This route is packed with highlights where you can fully enjoy nature, from mountains and lakes to vast farm fields! Choose your favorite spots and enjoy a drive while savoring the autumn flavors of Tokachi!!

This Route's Coordinator

This Drive's Route

Tokachi Scenic Byway: Tokachi Plain/Foothills Route

Located in the northwestern part of the vast Tokachi Plain, this route winds along the foothills of the Daisetsuzan and Hidaka Mountains. To clearly distinguish it from other areas in the Tokachi region, the route's name combines "Tokachi Plain," expressing its regional character and grandeur, with "Foothills," which evokes the image of deep forests.

Let's Head Out for a Drive!

1 Matsumi Ohashi Bridge

Mikuni Pass on National Route 273 is the highest mountain pass in Hokkaido, offering a spectacular view of distant mountains and a great sea of trees below. Within this sea of trees lies the beautiful Matsumi Ohashi Bridge, which looks as if it's floating in the sky. Why not take a drive through the primeval forest as it changes color, from the refreshing white birch-lined road of Tokachi Mitsumata to the observatory with the Mikuni Toge Café, all under the clear autumn sky of Tokachi?

Matsumi Ohashi Bridge

2 YORKSHIRE FARM

At Yorkshire Farm, about 200 sheep graze on a 10-hectare pasture. Starting in July, beautiful climbing roses begin to bloom on the English-style manor, which also offers accommodation. You can enjoy a meal on the terrace while watching the sheep and admiring the garden. We recommend dishes made with their own lamb and local ingredients from Shintoku Town. There are plenty of delicious things to try, including venison, locally made cheese, and specialty log-grown shiitake mushrooms.

YORKSHIRE FARM

3 Lake Shikaribetsu

At an altitude of 810 meters, this is the highest lake in Hokkaido and the only natural lake in Daisetsuzan National Park. The surrounding area is covered in primeval forest and is home to precious wildlife such as the pika, said to have inhabited the area since the ice age. In the summer, it's a popular spot with a wide variety of activities like Canadian canoeing and the "Air Trip." There are also accommodation facilities nearby, so we highly recommend an overnight stay!

Shikaoi Town Tourism Association Website Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center

4 Biman Panorama Park

Biman Panorama Park is an observation deck offering an impressive view of Tokachi's vast rural landscape with the Hidaka Mountains in the background. It serves as a viewpoint parking area where travelers and business visitors can take a breather. The sunset viewed from here is so beautiful you'll lose track of time. Another highlight is being able to see the changing scenery of the Hidaka Mountains throughout the four seasons.

Tokachibare | Tokachi Tourism Federation Official Site

5 Mikuni Toge Café

Mikuni Pass connects Kamishihoro Town and Nukabira Gensenkyo in Tokachi with the Kamikawa area. This scenic log house café allows you to enjoy the magnificent natural landscape. The owner's pride is the hand-dripped coffee made with home-roasted beans and the cute latte art, and the hearty curry rice is also recommended. The café also sells miscellaneous goods from Tokachi-born artists, making it a place where you can enjoy a relaxing time!

Kamishihoro Town Tourism Association

Summary

This route, filled with breathtaking scenery you can only see now and adorable animals, is a truly healing journey. The Domingo editorial team is now itching to hit the road and drive through these stunning landscapes.
During Hokkaido's short autumn, please enjoy a drive while taking thorough precautions against infectious diseases!