One of the best parts of Hokkaido is the panoramic view that makes you feel that humans are tiny...! This time, we will drive around the Teshikaga and Nakashibetsu areas to some of the most scenic spots!

Route Coordinator

This time's driving route

Kushiro Marsh, Akan and Mashu Scenic Byway

We started our drive as soon as possible!

1〈Scenic Cafe〉900草原 (Kyu Maru Sogen )

Located on the southern edge of Teshikaga Town, 900 Grassland is a sprawling 1,440-hectare town-run ranch.
The scenery is outstanding, but what I recommend here is park golf. The course is officially recognized by the International Park Golf Association, and clubs and balls can be rented at the rest house.
The rest house is also certified as a Scenic Cafe, where you can enjoy local delicacies such as Ezo-shika burgers and Mashu soba noodles.

900 Grassland (town-run ranch)

2Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a must-see point of interest.
Lake Mashu's first observatory is located about 10 km from the center of Teshikaga Town, and the third observatory is a few kilometers north of the first observatory.
The first observatory is the most crowded with tourists, but I love the blue of Lake Mashu, Mashu blue, seen from the third observatory on a fine day! I have taken many pictures of it, but nothing can compare to the real blue.

Lake M ashu

3 Mt.Io-zan

Descending from the north side of the Lake Mashu observatory, you will find yourself near Kawayu Onsen Hot Spring. South of Kawayu Onsen is Mount Io-zan. In the past, sulfur was actually mined here.
As you approach Io-zan on foot from the rest house, you will feel vibrations and sounds underfoot, and the smell of sulfur will quickly increase.
I recommend taking a closer look at the sulfur flowers, but be careful not to get burned.

Mount Io-zan (Mt. Io-zan )

4Bihoro Pass

Bihoro Pass offers a truly panoramic view. From the 525-meter-high observatory, Lake Kussharo spreads out before your eyes, and beyond the lake you can see Mount Io-zan, which you visited earlier, and Mount Mashu, which embraces Lake Mashu.
The route from the Kussharo district on the shore of Lake Kussharo to the top of Bihoro Pass and the Fukuzumi district in Bihoro Town is one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the entire region!

Bihoro Pass

5Kaiyodai

Kaiyodai is said to be a sacred place for riders. The panoramic view of the horizon stretches out before your eyes.
The road on the east side of the entrance to Kaiyodai is called Nakashibetsu Milk Road, a straight road with repeated ups and downs, from which you can see far into the distance.
Once on Kaiyodai, be sure to try the honey soft serve at Café Kaiyodai in the observation deck! The soft ice cream cools the tender honey and gives it an exquisite texture!

Kaiyodai

Summary

This route is full of spectacular views that "can only be seen here in Hokkaido," and the Domingo editorial staff would like to go for a drive right now.
We hope you enjoy your short summer in Hokkaido by taking a drive!

Please be sure to take precautions against infection and enjoy your drive.