The Attractions of “Eastern & Northern Hokkaido” from Spring to Summer > Recommended Nature & Scenic Spots
The Attractions of "Eastern & Northern Hokkaido" from Spring to Summer
Recommended
Nature & Scenic Spots
From spring to summer, Eastern & Northern Hokkaido offer overwhelming natural beauty, including vast marshes, beautiful lakes, and majestic mountains.
Why not spend some relaxing time surrounded by breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons?
〜Recommended Nature & Scenic Spots in “Eastern Hokkaido”〜
1
Shiretoko Goko Lakes
The five lakes, surrounded by primeval forest, show a mystical landscape with the Shiretoko mountain range. The elevated boardwalks and ground-level promenades let visitors safely stroll through the natural beauty of each season.
■Tips of Sightseeing
From the elevated boardwalk, you can gaze out a spectacular view of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of Okhotsk reflected on the lake surfaces.
From the elevated boardwalk, you can gaze out a spectacular view of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of Okhotsk reflected on the lake surfaces.
Location：Onnebetsu-mura, Shari-cho, Hokkaido
2
Whale and Killer Whale Watching in Rausu
With the majestic Shiretoko mountain range in the background, you can observe a variety of animals up close, including killer whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales. The killer whales, which can often be seen in May, are particularly famous, and the sight of their powerful jumps and dorsal fins up close is truly impressive.
■Tips of Sightseeing
What makes this cruise so attractive is that you can get up close to the animals on a small boat while listening to commentary from an experienced guide.
What makes this cruise so attractive is that you can get up close to the animals on a small boat while listening to commentary from an experienced guide.
Location：Fujimi-cho, Rausu-cho, Hokkaido (Rausu Port / sightseeing cruise departure point)
3
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is the largest caldera lake in Japan. Fresh greenery and flowers decorate the lakeside from spring to summer, making visitors feel the peaceful passage of time. A fantastical sea of clouds covers the lake surface under certain conditions, creating a mystical sight.
■Tips of Sightseeing
You can enjoy the sea of clouds and water activities on the lakeside surrounded by fresh greenery and flowers.
You can enjoy the sea of clouds and water activities on the lakeside surrounded by fresh greenery and flowers.
Location：Aza Biruwa, Teshikaga-cho, Hokkaido
4
Lake Mashu
It is a mysterious lake famous for its clearest water in Japan. The surrounding greenery shines brilliantly from spring to summer, attracting all visitors. If you are lucky, you get to see the fantastic view of a sea of clouds in the early morning from June to September.
■Tips of Sightseeing
Lake Mashu First Observatory has “Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace” with a cafe and gift shops.
Lake Mashu First Observatory has “Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace” with a cafe and gift shops.
Location：Teshikaga-cho, Hokkaido
5
Kaiyodai
From a hill 270 m (886 ft) above sea level, you can see a 330-degree panoramic view of the grasslands stretching to the horizon. The landscape spreads out like a green carpet from spring to summer, allowing you to view a typical Hokkaido scenery.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The cafe inside the observatory is popular for its soft serve ice cream made with locally produced milk and honey.
The cafe inside the observatory is popular for its soft serve ice cream made with locally produced milk and honey.
Location：2256-17, Mataochi, Nakashibetsu-cho, Hokkaido
6
Todowara
It is a place with a unique desolate feel, with dead fir trees scattered across the land due to seawater erosion and salty winds. You can feel the harshness and beauty of nature while walking on the trail. Sightseeing tractor buses usually operate from around May to October.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The walking trail starts at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center.
The walking trail starts at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center.
Location：Notsuke, Betsukai-cho, Hokkaido
7
Lake Akan
This beautiful lake, surrounded by primeval forest, is home to Marimo, a special natural monument of Japan. The lake surface freezes over during the coldest months of the year and begins to melt in the spring. When summer comes, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as canoeing and trekking.
■Tips of Sightseeing
It’s recommended to take the sightseeing cruise to view the scenery from the lake. The cruise also lets you see real Marimo at the Marimo Exhibition & Observation Center on Churui Island.
It’s recommended to take the sightseeing cruise to view the scenery from the lake. The cruise also lets you see real Marimo at the Marimo Exhibition & Observation Center on Churui Island.
Location：Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido
8
Onneto
This beautiful lake has a circumference of about 2.5 km (1.5 ml), and depending on the season, weather, and angle, the color of the lake surface changes to blue, emerald green, dark blue, etc. The mysterious scenery makes all who visit impressed.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The lakeside observation deck offers panoramic lake views with the surrounding mountains.
The lakeside observation deck offers panoramic lake views with the surrounding mountains.
Location：Moashoro, Ashoro-cho, Hokkaido
9
Kushiro Marsh
This area, the largest marshland in Japan, has a rich ecosystem. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the red-crowned cranes and the white-tailed sea eagles, both designated as special natural monuments. From the observation deck, you can gaze out a panoramic view of the vast marshland.
■Tips of Sightseeing
On the guided canoe tour, you can go down the Kushiro River and witness the marsh ecosystem up close.
On the guided canoe tour, you can go down the Kushiro River and witness the marsh ecosystem up close.
Location：Kushiro-cho & Kushiro, Hokkaido
10
Tokachi Ranch Birch Avenue
Located in Otofuke-cho, this public ranch has a beautiful 1.3 km (0.8 ml) long row of white birch trees and an observatory that are open to the public. The row of white birch trees is also known as a filming location for Japanese TV dramas and movies.
