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[2025 Edition] 20 Recommended Driving Spots Near Niseko! Including Hot Springs, Observatories, Amusement Parks, and Museums
Niseko, visited by many people from all over the world, is also recommended for family sightseeing and day trips! You can enjoy the delicious spring water and hot springs at the foot of Mt. Yotei, and there are also plenty of art spots. This time, we will introduce some driving spots near Niseko.
- The famous spring water "Yotei's Fukidashi Spring Water" is located at "Roadside Station Meisui no Sato Kyogoku Meisui Plaza (Kyogoku Town)"
- Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest (Kyowa Town): Take a stroll through a mystical atmosphere
- Roadside Station Niseko View Plaza (Niseko Town) has an eye-catching exterior that makes use of the wood grain.
- "Yotei Mountain Nature Park (Makkari Village)" is recommended for those who want to enjoy Niseko's nature while camping.
- Kyogoku Onsen (Kyogoku Town): Relax and unwind in a magnificent location
- Local agricultural products are on display at "Go no Eki Hotto Kimobetsu" (Kimobetsu Town)
- Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village): An amusement park where you can enjoy authentic activities in the great outdoors
- Maruyama Observatory (Iwanai Town): A panoramic view like a jewel box
- Fresh vegetables available at Roadside Station 230 Rusutsu (Rusutsu Village)
- When it comes to the local specialty "fried sweet potato," the place to go is "Roadside Station Boyo-Nakayama (Kimobetsu Town)."
- Makkari Onsen (Makkari Village): its trademark is the triangular roof that gives it a mountain hut feel
- Kagami-numa (Kutchan Town) is especially recommended on sunny days.
- A place to be soothed by the pretty flowers "Roadside Station Makkari Flower Center (Makkari Village)"
- Rusutsu Onsen (Rusutsu Village) is a relaxing spot located about 5 minutes by car from Rusutsu Resort in the direction of Lake Toya.
- Roadside Station Rankoshi Furusato no Oka (Rankoshi Town) - Enjoy Rankoshi rice, freshly picked vegetables and camping
- Experience literature in Niseko at the Arishima Memorial Museum (Niseko Town)
- Arai Memorial Museum of Art (Iwanai Town) has a collection of 267 of Picasso's prints
- "Takashi Hosokawa Memorial Statue" erected at "Makkari River Park (Makkari Village)"
- A wide selection of works by Ogawara Shu, Hokkaido's leading postwar painter! "Ogawara Shu Memorial Museum (Kutchan Town)"
- The distinctive building of "Kai no Yakata" (Rankoshi Town) is sure to catch your eye
1. "Roadside Station Meisui no Sato Kyogoku Meisui Plaza (Kyogoku Town)" where you can find the famous "Yotei no Fukidashi Spring Water"
Fukidashi Park is located on the Kyogoku-Kutchan Line, a prefectural road that connects Kyogoku Town and Kutchan Town. It is home to the delicious "Yotei Fukidashi Spring Water," which was selected as one of the Environment Agency's 100 Famous Waters, and many tourists visit in search of this famous water. In addition to the Famous Water Plaza, the park is packed with facilities such as a toilet building, a triangular stage, playground equipment, and a grassy plaza. Kyogoku Onsen, a park golf course, and a campsite are also nearby, so you can stop by while you're there.
■Business hours: 9:00-17:00 *Restaurant 11:00-16:00 (last order 15:30) ■Closed days ・Shop: Wednesdays during winter only ・Restaurant: Wednesdays (*May be open on public holidays, peak seasons, etc.) ■Address: 45-1 Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun For details and maps of "Roadside Station Meisui no Sato Kyogoku Meisui Plaza," please click here.
2. Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest (Kyowa Town): Take a stroll through a mysterious atmosphere
Shinsen-numa is a beautiful and mysterious natural marsh located on a plateau over 750m above sea level in the Niseko mountain range. It is a very popular tourist spot with many lakes and marshes and a hiking course. It is also crowded with many visitors during the autumn foliage season.
■Location: Maeda, Kyowa-cho, Iwanai-gun For more information and maps about Shinsen-numa Natural Recreation Forest, please click here.
3. Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station (Niseko Town): An eye-catching wooden exterior
Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station is located where National Route 5 and Hokkaido Prefectural Route Iwanai Toya Line intersect. It consists of three buildings: the Information Plaza Building, which sells local specialties and provides tourist information; the Free Space Building, which has a farm produce direct sales store and takeout shops; and the Toilet Building. Niseko's unique raw milk sweets and dairy products such as cheese, as well as fresh, pesticide-free vegetables picked that morning and rare vegetables are sold at reasonable prices. It is popular with tourists and locals alike.
