"Mt. Yotei is beautiful from our town." This is the pride of the locals. The beautiful ridge of Mt. Yotei changes from moment to moment. This is an impressive road where you can feel the transition of the attractive scenery such as the Niseko mountain range, Mt. Shiribetsu, and the Shiribetsu River.

This route coordinator

This drive route

Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route Niseko Yotei Area

The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route, which runs through two national and quasi-national parks, Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Quasi-National Park, is an area where you can encounter beautiful lakes, magnificent mountains, and volcanoes. In addition to the Niseko Yotei Area, which is the driving route we are taking this time, the Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route is made up of three areas, including the Welcome Hokkaido Area and the Toyako Area.

Let's go for a drive right away!

1 Viewpoint: Aikawa Viewpoint Parking (Kimobetsu Town)

From Sapporo, cross Nakayama Pass and drive along the Hokkaido Scenic Byway "Excellent Roads." Along National Route 276, there are three viewpoint parking lots, from which you can see different ridgelines of Mt. Yotei. The view from Aikawa Viewpoint Parking (Kimobetsu Town) is like a scene from a movie. If you're lucky, you might come across the mobile food truck "Scenic Cafe."

2 Viewpoint: Mount Yotei Viewpoint Parking in the Koshin District (Kyogoku Town)

When you come to the Mt. Yotei Viewpoint Parking in Kyogoku Town's Korashin District, you will be captivated by the beautiful contrast between the open sky, Mt. Yotei, and the Shiribetsu River. Mt. Yotei, with its beautiful symmetrical ridgeline, and the Shiribetsu River, chosen as the cleanest river in Japan, are symbols of Kyogoku Town's viewpoints. "There are diamonds in the rough in this region. It is our mission to make them shine," are the sparkling words of a local activity group.

3 Fukidashi Park (Kyogokucho)

Fukidashi Park is home to the "Yotei Fukidashi Spring," which was selected as one of the Environment Agency's 100 Best Springs, and is bustling with tourists looking for this famous spring water throughout the year. The water temperature remains constant throughout the year, and there is an abundant amount of water, about 80,000 tons per day. Why not bring a plastic bottle and take home some delicious spring water as a souvenir?

Kyogoku Town Tourism Association Homepage

4 Viewpoint: Yahata Viewpoint Parking (Kutchan Town)

This is the first viewpoint in Hokkaido to have hidden power lines as part of the Scenic Byway Hokkaido initiative. From the deck, you can see Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountain range, making it a popular spot for people to take photos and draw pictures. The deck was set up by a Scenic Byway local activity group, which maintains a clean environment by mowing the grass around the deck and cleaning the area several times a year.

5 Marche Snowman

Take a trip to National Route 5 and head to Marche Yukidaruma, a direct sales shop for the Shiribeshi region in Kutchan Town. Located at the foot of Mt. Yotei, the shop sells healthy vegetables grown on the vast land and with abundant meltwater from snow, as well as other Shiribeshi region specialties. A recommended souvenir is the instant potato soup, made from 100% Kutchan Danshaku potatoes that have been stored under the snow for a winter to increase their sugar content.

Marche Yukidaruma Home Page

6 Kiranoyu Hot Spring in front of Niseko Station

To finish off your drive, head to Kiranoyu, a day-trip hot spring in front of Niseko Station. The large baths are either a Western-style bath with an open-air granite bath or a Japanese-style bath with an open-air rock bath, which are alternated daily for men and women. This is a day-trip hot spring that is easy for both locals and tourists to drop in to. Be sure to check out their website as they hold various events depending on the season!

Kiranoyu Hot Spring in front of Niseko Station

summary

How was it? This route was a beautiful combination of mountains and blue skies from various angles! The clear air you can see from the photos makes me want to go and experience it! Please enjoy your drive while taking proper precautions against infectious diseases.