■Tips of Sightseeing
From the observatory, you can enjoy views of the surrounding pastures and the majestic mountains of Tokachi.
From the observatory, you can enjoy views of the surrounding pastures and the majestic mountains of Tokachi.
Location：Komabanamiki, Otofuke-cho, Hokkaido
〜Recommended Nature & Scenic Spots in “Northern Hokkaido”〜
1
Ginga Falls
This waterfall flows gracefully down a sheer cliff like a white thread, and has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 best waterfalls. About 20 minutes’ walk up the slope, opposite the falls from the parking lot, will take you to an observatory called “Sobakudai.” You can see the two waterfalls cascading down at the same time from there.
■Tips of Sightseeing
In the parking lot, there is a gift shop called “Taki Mintara” where you can buy souvenirs or take a break.
In the parking lot, there is a gift shop called “Taki Mintara” where you can buy souvenirs or take a break.
Location：Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Hokkaido
2
Mt. Kurodake
The mountain has an altitude of 1,984 m (6,509 ft), and you can access it up to the fifth and seventh stations by ropeway and lift. There is a walking trail around the fifth station that can be completed in about 30 minutes, allowing you to stroll while viewing the alpine plants.
■Tips of Sightseeing
You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the Nature Terrace on the rooftop of Mt. Kurodake Station at the fifth station.
You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the Nature Terrace on the rooftop of Mt. Kurodake Station at the fifth station.
Location：Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Hokkaido
3
Mt. Asahidake
It is the highest mountain in Hokkaido, with an elevation of 2,291 m (7,516 ft). The mountain is filled with beautiful alpine plants in summer. You can take a ropeway up to an altitude of 1,600 m (5,249 ft), where you can view the mountain scenery up close.
■Tips of Sightseeing
There is a trekking course of about 1 hour at the Sugatami Ropeway Station.
There is a trekking course of about 1 hour at the Sugatami Ropeway Station.
Location：Nokanan, Higashikawa-cho, Hokkaido
4
Hagoromo Falls
Located on the eastern side of Mt. Daisetsu, this waterfall has a drop of about 270 m (886 ft). What makes this waterfall so unique is the way the water flows down in seven tiers. It is designated as one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan” for its graceful scenery.
■Tips of Sightseeing
It is recommended to trek up to the observatory for a full view of the falls.
It is recommended to trek up to the observatory for a full view of the falls.
Location：Matsuyama Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Hokkaido
5
Shujitsu Hill
From the vast hill, you can gaze out a magnificent panorama with the Daisetsuzan mountain range, the Tokachi mountain range, and Asahikawa city. Additionally, the undulating one-lane road provides a roller-coaster-like driving experience.
■Tips of Sightseeing
Please note that there are no facilities such as parking lots or toilets.
Please note that there are no facilities such as parking lots or toilets.
Location：Shujitsu, Nishikagura, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
6
Shirogane Blue Pond
The beautiful blue water surface and the dead larch trees create a fantastical landscape. The components that flow into the water from the river reflect sunlight, making it the color blue. The colors change depending on the weather and season, showing different views every time you visit.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The color of the water changes depending on the weather, and on sunny afternoons the blue gets especially vibrant.
The color of the water changes depending on the weather, and on sunny afternoons the blue gets especially vibrant.
Location：Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido
7
Shirahige Falls
The groundwater gushing out from the rock face forms a waterfall, creating a beautiful landscape. A unique contrast is created by the harmony between the flowing water and the blue surface of the Biei River. Surrounded by fresh greenery, a refreshing landscape is created from spring through summer.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The view of the waterfall and the blue river from the observation bridge is a spectacular spot, perfect for photos.
The view of the waterfall and the blue river from the observation bridge is a spectacular spot, perfect for photos.
Location：Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido
8
Biei Hills
The hills of Biei are filled with colorful flowers and cultivated crops, creating a picturesque landscape from spring to summer. Many tourists visit the area from July to September as the lavender, sunflowers, and other flowers are in full bloom.
■Tips of Sightseeing
Please note that entering the crop fields at Biei Hills is prohibited.
Please note that entering the crop fields at Biei Hills is prohibited.
Location：Biei-cho, Hokkaido
9
Tokachidake Bogakudai Observation Tower
From the observation tower, located at an altitude of 930 m (3,051 ft), you can see a panoramic view of the majestic mountains and vast scenery. Summer here is perfect for outdoor activities, surrounded by fully bloomed alpine plants and clear, fresh air.
■Tips of Sightseeing
There is a well-maintained walking trail, so you can enjoy hiking.
There is a well-maintained walking trail, so you can enjoy hiking.
Location：Shirogane, Biei-cho, Hokkaido
10
Hoshino Resort Tomamu Unkai Terrace
Under certain weather conditions, you can see a close-up view of the magnificent sea of clouds. A cafe offering cloud-themed sweets and drinks, as well as unique observation spots such as the ‘Cloud Walk,’ which provides the sensation of walking above the clouds, are also available.
■Tips of Sightseeing
The probability of the sea of clouds forming is about 40%, and it is recommended to visit early in the morning from May to October.
The probability of the sea of clouds forming is about 40%, and it is recommended to visit early in the morning from May to October.
Location：Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Hokkaido
The Attractions of “Eastern & Northern Hokkaido” from Spring to Summer > Recommended Nature & Scenic Spots