■ Business hours ・Information Plaza: 9:00-18:00 ・Farm produce direct sales store: Late April to October 8:30 to 17:00 / November to late April 9:00 to 17:00 ■Address: 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun Click here for details and maps of "Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station"
4. Yotei Nature Park (Makkari Village): Recommended for those who want to enjoy Niseko's nature while camping
Yotei Nature Park, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. Yotei, is a spot where you can experience and enjoy the great outdoors, with a campsite, field athletics, a forest learning exhibition hall, etc. The campsite is fully equipped with a barrier-free management building, cooking facilities that use spring water from Mt. Yotei, and tents and other rental items, so you can use it with peace of mind.
■ Business days ・Campsite: May 1st (Thurs) - October 19th (Sun) ■Price ・Hygiene cooperation fee (per person): High school students and above 800 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 700 yen / Free for children under elementary school age ・Site usage 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: Azasha, Makkari Village, Abuta District Click here for details and maps of "Yotei Mountain Nature Park"
5. Kyogoku Onsen (Kyogoku Town): Relax in a magnificent location
Kyogoku Onsen, located right next to Fukidashi Park, is a hot spring facility that you can easily drop into for a day trip. The view of Mt. Yotei while soaking in the open-air bath is exceptional, making for a truly blissful moment. Another great thing about this facility is that you can also enjoy meals in the large hall and dining hall attached to the facility.
■Business hours: 10:00-21:00 (last admission 20:30) ■Closed days: *Please check the calendar of closed days on the official website. ■Price: Bathing: Junior high school students and above 600 yen / Elementary school students 300 yen *Free for children under elementary school age ■Address: 68 Kawanishi, Kyogoku-cho, Abuta-gun Click here for details and maps of "Kyogoku Onsen"
6. Local agricultural products on display at "Go-no-Eki Hotto Kimobetsu" (Kimobetsu Town)
"Go no Eki Hotto Kimobetsu" offers a selection of fresh vegetables lovingly grown by local farmers. In addition to recommended products from municipalities in the Shiribeshi region, mainly Kimobetsu, you can also purchase popular souvenirs. If you are heading from Sapporo, it is located just past Nakayama Pass, making it the perfect rest stop for a drive.
■ Business hours: 10:00-16:00 (may vary depending on the month) ■Closed days: Open everyday *Closed irregularly during winter ■Location: 306-3 Kimobetsu, Kimobetsu-cho Click here for details and map information for "Go-no-eki Hotto Kimobetsu"
7. Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village): An amusement park where you can enjoy authentic activities in the middle of nature
Rusutsu Resort is a popular amusement park with many attractions. There are over 60 attractions, mainly eight coasters, and in the winter it turns into a huge ski resort. It is an activity spot that can be enjoyed by couples, friends, and families all year round.
■Opening hours: Rusutsu Resort Summer: Tuesday, April 29th to Monday, October 13th (scheduled) ・Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, Golden Week, and weekdays from July 21st to August 22nd: 9:00am to 5:00pm ・August 9th to August 16th 9:00 to 19:45 ・Other weekdays 9:00-16:30 / All days in October 9:00-16:00 ■Price: Rusutsu Resort in Summer ・May 7th to July 25th, August 25th to October 10th 19-64 years old: 7,000 yen / 13 years old and over: 6,400 yen / 7-12 years old, 65 years old and over: 5,800 yen / 4-6 years old: 2,100 yen ・Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, April 29th to May 6th, and July 26th to August 24th: 19-64 years old: 8,000 yen / 13 years old and over: 7,300 yen / 7-12 years old, 65 years old and over: 6,700 yen / 4-6 years old: 2,500 yen ■Address: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District Click here for details and maps of "Rusutsu Resort"
8. Maruyama Observatory (Iwanai Town): A panoramic view like a jewel box
The jewel-box-like panorama of the "Iwanai Night View," which can be seen from the Maruyama Observatory at the foot of Mt. Iwanai, has been selected as a Japanese Night View Heritage. The observatory is popular with families as a new place of relaxation overlooking the town of Iwanai and the Shakotan Peninsula. Nearby, there are facilities such as a plaza, promenade, and a large telescope that can be used for free, allowing you to enjoy the natural scenery of the mountains and sea, which changes depending on the time and season.
