"The view of Mount Yotei from our town is beautiful.' This is the local pride. It's an inspiring road where you can feel the changing scenery of the beautiful, ever-shifting ridgeline of Mount Yotei, along with the Niseko Mountain Range, Mount Shiribetsu, and the Shiribetsu River.

This Route's Coordinator

This Drive's Route

Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route: Niseko-Yotei Area

The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route runs through two national and quasi-national parks, Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. It's a region where you can encounter beautiful lakes, magnificent peaks, and volcanoes. The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route is composed of three areas: the 'Niseko-Yotei Area' of this drive, as well as the 'Welcome Hokkaido Area' and the 'Lake Toya Area'.

Let's Start the Drive!

1 Aikawa Viewpoint Parking (Kimobetsu Town)

After crossing Nakayama Pass from Sapporo, head out for a drive on one of Scenic Byway Hokkaido's 'Exceptional Roads.' Along National Route 276, there are three viewpoint parking areas, each offering a different view of Mount Yotei's ridgeline.
The view from Aikawa Viewpoint Parking (Kimobetsu Town) is like a scene from a movie. If you're lucky, you might even come across the 'Scenic Cafe' mobile food truck.

2 Koshin District Mt. Yotei Viewpoint Parking (Kyogoku Town)

When you arrive at the Koshin District Mt. Yotei Viewpoint Parking in Kyogoku Town, you'll be captivated by the beautiful contrast of the vast sky, Mount Yotei, and the Shiribetsu River. The perfectly symmetrical ridgeline of Mount Yotei and the Shiribetsu River, voted the cleanest river in Japan, are symbols of Kyogoku's viewpoints. 'There are uncut diamonds in our community. Our mission is to make them shine'—these are the inspiring words of a local community group.

3 Fukidashi Park (Kyogoku Town)

Fukidashi Park is home to 'Yotei's Fukidashi Spring Water,' selected as one of the 100 best waters of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment. It bustles with tourists seeking its famous water throughout the seasons. The water temperature remains constant year-round, with an abundant flow of about 80,000 tons per day. Why not bring a bottle and take some of this delicious spring water home as a souvenir?

Kyogoku Town Tourist Association Website

4 Hachiman Viewpoint Parking (Kutchan Town)

This is the first viewpoint in Hokkaido where power lines have been moved underground as part of the 'Scenic Byway Hokkaido' initiative. From the deck, you can see Mount Yotei and the Niseko Mountain Range, making it a special spot popular with photographers and artists. The deck was installed by a local Scenic Byway community group, which maintains the beautiful environment by mowing and cleaning around the area several times a year.

5 Marche Yukidaruma

Take a short detour to National Route 5 to visit 'Marche Yukidaruma,' a direct-from-the-farm shop in Kutchan Town featuring products from the Shiribeshi region. Located at the foot of Mount Yotei, it sells vibrant vegetables grown in the vast land and with abundant snowmelt water, as well as other local specialties. A recommended souvenir is the ready-to-eat potato soup, made with 100% Danshaku potatoes from Kutchan that have been stored under the snow all winter to increase their sweetness.

Marche Yukidaruma Website

6 Niseko Station Front Onsen "Kira-no-Yu"

Finish your drive at 'Kira-no-Yu,' a day-trip onsen located in front of Niseko Station. The main baths alternate daily for men and women between a Western-style bath with an open-air granite tub and a Japanese-style bath with an open-air rock tub. It's a hot spring where not only locals but also tourists can easily stop by for a relaxing soak. They hold various seasonal events, so be sure to check their website!

Niseko Station Front Onsen "Kira-no-Yu"

Conclusion

What did you think?
This route was incredibly beautiful, offering stunning combinations of mountains and blue skies from various angles! The photos alone make you want to go and experience the clear, fresh air for yourself!

Please enjoy your drive safely and responsibly.