SPOT
The Horoman River originates in the Hidaka Mountains and flows into the Pacific Ocean. The middle and lower reaches of the river are a natural valley stretching about 8km along the east side of the Apoi massif (Pinneshiri to Mt. Apoi), known as Horoman Gorge. The valley is made of the same peridotite as Mt. Apoi, and perhaps because of this, the river is a uniformly blue color, creating a beautiful landscape together with the mountainside covered in a mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest. The autumn foliage is particularly beautiful, making this a famous spot known only to those in the know.
Along the way, there is also a hydroelectric power plant with over 70 years of history, making it an important industrial heritage site.The paved road is 2km from the river mouth, and beyond that it is a narrow gravel road, but there are plenty of evacuation spaces on the side of the road, so it is easily passable even for passenger cars.
regular closing day
Autumn foliage season: Mid-October to early November
parking lot
Available (parking space beside the forest road)
Location
Horoman Gorge, Samani Town, Samani District
Access
■Public transportation
30 minutes by taxi from Samani Station on the former JR Hidaka Main Line
[When using intercity buses, etc.]
From Sapporo, take the Donan Bus Expressway "Pegasus" and get off at "Urakawa Terminal." Go to Higashimachi (in front of the Red Cross), transfer to the JR Hokkaido Bus bound for "Samani," get off at "Samani," and take a 30-minute taxi ride.
■Car
From Sapporo, take National Route 36 or the Hokkaido Expressway/Hidaka Expressway, then National Route 235, 236, or 336, then turn left onto the national route in Horoman, Samani Town (there will be a sign). Follow the road for about 10 minutes. The road becomes a gravel road halfway through. 30 minutes by car from Samani Town Hall
*The information listed is current as of September 2025.
*The information posted may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
