![Winter leisure season is here! Enjoy the ice and snow of Sounkyo and Okhotsk [Scenic Byway Hokkaido (17)]｜Domingo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F01%2F5a1c1dfee0092c7a1db5813f4f522c78.jpg)
ARTICLES
Winter leisure season is here! Enjoy the ice and snow of Sounkyo and Okhotsk [Scenic Byway Hokkaido (17)]
This drive route
Sounkyo-Okhotsk Scenic Byway
It is located in the northeast of central Kamikawa and the northwest of the Okhotsk General Bureau. The area has a variety of regional resources, including tourism resources centered around the Sea of Okhotsk, such as Mount Kurodake in the Daisetsu mountain range in the west, Sounkyo Onsen, one of the leading hot spring towns in Hokkaido, Lake Saroma in Abashiri Quasi-National Park in the east, and flower tourism in the inland areas, waterfalls, streams and reservoir lakes in the mountains, seafood and fresh agricultural products that are representative of Hokkaido, and processed food manufacturing that makes use of these.
The extension of the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway will improve access between major tourist destinations and is expected to increase mobility. The area also has an abundance of tourism resources as a result of economies of scale, and is likely to see diverse combinations and collaborations between these resources.
Recommended spots to stop by during your drive!
1. Mori no Okhotsk Roadside Station - Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort 2. Garinko-go III IMERU 3. Okhotsk Drift Ice Park 4. Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival
1
Roadside Station Mori no Okhotsk Engaru Rock Valley Ski Resort
This is the first roadside station in Hokkaido with a ski resort attached. It is equipped with 6 courses that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced skiers, and a bobsleigh plaza. You can access the slopes directly from the "Rock Valley Lodge" on the second floor of the roadside station. The roadside station offers a food menu using local ingredients, local specialties, and a foot bath with highly concentrated carbonated spring water that is effective in relieving fatigue.
Roadside Station Engaru Forest of Okhotsk
■Location 150-1 Nogami, Engaru Town ■ Contact Information 0158-42-4536 ■ Business hours ・1st floor toilets and rest area: 24 hours ・Foot bath: 9:00~18:00 ・Shop: 9:00-18:00 ・Food court: 9:00-18:00 (LO/17:00) ・Ski resort: [December to February] Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 to 20:00, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 9:00 to 17:00 [March] Tuesday to Friday 10:00-20:00, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 9:00-17:00 * May vary depending on slope conditions, etc. ・Stamping time: Stamping available 24 hours a day ■Closing Days Open all year round *There are temporary closures for maintenance, etc. ■ Map code 617 389 299*41 ■ Map
2
Garinko III IMERU
The smell of the sea, the flow of the wind, the colors of the drift ice and seawater, the sound of the drift ice breaking, and tasting food made with local products at the food court. You can enjoy a mysterious and fascinating world that only those who have been on board can understand with all five senses. On January 9, 2021, the new ship "Garinko-go III IMERU" will be launched. The capacity and speed have been greatly increased from the previous Garinko-go II, which has been certified as a Hokkaido Heritage Site! It will be operated with a two-vehicle system.
Okhotsk Garinko Tower Co., Ltd.
■Location Monbetsu City Marine Park No. 1 ■ Contact Information 0158-24-8000 ■ Business hours Please refer to the website as times may differ depending on the season, day of the week, and type of ship. ・Okhotsk Garinko Tower Co., Ltd. 8:30-17:30 ・Ocean Exchange Center Food Court (representative menu items are in parentheses) Kaisen Rin Shokudo (seafood bowl) 11:00~ quattro Garinko store (pasta) 11:00~ Takoyaki Boss (Takoyaki) 11:00~ Kita Farm (Hamburgers) 10:00~ Luluco Simple (Curry) 11:00~ Garinkoya (roasted sweet potato) 11:00~ Nishiya (Ramen) 11:00-19:00 For more information, click here ■Closing Days [January to March 2022] Garinko-go II: Closed every Wednesday (operating period: January 20th to March 4th) Food court stores: No scheduled closing days (each store may be closed temporarily) * Nishiya: Closed on Tuesdays in January and March (open every day in February) * (Garinko-go III IMERU: Currently out of service due to maintenance) ■ Map code 801 585 792*30 ■ Map
3
Okhotsk Drift Ice Park
Taking advantage of the size and facilities of the Okhotsk Drift Ice Park, we plan to hold a winter activity event, Drift Ice Park Winterland 2022. We have prepared a variety of events for you to enjoy winter, including activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow rafting, as well as nature experience sessions and a snow play area.
Okhotsk Drift Ice Park
■Location Monbetsu City Motomonbetsu 101 ■ Contact Information 0158-27-4560 ■ Business hours 10:00～15:00 ■Closing Days ◆Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experience: Open everyday (experience period: mid-January to early March 2021) Snow rafting and banana boat experience: Closed Mondays to Fridays (experience period: late January to early March 2021) ■ Map code 801 527 539*51 ■ Map
4
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival
This is a major winter event in Sounkyo. Ice sculptures, made to make the most of nature, are lined up along the Ishikari River, and when lit up, they create a fantastic sight. The theme of the ice sculptures and the contents of the event change every year. In the past, we have held unique events such as extreme cold certificates, ice waterfall shrines, and ice climbing. Don't miss it!
The 47th Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival in Kamikawa District
■Location Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town (special venue) ■ Contact Information 01658-2-1811 (Sounkyo Tourism Association) 01658-5-3350 (Sounkyo Tourist Association Information Center) ■ Business hours 17:00～21:30 ■Closing Days No closing days during the period from late January to March ■ Map code 623 232 018*64 ■ Map
How was it? This route allowed us to fully experience the snow, ice, and cold of winter. Please enjoy the fantastic scenery that can only be seen at this time of year and the winter activities to the fullest. Please take thorough precautions against the spread of COVID-19 and be careful when driving on winter roads, and enjoy your drive.
Scenic Byway Hokkaido
Scenic Byway Hokkaido
You may also want to read this!
Recommended for those who read this article ・20 recommended spots for driving near Asahikawa! Including rare spots where you can see, touch and enjoy the magnificent nature and animals! ・We are committed to not exaggerating. Asahikawa's beloved local media "Motocracy" [Part 1] Topics near this article ・Create your own "interesting" experiences. The story of Kinubari Ezomaru, who moved to Kamikawa Town with his friends. ・The night view is also romantic and recommended! "Arashiyama Observatory" offers a panoramic view of Asahikawa city
