, a native of Kutchan, graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts) and began his career as an avant-garde painter. After the war, he returned to Kutchan and continued his creative activities there for 60 years. The museum features a permanent exhibition of Shu Ogawara's works, as well as special exhibitions held throughout the year. The view of Mt. Yotei from the lobby is also magnificent, allowing you to enjoy the art created by nature.
■ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
■ Closed: Tuesdays (if a holiday, the following day), New Year holidays
*Temporary closures for exhibition changes.
■ Fees: General 500 yen / High school students 300 yen / Elementary/Junior high school students 100 yen
■ Location: 1 Kita 6-jo Higashi 7-chome, Kutchan-cho
Click here for details and map information for "Shu Ogawara Museum of Art"
20. Shell Museum (Rankoshi Town) - An eye-catching building with a distinctive design
The Shell Museum catches the eye with its interesting exterior designed to look like a shell. A 5-meter-long replica of a "Chokkaku-gai" (Orthoceras), an ancestor of the nautilus that lived about 500 million years ago, is displayed in the center. You can also see live exhibits of Clione and Ikuone, as well as exhibits of ammonite fossils from Hokkaido.
■ Hours: April - October 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Closed: Mondays, the day after a public holiday (if Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
*Open daily in July and August
*Closed for winter from November to March
*Temporary closures for exhibition changes.
■ Fees: Adults 350 yen / Junior high/High school students 250 yen / Elementary school students 150 yen *Preschoolers free
■ Location: 1401 Minato-machi, Rankoshi-cho
Click here for details and map information for "Shell Museum"
*All information is current as of May 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.
