Day Trip from Sapporo! Hokkaido's Best Scenic Drive Model Courses

Must-visit for your Hokkaido trip! Recommended by our editors! "Dōō Shiroshi Course"

From here, we'll introduce a scenic drive course, the "Doo-Soshi Course," recommended by the TRAPOL editorial department, who know Hokkaido better than anyone.

Enjoying deep-fried potatoes at Michi-no-Eki Bōyō Nakayama (Nakayama Pass).

Source:Michi-no-Eki Bōyō NakayamaOfficial website

First, how about trying the popular "Ageimo" (deep-fried potato skewers) at Roadside Station Boyo Nakayama (Nakayama Pass)? Roadside Station Boyo Nakayama, which is said to be visited by approximately 4 million travelers annually, is located at the summit of Nakayama Pass, and on clear days, you can see the beautiful Mt. Yotei.

At this roadside station, a hugely popular soul food is the "Ganso Ageimo." The combination of crispy batter, made with a secret "magic powder," and the satisfyingly heavy potato is truly addictive. Featured in the media, this immensely popular product sells over 300,000 units annually.

There's also a flavor variation corner where you can add your favorite spices like ketchup, bagna cauda, or parmesan pepper to your plain fried potato. There's also an eat-in corner, so those who prefer to sit and eat can rest assured.

Address: 345 Kawakami, Kimobetsu-cho

Access: National Route 230, Nakayama Pass Approx. 60 minutes from Sapporo Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Otaru

Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Admission: Free

View Mt. Yotei from the Aikawa Viewpoint Parking Lot in Kimobetsu Town.

Source:Shimbetsu Town Tourism Information Site

After a light meal, let's view Mt. Yotei from the Aikawa Viewpoint Parking lot in Kimobetsu Town. Mt. Yotei is a conical stratovolcano, and due to its beautiful, Mount Fuji-like appearance, it is called "Ezo Fuji" (Hokkaido's Mount Fuji). It is a mountain so visually stunning that it has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.

Aikawa Viewpoint is located along National Route 276 on the road from Kimobetsu Town to Kyogoku Town, with a free parking lot available. What makes this viewpoint truly special is its magnificent scenery. The combination of the road stretching straight into the distance and Mt. Yotei beyond it is incredibly impressive. Please feel free to stop your car temporarily at the parking lot, take photos of the landscape, or simply take a deep breath in the grand space and spend your time as you wish.

Address: Aikawa, Kimobetsu-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access: From the Shimamaki Town Hall, take Route 276 west for 2 km via the Aikawa intersection.

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Admission: Free

At Niseko Second Arishima Ostrich Farm, interact with ostriches.

Source:Hokkaido Official Tourism Website

Next, how about interacting with ostriches at Niseko Dai-ni Arishima Ostrich Farm?

This is a scenic ranch, also chosen as a "Hometown Viewpoint" in Niseko Town. From the ranch, you can see mountains such as Mt. Yotei and Niseko Annupuri. Here, you can observe ostriches leisurely walking around the ranch for free, and you can also feed them anytime during the grazing season. Among the many ostrich ranches in Hokkaido, this is the only one where you can interact with them for free.

Also, at the ranch, a rare dorayaki containing an ostrich egg is sold, so please try it. It is larger than a regular dorayaki, and has a moist and soft texture. The balance between the bean paste and the dough is good, and the seasoning is gentle, making it easy for anyone to eat.

Address: 239-2 Toyosato, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access: From Teine National Highway, turn left at the corner of Niseko View Plaza roadside station onto Prefectural Road 66. After 1 km, turn left onto Route 230, and continue 3 km along the road.

Business Hours: Open only from early May to early November [Confectionery Workshop & Cafe] (Friday) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission: Free

Eat exquisite Uki-fu Tofu at the Makari Tofu Kobo in the Village of Spring Water

Source:Makkari Tofu Studio - Spring Water VillageOfficial Website

After interacting with the ostriches, let's try some special tofu. "Makari Tofu Workshop in the Village of Spring Water" is a workshop that sells 40 types of tofu, 10 types of tofu sweets, and soy milk products. Among these, two types, "Ukifu Tofu" and "Sugoi Tofu," are particularly popular. Ukifu Tofu has a meltingly soft and fluffy texture, like pudding eaten with a spoon. Sugoi Tofu, on the other hand, is a rich tofu packed with dietary fiber from okara. We highly recommend trying them plain, without any toppings!

Additionally, the workshop has a tasting corner where you can sample the tofu sold in the store. It's appealing that you can try it before you buy it. They also have various other products like oboro tofu and okara donuts, so be sure to pick some up as souvenirs.

Address: 217-1 Makari, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access: 12 minutes by car/Route 66 from JR Niseko Station

Business Hours: [April - November] Weekdays 9:00 - 17:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 9:00 - 18:00

[December-March] Tuesday-Friday 9:00-16:00 Monday, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00-17:00

Admission fee: Free

Eating gelato at Lake Hill Farm

Source:Lake Hill FarmOfficial website

After purchasing souvenirs at the Tofu Kobo, let's enjoy some dessert gelato at Lake Hill Farm. Lake Hill Farm is a gelato shop and cafe situated on a hill overlooking Lake Toya, with views of Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountains. Because it's run by a ranch, you can enjoy fresh gelato made with the fresh milk of cows raised leisurely on the farm. With over 20 flavors on the menu, you might want to try a few different kinds.

Behind the shop, a vast pasture garden stretches out, and on clear days, you can clearly see Mt. Yotei. Eating gelato while gazing at Hokkaido's magnificent nature is sure to be an exceptional experience.

Address: 127 Hanawa, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido

Access Method: By Bus: Donan Bus Sapporo-Lake Toya Line (via Nakayama Pass) Sapporo Station Mae ~ Lake Toya Onsen. Get off at Kawa Entrance for Lake Hill Farm. Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (reservation required). By Car: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes from Sapporo.

Business Hours: Late April to late September 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | October to late April 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission: Free

Overlooking Lake Toya from the Silo Observatory

Source:Silo ObservatoryOfficial website

The end point of our drive is the Silo Observatory. The Silo Observatory is located on a high point along the shore of Lake Toya on the western side of the Toyako Onsen town. It offers panoramic views of Lake Toya, Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan, and Nakajima Island, making it a spectacular viewpoint. Many tourists visit as it is one of the spots where you can see the beautiful Lake Toya. The scenery changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy a breathtaking view no matter when you visit.

Additionally, the observation deck is equipped with a restaurant, a take-out cafe, and a souvenir shop. A popular item among the shop's offerings is the "Lake Toya Caramel Pudding." Its sweet caramel flavor and creamy texture are highly popular, so please be sure to buy it as a souvenir from Lake Toya. It's a perfect spot to conclude your drive, offering a relaxing experience while enjoying the natural scenery.

Address: 3-5 Seika, Toyako Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido

Access: Approximately 15 minutes from the Abuta Toyako IC off the Dōō Expressway. Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo via National Route 230, passing through Nakayama Pass and Rusutsu.

Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (November - April: until 5:00 PM)

Admission: Free

In conclusion

This time, we introduced a one-day driving course from Sapporo that visits scenic spots, recommended by TRAPOL employees who know Hokkaido well. From breathtakingly beautiful views to unique gourmet food, you can experience various charms of Hokkaido in one day. For those considering a trip to Hokkaido, why not try a driving tour?

Check out this article for other breathtaking spots in Hokkaido.