Located in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is known for its vast nature and beautiful seasonal scenery. Therefore, you can enjoy its charms to the fullest by touring Hokkaido by car. In spring, the area is filled with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, in summer with fields of flowers and blue lakes, in autumn with beautiful autumn foliage, and in winter with snowy landscapes. In this article, we will introduce four driving spots for each of these seasons.
Four recommended spring driving spots in Hokkaido
It is the season when the land of Hokkaido awakens with the melting of snow, and fresh greenery and flowers are in full bloom. Why not enjoy a spring-like drive while enjoying the refreshing scenery unique to this time of year? Let’s spend a special time to feel the arrival of spring while keeping safe driving!
Goryokaku Park
Located in Hakodate City, Goryokaku Park is famous for its star-shaped fortress and attracts many cherry blossom viewers in spring when approximately 1,600 cherry trees are in full bloom. Walking through the tunnel of cherry blossoms and admiring the historical buildings is a special experience.
Information
- Address: 44-2 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
- Phone: 0138-31-5505
- Parking: None (Pay parking nearby)
- Admission: Free in the park (paid facilities available)
- Official Website: https://www.hakodate-jts-kosya.jp/park/goryokaku/
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world. In spring, the surrounding snow melts and the clear blue surface of the lake shines beautifully. Driving along the lake’s shores while relaxing in nature is a wonderful experience.
Information
- Address: 088-3222 Teshikaga Town, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido.
- Phone:015-482-1530 (Lake Mashu Observatory No.1)
- Parking: Yes (paid parking)
- Official Website: https://masyuko.or.jp/en/
Shirogane Blue Pond
Shirogane Blue Pond, located in Biei-cho, is known for its mysterious blue color. In spring, the surrounding nature is covered with fresh greenery, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue pond.
Information
- Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0235
- Telephone number: 0166-92-4321
- Parking: Yes (paid parking)
- Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/
Matsumae Castle
Matsumae Castle is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, approximately 10,000 cherry trees are in full bloom, offering a beautiful view. The historical atmosphere and the beauty of the cherry blossoms blend together to create a spectacular spot. It is a must-visit spot in spring!
Information
- Address: 144 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido, 049-1511, Japan
- Phone: 0139-42-2216
- Parking:Yes (free parking)
- Official Website: https://travel–matsumae-jp.translate.goog/history-culture/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja
Four Recommended Summer Driving Spots in Hokkaido
Summer in Hokkaido is the best season for driving, with blue skies and lush green wilderness. The heat is relatively mild, making it a popular summer resort. Enjoy the unique scenery of Hokkaido while feeling the summer breeze!
Lavender fields in Furano
Furano in summer is a purple carpet of lavender flowers in full bloom. Driving through the vast flower fields, surrounded by the beautiful fragrance, is one of the best parts of summer. Farm Tomita is especially worth a visit.
Information
- Address: 15, Basen-Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Furano-shi, Hokkaido, 071-0704
- Phone: 0167-39-3939
- Parking:Yes (free parking)
- Official Website: https://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/
Cape Soya
Cape Soya, Japan’s northernmost point, is a perfect spot for a summer drive. The beautiful coastline and wide expanses of grassland will take your mind back to the Arctic Circle. In summer, the refreshing breezes are perfect for driving.
Information
- Address: Cape Soya, Wakkanai City, Hokkaido,098-6758
- Phone: 0162-23-6468
- Parking:Yes (free parking)
- Official Site: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/index_1_2_13___0____.html
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is one of the clearest lakes in Japan and can be enjoyed by canoe or boat in summer. There are also hot springs by the lake for relaxation. Driving while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake is exceptional.
Information
- Address: Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
- phone: 0123-25-2404
- Parking:Yes (Paid parking)
- Official Site: https://lake-shikotsu.jp/
Sankebetsu Bear Incident Reconstruction Site
The Sankebetsu Bear Incident Reconstruction Site is the site of one of the most famous bear attacks in Japan. Visitors can learn the details of the incident and experience history in a natural setting. It is an interesting spot to visit on a summer road trip. The author has actually visited there and found it to have a unique atmosphere.
I also wrote about our actual visit. If you are interested in this driving spot, please read it!
Information
- Address: Sankei, Tomamae-cho, Tomamae-gun, Hokkaido 078-3638
- Telephone number: 0164-64-2212
- Parking: Yes (free parking)
- Official Website: http://www.town.tomamae.lg.jp/section/shokouroudou/lg6iib0000000ls1.html
Four Recommended Autumn Driving Spots in Hokkaido
Autumn in Hokkaido is a season of spectacular scenery, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage. While driving, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and seasonal delicacies that only autumn can offer. Drive safely and enjoy the colorful autumn scenery!
