The scenery of the Hidaka Mountains, which changes its expression with each season, as well as the clear rivers, rural landscapes, coastline, and port towns, are all must-sees. This route allows you to enjoy a rich variety of ingredients from the mountains to the sea all at once.

This Route's Coordinator

This Drive's Route

Tokachi Scenic Byway - Minami Tokachi Yume Kaido (South Tokachi Dream Road)

The southern route of the Tokachi Plain is an area characterized by the beautiful mountainscape of the Hidaka Mountains and the stunning scenery of numerous clear streams flowing from them, crossing the plain to the sea.

The view of the Hidaka Mountains from this route is beautiful, changing its expression with each season, so you'll never tire of it. It's a route where you can enjoy the mountains, plains, rivers, and sea all at once, with beautifully clear water, landscapes of cultivated fields with windbreaks, pastures, farming and dairy scenery, coastal and port town views, and a rich variety of ingredients from the mountains to the sea.

Let's Head Out for a Drive!

1 Pyoutan Falls

Pyoutan Falls is a popular spot in Satsunaigawa Garden. What was once a dam was buried overnight by sediment from a river flood caused by heavy rain, turning it into a waterfall, and you can still see its remnants. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you stroll along the walking path, relaxing in the negative ions generated by the powerful 10-meter waterfall and the lush natural forest.

Pyoutan Falls

2 Scenic Cafe Michi-no-Eki Sarabetsu - Pipopa Tourism and Local Products Hall

Here you can find local specialties like drinking yogurt, liqueur, and dressing made with sumomo plums, as well as the popular "Donguri no Mura Potato Chips," loved by fans nationwide. At the restaurant, take a break from your drive and enjoy "Sarabetsu-san Udon," made with 100% local wheat, or soft-serve ice cream topped with sumomo plum jam while gazing at the Hidaka Mountains.

Scenic Cafe Michi-no-Eki Sarabetsu - Pipopa Tourism and Local Products Hall

3 Scenic Cafe Churui (inside Churui Kyoei Farm)

This cafe terrace is located within Churui Kyoei Farm, behind the roadside station. From this small hill at an elevation of 189 meters, you can overlook the Hidaka Mountains and the rural landscape of South Tokachi. In addition to coffee served by local volunteer staff, visitors are sometimes treated to musical performances. Why not spend a relaxing time enjoying delicious coffee and the idyllic scenery?

Scenic Cafe Churui (inside Churui Kyoei Farm)

4 Scenic Cafe Genseikaen (Taiki Town, Bansei Onsen)

This is the only onsen (hot spring) in Tokachi where you can soak in the bath while gazing at the sea. It's an "iodine spring" with one of the highest concentrations in Japan. It has high antibacterial and heat-retaining effects, making it hard to get chilled after bathing. At "Komugi Shokudo" inside the facility, you can enjoy various dishes, including Taiki Town's new local specialty, the "Taiki Cheese Salmon Donburi." Nearby are the Tokachi coastal lagoons, such as Oikamanai-to Swamp, which are a treasure trove of wild birds and flowers.

Scenic Cafe Genseikaen (Taiki Town, Bansei Onsen)

5 Funbe Falls

Funbe Falls

Located along National Route 336 (also known as the Kogane Road), Funbe Falls means "beach where whales are caught" in the Ainu language. It's a rare type of waterfall where water seeping from the rock face creates numerous streams, which turn into magnificent icicles in winter. The Kogane Road has a rich history, starting in 1798 when the bakufu retainer and explorer Kondo Juzo carved out Hokkaido's first man-made road, the "Rubeshibetsu Mountain Road." Along the road, you can see monuments commemorating its construction.

Juzo Tunnel and the construction monument
*The Juzo Tunnel is closed to unauthorized personnel.

Funbe Falls

Recommended Road: Kogane Road

Summary

What did you think?
This route was perfect for the hot summer! It was a course where you could enjoy cool spots like waterfalls and the sea, delicious food, and lush greenery. We recommend visiting various towns to enjoy their food and scenery!

Please continue to enjoy your drive while taking thorough precautions against infection.