■Location: Nodoku, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun Click here for details and maps of "Maruyama Observatory"
9. Roadside Station 230 Rusutsu (Rusutsu Village): Where you can get fresh vegetables
Roadside station "230 Rusutsu" reopened in April 2025. The direct sales corner selling fresh vegetables harvested in Rusutsu Village is popular. You can get local vegetables picked that morning at reasonable prices. There are also various processed foods made by local shops using fresh ingredients, making it a recommended spot to stop by during a drive.
■Opening hours: Late April to September 9:00 to 18:00 / October to late April 9:00 to 17:00 ■Closed days: December 31st to January 4th ■Location: Rusutsu Village Rusutsu 127-191 Click here for details and map information for "Roadside Station 230 Rusutsu"
10. When it comes to the local specialty "fried sweet potato," come to "Roadside Station Boyo-Nakayama (Kimobetsu Town)"
One of the most popular delicacies at Boyang Nakayama is their specialty "ageimo" (fried potatoes) made by coating potatoes in a special powder and deep frying them. Since its release, it has been overwhelmingly popular. Also, the souvenir shop "Hokkaido Produce 230" sells carefully selected ingredients related to Hokkaido, such as meat, seafood, drinks, and alcohol, that meet two criteria: "Originating from Hokkaido" and "Ingredients from Hokkaido". There is also an eat-in corner, so you can fill your stomach during your drive.
■ Business hours: 8:30-17:30 ■Address: 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu Town Click here for details and maps of "Roadside Station Boyo Nakayama"
11. Makkari Onsen (Makkari Village): Its trademark is the triangular roof that gives it a mountain hut feel
Makkari Onsen is a place where you can enjoy hot spring water straight from the source. What attracts many hot spring fans is the view of Mt. Yotei from the open-air bath. You can enjoy a relaxing, warm, and relaxing time while gazing at the majestic Mt. Yotei.
■ Business hours: April to September 10:00 to 21:00 / October to March 11:00 to 21:00 *Last admission 20:30 ■Closed: Every Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) ■Price: Junior high school students and above 600 yen / 4 years old to elementary school students 250 yen *Free for children under 3 years old ■Location: 174-3 Midorioka, Makkari Village Click here for details and map information of "Makkari Onsen"
12. Kagami-numa (Kutchan Town): Especially recommended on sunny days
There are two popular routes to Kagami-numa: the "HANAZONO GOLF Route" which runs through the forest near the Hanazono Golf Course, and the "Route 58 Route" which runs along Route 58 and has a mountain path. Each route has its own unique charm. Another fun thing to do in the swamp is to look for the floating islands that are constantly shifting due to the wind.
■ Walking period: Mid-May to early October ■Location: Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun For more details and maps of "Kagami-numa", please click here.
13. Makkari Flower Center Roadside Station (Makkari Village): A place to be soothed by the lovely flowers
Makkari Flower Center Roadside Station is a place where you can find a wide variety of products themed around flowers and vegetables. You can spend a relaxing and soothing time surrounded by the lovely scent of flowers. There is a dog run and a sightseeing telescope on the premises, so your beloved pets who get stressed from traveling can run around freely and refresh themselves.
■Opening hours: Late April to October 9:00-17:30 / November to late April 9:30-16:30 ■Closed: December 31st to January 3rd ■Address: 8-3 Hikari, Makkari Village Click here for details and maps of "Roadside Station Makkari Flower Center"
14. Rusutsu Onsen (Rusutsu Village): A relaxing spot about 5 minutes by car from Rusutsu Resort towards Lake Toya
Rusutsu Onsen, which uses 100% of its natural spring water, is a natural hot spring that Rusutsu is proud of, with both high-quality spring water and a wonderful view. It is located just a few minutes from Rusutsu Resort in the direction of Lake Toya, so it is the perfect place to soothe your tired body after having a great time at Rusutsu Resort.
■ Business hours: 11:00-21:00 *Until 17:00 on December 31st ■Closed: Every Wednesday, January 1st to 3rd *May be closed temporarily for machine maintenance and inspection, or in bad weather ■Admission fee: 500 yen for those under 65 years old / 300 yen for those aged 15 and over 65 years old / 200 yen for those under 15 years old / Free for infants and toddlers ■Location: 156-2 Rusutsu, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District For details and maps of "Rusutsu Onsen", please click here.