Kushiro Marshland National Park
Kushiro Marshlands National Park is the largest marshland in Japan and a natural treasure trove of diverse flora and fauna. The magnificent scenery of the vast marshland is especially special when it is tinted with morning mist or at sunset. We recommend taking the time to observe the marshlands while walking along the observation platforms and wooden paths. In autumn, the beautiful autumn colors of the leaves attract visitors.
Information
- Address: Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido
- Phone:0154-31-1993（Kushiro Convention & Visitors Association)
- Parking:Yes (free parking)
- Official Website:https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/kushiro/index.html
Mt. Asahidake
Mt.Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, is located in Daisetsuzan National Park and is a popular spot for enjoying different spectacular views each season. In summer, alpine plants are in full bloom, and in autumn, the entire mountain is tinged with autumn leaves. Visitors can also take the ropeway up to the mountainside and enjoy trekking. The view from the top of the mountain is truly breathtaking.
Information
- Address: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
- Phone: 0166-68-9111
- Parking:Yes (paid parking)
- Official Site:https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/en/
Autumn Leaves in Sounkyo
Sounkyo is a magnificent gorge that stretches at the foot of Mt. Daisetsuzan. In autumn, the mountains turn red and yellow, and visitors can enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage scenery. The view from Momijidani and the Kurodake ropeway is particularly popular, and leaves visitors in awe. Visitors can enjoy the quiet autumn atmosphere with the murmuring of the mountain stream.
Information
- Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
- phone: 01658-9-4400
- Parking:Yes (Free parking)
- Official Site: https://sounkyo.net/
Shiroi Koibito Park (October Limited Event)
Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park for “Shiroi Koibito,” Hokkaido’s classic sweet treat, and offers special decorations and activities for visitors to enjoy during the October-only Halloween event. Visitors can observe the production process and try their hand at making sweets at the park, which offers something for everyone from adults to children.We invite you to visit on your way back from other driving spots!
Information
- Address: 2-11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Telephone number: 011-666-1481
- Parking: Yes (paid parking)
- Official Website: https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/en/
Three Recommended Winter Driving Spots in Hokkaido
In winter, driving is generally not recommended unless you are a good driver because of the snowfall. Nevertheless, for those who still want to drive in Hokkaido in winter, here are some recommended spots.
Enjoy your drive with safety first in mind, such as by putting chains on your tires!
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido’s most popular tourist attractions and is known as the first zoo in Japan to introduce “behavioral exhibits”. Visitors are fascinated by the penguins’ underwater tunnel and polar bears’ dive, where they can observe the animals’ natural movements up close. Visitors can enjoy the life of the animals in the seasonal scenery, making this a spot for both children and adults.
Information
- Address: Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido
- Phone:0166-36-1104
- Parking:Yes (paid parking)
- Official Website: https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCAKC/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/index.html?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0
what is “behavioral exhibit”?
Behavioral Exhibit is an exhibit that is designed to show the animal’s ecology and associated abilities to the viewer in a naturally induced manner.
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/行動展示
Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal is a romantic sightseeing area lined with historic warehouses, where you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere by day and the fantastic scenery by night with gas lamps lighting up the canal. In addition to strolling along the canal, we recommend taking a canal cruise to enjoy the view from the water. It is a suitable spot to visit during a drive to enjoy Otaru’s unique seafood cuisine.
Information
- Address: Shikouchi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Phone: 0134-32-4111 (Otaru City Tourist Information Center)
- Parking:Yes (many paid parking lots nearby)
- Official Website: https://otaru.gr.jp/#
Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, and is also known as the “department store of hot springs” with nine different types of springs. Visitors can enjoy the powerful scenery of steam rising from the volcanic activity site called “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley). The hot spring town is lined with footbath spots and hot spring inns that use hot spring water from the source, making it the perfect place to relax after a hard day’s work. Since it is located in the mountains and the area has a lot of snow, it is necessary to check in advance as the area may be closed to traffic.
Information
- Address: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
- phone: 0143-84-3311 (Noboribetsu Tourist Association)
- Parking:Yes (free and paid parking)
- Official Site:https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/en/
Summary
Each of the 15 spots introduced here has its own unique charm and can provide you with an experience that will enhance your trip to Hokkaido. When actually visiting, please check the official website for the latest information and enjoy a safe and enjoyable drive!
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