Category: Destinations

The southernmost town of Central Hokkaido, Erimo (えりも) is well-known for its scenic cape juts out into the Pacific Ocean.

Listed as a Unesco Global Geopark, the small fishing town of Samani (様似) has a variety of unusual terrains from the scenic coastlines to the flower mountains.

Urakawa (浦河), the small capital of Hidaka Region, is worth a visit for racehorse lovers. One of world’s greatest blood-horse training centers spread out along the Pegasus Road.

Nibutani (二風谷) is a riverside Ainu kotan on Saru-gawa in the western part of Hidaka Region.

About 45km east of Sapporo, Kuriyama (meaning ‘chestnut mountain’) is a neat agricultural town. The town is famous for its sake brewing.

Fukagawa (深川) is a jumping-off point for Rumoi, Horokanai and Hokuryu. The city has a variety of orchards, cycle paths, trails and soba restaurants.

Between Abashiri and Shari along the Sea of Okhotsk, Koshimizu (小清水) makes a good stopover on the way to Shiretoko or Kushiro, such as Tofutsu-ko and Koshimizu Genseikaen.

After passing through the dynamic Sekihoku Pass on Route 39 from Daisetsuzan National Park, Onneyu (温根湯) is a popular onsen village to break up a journey for Kitami or Akan-ko.

kutahara (丸瀬布) boast the Museum of Worldwide Wooden Toys and the pleasant onsen North King.

Maruseppu (丸瀬布) has several interesting attractions, such as a steam locomotive and an Insectarium. There are also pleasant onsen.

The forested town of Engaru (遠軽) functions as a useful transport hub for access to Monbetsu. Take a dip in the tranquil onsen or visit the flower gardens.

Famed for its rural landscapes and as the main setting of the long TV drama series Kita-no-Kuni-kara (From the Northern Country), Rokugo is a lovely agricultural village.

Bordering on both Central and Eastern Hokkaido, this peaceful and tranquil village embraced by the majestic forest in the mountains.

Rikubetsu (陸別) is known as Eastern Hokkaido’s coldest town. It is a hub for buses between Obihiro and Kitami.

Hokkaido’s only castle town, Matsumae is known as Little Kyoto of the North. Exploring the temple town and cherry-blossom viewing spots.