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The main gateway town for Yotei-sanroku area from Sapporo via the scenic Nakayama-toge pass, Kimobetsu (喜茂別) has wonderful views of both Yotei-zan and Shiribetsu-dake, which looks like twin Ezo-Fuji. There are some excellent lookout points around the town.
Sightseeing
Nakayama-toge Pass
中山峠
1min walk from Nakayama-toge bus stop
On the border pass of Kimobetsu and Sapporo at 835m, Nakayama-toge is a popular place to break up a driving on Route 230. The lookout point has a view of Yotei-zan. The Michi-no-eki Boyo Nakayama (道の駅望羊中山) has a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Ageimo (skewed fried potato) is a speciality take-away food here. Sapporo-Toyako buses make a 10-minute stop at Kimobetsu-side car park.
Nakayama-toge Ski Area
中山峠スキー場
15min walk from Nakayama-toge bus stop
Only open on early December and early spring each year, this small ski area boasts one of Hokkaido’s best terrain parks overlooking the surrounding mountains. Equipment rental is available.
Aikawa Viewpoint Parking Lot
相川ビューポイントパーキング
20min walk from Chomin-koen bus stop / 28min walk from Kimobetsu bus stop
About 2km west of the town hall on Route 276, you can overlooking the scenic straight road backed by Yotei-zan.
Map
Getting There
BUS
Kimobetsu bus stop is located near Sato-no-eki Hot Kimobetsu (郷の駅ホッときもべつ) on Route 230 facing the 7-Eleven.
Donan Bus operates intercity buses (compulsory reservation) to Kimobetsu from Sapporo (1hr 46min) via Jozankei and Nakayama-toge, as well as Toyako-onsen (51min) vis Rusutsu Resort and Chomin-koen-mae (町民公園前).
From JR Kutchan Station, local buses run to Kimobetsu (45min) via Kyogoku.
Getting Around
BUS
From Kimobetsu bus stop, the municipal bus Usapara-go (ウサパラ号) runs around the town (Mon-Sat except holiday).
Information
Kimobetsu Tourism Association
喜茂別観光協会
Kimobetsu bus stop
喜茂別 | 키모베츠
Address：Kimobetsu-cho, Hokkaido
Distance：72km from Sapporo
Elevation：254m