15. Roadside Station Rankoshi Furusato no Oka (Rankoshi Town) - Enjoy Rankoshi rice, freshly picked vegetables, and camping
In addition to selling rice and vegetables produced in Rankoshi, the ice cream made at the ice cream factory next door is very popular with tourists. Behind the roadside station is a campsite equipped with a tent area and bungalows, which is bustling with campers in the summer.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March) ■Closed: Every Tuesday from November to March of the following year (or the following day if the Tuesday falls on a public holiday), December 31st to January 5th ■Address: 969 Aioi, Rankoshi-cho, Isogai-gun Click here for details and maps of "Roadside Station Rankoshi Furusato no Oka"
16. Experience literature in Niseko at the Arishima Memorial Museum (Niseko Town)
The Arishima Memorial Museum opened in 1979 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Arishima Takeo, a representative Shirakaba-ha author. The museum uses photographs and letters to introduce the history of the farm that Arishima opened to the public. You can also learn about Arishima's career through publications, paintings, and calligraphy. Near the museum is Oyakozaka Hill, where the novel was set, and you can enjoy a stroll there.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30) ■Closed on: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year's holiday ■Admission fee: Adults 500 yen / High school students 100 yen / Junior high school students and younger, and those 65 and older are free ■Address: 57 Arishima, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun For details and maps of "Arishima Memorial Museum", please click here.
17. Arai Memorial Museum of Art (Iwanai Town): Home to 267 of Picasso's prints
The Arai Memorial Museum of Art stands on a hill overlooking the town of Iwanai. The highlight is the collection of 267 prints by the world-famous artist Picasso. In addition, works by artists with ties to Hokkaido are on display. Concerts are also held here, making it a spot where you can immerse yourself in art.
■Opening hours: April 22 (Tue) to November 16 (Sun) 9:00-17:00 (Entry until 16:30) ■Closed on Mondays (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday), closed during winter (mid-November to mid-April) *There may be other temporary closures ■Admission fee: Adults 1,000 yen / University and high school students 700 yen / Middle and elementary school students 400 yen ■Address: 505 Nodake, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun For details and maps of "Arai Memorial Museum of Art", please click here.
18. "Takashi Hosokawa Memorial Statue" erected at "Makkari River Park (Makkari Village)"
This is a beautiful park with greenery and the surface of the river, created by taking advantage of the natural beauty of the crystal clear waters of the Makkari River. In the park, a memorial statue of singer Takashi Hosokawa, who was born in Makkari Village, was erected in 1994, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Makkari Village. When you hold your hand over the base, he will loudly sing a message and one of his best songs. This park has been praised for its uniquely shaped walking paths and simple design, and has previously won the Minister of Construction's Handmade Local Award.
■Location: Makkari River Park, Makkari Village, Makkari Village, Abuta District Click here for details and maps of "Makkari River Park"
19. A wide selection of works by Ogawara Shu, a painter representing Hokkaido after the war! "Ogawara Shu Memorial Museum (Kutchan Town)"
Kutchan-born Ogawara Shu graduated from 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 Town and continued his artistic endeavors in Kutchan for 60 years. In addition to the permanent exhibition of Ogawara Shu's works, the museum also holds special exhibitions throughout the year. The lobby offers a wonderful view of Mt. Yotei, allowing you to enjoy the art woven by nature.
■Business hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) ■Closed on: Tuesdays (or the following day if the Tuesday is a public holiday), New Year's holidays *The museum may be closed temporarily due to exhibit changeover work. ■Admission fee: Adults 500 yen / High school students 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen ■Address: 1 Kita 6-jo Higashi 7-chome, Kutchan-cho Click here for details and maps for the "Ogawara Shu Memorial Museum of Art"
20. The distinctive building of Kai no Yakata (Rankoshi Town) is sure to catch your eye
The Shell Museum's interesting shell-shaped exterior catches your eye. In the center of the museum is a 5m-long reconstructed model of a chokkaku shell, an ancestor of the parrot shell, which is said to have lived about 500 million years ago. You can also see exhibits on the ecology of Clione and Ikuone, as well as ammonite fossils from Hokkaido.
■ Business hours: April to October 9:00 to 16:00 ■Closed: Mondays and the day after public holidays (if Monday is a public holiday, the museum will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday) *Open every day in July and August *Closed for the winter from November to March *The museum may be closed temporarily due to exhibit changeover work. ■Price: Adults 350 yen / Junior and senior high school students 250 yen / Elementary school students 150 yen *Free for children under elementary school age ■Address: 1401 Minatomachi, Rankoshi-cho Click here for details and maps of "Shellfish House"
*All information listed is current as of May 2025. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
