The scenery of the Hidaka Mountains, which changes with the seasons, as well as the clear rivers, rural landscapes, coastlines and port towns are all must-sees. This route also allows you to enjoy a wide variety of ingredients from the mountains to the sea.

This route coordinator

This drive route

Tokachi Scenic Byway South Tokachi Dream Road

The southern route of the Tokachi Plain is an area characterized by the beautiful scenery of the Hidaka Mountains and the many clear streams that flow from them, crossing the plains and flowing into the sea.

The view of the Hidaka Mountains from this route is beautiful, and you will never get bored of it as it changes with the seasons. This route also allows you to enjoy mountains, plains, rivers, and the sea all at once, with clear, clear water, farmland, windbreak forests, pastures, farming and dairy farming, coastal and port town scenery, and an abundance of food from the mountains to the sea.

Let's go for a drive right away!

1 Gourd Falls

Pyotan Falls is a popular spot in the Satsunai River Park. The site was originally a dam, but after heavy rain caused the river to overflow, it was buried under mud overnight, leaving the waterfall as it was, and you can still see remnants of that time. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you stroll along the promenade, soothed by the negative ions generated by the abundant natural forest and the spectacular 10-meter waterfall.

Gourd Falls

2 Scenic Cafe Sarabetsu Roadside Station Pipopa Tourism and Products Center

They sell yogurt drinks, liqueurs, dressings, and the popular "Donguri no Mura Potato Chips" made with plums, a local specialty. At the restaurant, you can take a break from your drive and enjoy the view of the Hidaka Mountains while enjoying "Sarabetsu-san Udon" made with 100% locally grown wheat and soft serve ice cream topped with plum jam.

Scenic Cafe Sarabetsu Roadside Station Pipopa Tourism and Products Center

3 Scenic Cafe Churui (inside Churui Kyoei Ranch)

A cafe terrace is located at the Churui Kyoei Ranch behind the roadside station. From a small hill 189 meters above sea level, you can see the Hidaka Mountains and the rural landscape of southern Tokachi. Local volunteer staff not only serve coffee, but also entertain visitors with musical instruments at times. Why not spend a relaxing time enjoying delicious coffee and the tranquil scenery?

Scenic Cafe Churui (inside Churui Kyoei Ranch)

4 Scenic Cafe Gensei Kaen (Bansei Onsen, Taiki Town)

This is the only hot spring in Tokachi where you can bathe while looking out at the sea, and it boasts one of the highest concentrations of iodine springs in Japan. It has strong antibacterial and heat-retaining properties, and the water does not cool down easily. At Komugi Shokudo, located within the facility, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, including Taiki Town's new local gourmet dish, Taiki Cheese Salmon Bowl. The surrounding area is home to a group of Tokachi coastal lakes, including Oikamanai Swamp, which is a treasure trove of wild birds and flowers.

Scenic Cafe Gensei Kaen (Bansei Onsen, Taiki Town)

5 Funbe Falls

Funbe Falls

Located along National Route 336 (commonly known as the Golden Road), Funbe Falls means "beach where whales are caught" in Ainu. The water oozing out of the rocks creates a rare waterfall, which turns into magnificent icicles in winter. The Golden Road has had a rich history since 1798, when Kondo Juzo, a shogunate official and explorer, dug the Rubeshibetsu Mountain Road, Hokkaido's first man-made road, and monuments commemorating its excavation can be seen along the road.

Juzo Tunnel and its excavation monument *Juzo Tunnel is only accessible to authorized personnel.

Funbe Falls

Recommended route: Golden Road

summary

How was it? This route was perfect for the hot summer! It was a route where you could enjoy cool spots such as waterfalls and the sea, delicious food, and lush greenery. I recommend going around various towns and enjoying the food and scenery! Please continue to enjoy driving while taking proper infection control measures.