Category: Destinations

The small capital of Hiyama Region on the west coast of the Oshima Peninsula, Esashi (江差) was Hokkaido’s main trading center from 17th- to 19th-century, when Japanese merchants brought herring and woods.

Mashike (増毛) is Rumoi Region’s most historic town with fine stone and wooden buildings around the old train station.

Rumoi (留萌) was once herring fishing and colliery town. The city boasts gorgeous sunset and fresh seafood.

Halfway between Tomakomai and Erimo, Hidaka Region’s largest town of Shinhidaka (新ひだか) is the base of visit the engaging racehorse stables.

Niikappu (新冠) is one of Hidaka Region’s top racehorse breeding grounds, known as the ‘Thoroughbred Ginza’.

Iwamizawa (岩見沢) is a good starting point for exploring the region’s old coal mining towns. Heavy snowfall often occurs in winter.

Bibai (美唄) was once Hokkaido’s second-largest coal mining city sits halfway between Sapporo and Asahikawa, on Japan’s longest straight road.

On the northern bank of Ishikari-gawa, Tobetsu (当別) is a semi-rural setting, with excellent campsites and a Swedish-style village.

Ebetsu (江別) is famous for its renga (red-brick) manufacturing dates back to 1891. More than 400 old and new red-brick buildings are scattered throughout the city.

Hokkaido’s largest industrial city, Tomakomai (苫小牧) has one of Japan’s busiest ports and a number of long-distance ferries operate from Honshu.

The riverside town of Kyogoku (京極) is home to Japan’s top 100 Famous Mineral Water.

The main gateway town for Yotei-sanroku area from Sapporo, Kimobetsu (喜茂別) has wonderful views of both Yotei-zan and Shiribetsu-dake.

Halfway between Niseko and Rusutsu, Makkari (真狩) attracts attention for its scenic rural landscape.

Kuromatsunai (黒松内) is a nice place to hike the footpaths in the countryside. Slow your pace and take the time to relax.

About 45km northeast of Asahikawa, this small town is a stopover en route to Sounkyo Onsen. Also, Kamikawa is known for its tasty ramen.

A pleasant riverside setting, Toyokoro (豊頃) is a quiet gateway of the Tokachi-kaigan. In winter, photogenic ‘jewelry ice’ washes onto Otsu.