[By Area] Recommended Scenic Spots for Summer Tourism in Hokkaido! Introducing Hidden Gems Known Only to Locals

How about a summer trip to Hokkaido? Let's explore its abundant charms!

Speaking of Hokkaido's charms in the summer, it's how pleasant the weather is. Compared to Honshu, Hokkaido's lower temperatures mean less humidity and dry air, even in summer, making it perfect for travel. You won't be stuck indoors due to the heat, and the mild temperatures make it the best season for outdoor sightseeing. It's also appealing for its abundance of summer-specific scenic views and gourmet food.

Introducing Summer Hokkaido's Scenic Spots by Area!

From here, we will introduce recommended scenic spots in Hokkaido for summer, categorized by area.

1. 【Dohoku Area】 The "Blue Pond" where a fantastical landscape unfolds

Source:Hokkaido Official Tourism Website

Aoiike Pond is a classic, must-visit scenic spot if you're traveling to the Northern Hokkaido area. The larches and the emerald green pond spread out before you, creating an atmosphere like stepping into another world. For those who love breathtaking views, its beauty is something you could gaze at forever.

Also, in the summer, there are many sunny days and the sun shines down, so you can see a more radiant pond. The area around the pond is a walking path, so when you visit by car, it might be a good idea to park once and take a stroll.

Address: Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car or bus from JR Biei Station.

Business hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (varies by month)

Admission fee: Free

2. [Northern Hokkaido Area] Hokkaido's Proud, Dreamlike Road, the "Ororon Line"

Source:skyticket Official Website

The Orolon Line is a road that runs along the coastline, connecting Otaru to Wakkanai for a total of 380 km. It's a dream drive route that Hokkaido is proud of, featuring an endless straight road and offering spectacular views of the sunset and the Sea of Japan.

The roadside is packed with places to enjoy the sunset and Mt. Rishiri, wind farms, and historical spots, so it might be a good idea to stop at various places along the way. As a word of caution, gas stations are only located in larger towns, so be sure to fill up your tank with plenty of time to spare.

Address: Otaru City to Wakkanai City, Hokkaido (via Habo-cho)

Access method: None

Opening hours: None

Admission fee: None

3. [Dohoku Area] Lake Toya, with its crystal-clear waters, is beautiful

Source:Toyako TownOfficial website

Lake Toya is surely a familiar spot, known from the "Hokkaido Toyako Summit," isn't it? Located in the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya is Japan's third-largest caldera lake. Its high transparency and the beauty of its clear water surface are sure to captivate you.

Furthermore, the area around Lake Toya is also famous as a historic hot spring town that has been in operation for over 100 years, dating back to the Taisho era. The hot springs are also known for offering spectacular views of Mt. Yotei and other scenic landscapes that change with the seasons.

Address: Toyako Town, Sobetsu Town, Hokkaido

Access: Approximately 20 minutes by Donan Bus bound for Toyako Onsen from JR Toya Station. Get off at "Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal" and walk a short distance. By car: Approximately 5 minutes from the Do-o Expressway Abuta-Toyako IC via National Route 230, a distance of 3km.

Business Hours: None

Admission: Free

4. [Central Hokkaido Area] Cape Kamui

Source:Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Kamui Misaki is said to have once been a sacred land where women were forbidden. It is a 80-meter-high cape that juts out from the Shakotan Peninsula into the Sea of Japan. At the tip of the promenade, you'll reach a scenic spot where you can overlook the Shakotan Blue sea. You can also see the rounded horizon, which makes you feel the curvature of the Earth.

TRAPOL offers tours where you can view Cape Kamui from a boat. The scenery of Cape Kamui viewed from the sea is a magnificent sight that differs from the view from above, so why not join a cruise while feeling the refreshing summer Hokkaido breeze?

Click here for the trial site.

Address: Kamui-cho, Shakotan Town, Hokkaido

Access: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes by Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Shakotan Cape Kamui from JR Yoichi Station (operates from late April to late October). Get off at the final stop and walk a short distance.

Opening Hours: April - October only, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies by month).

Admission: Free

5. [Eastern Hokkaido Area] Japan's Largest Wetland, "Kushiro Marsh"

Source:Hokkaido Official Tourism Website

The Kushiro Marsh is a vast wetland, said to be the largest in Japan. It is home to untouched nature and diverse flora and fauna, allowing visitors to experience its unique natural beauty up close. With six walking trails within the marsh, it’s a good idea to choose one that matches your physical fitness level.

Furthermore, a short walk along the promenade from the Kiritanpo Marsh Observation Deck leads to the Satellite Observation Deck. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent vista that resembles the vast savannas of Africa. There are also interpretive signs placed throughout the observation deck, allowing you to learn about the marsh.

Address: Kushiro City, Hokkaido; Kushiro Town, Kushiro District; Tsurui Village, Akan District; Shibecha Town, Kawakami District

Access: 15 km from JR Kushiro Station, 15 km from Kushiro Airport. By regular bus, disembark at "Shitsugen Tenbodai" on the Tsurui Line.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (May 1 - October 31), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November 1 - April 30)

Admission Fee: Adults ¥460 / High School Students ¥240 / Elementary & Middle School Students ¥120

6. [Doto Area] Lake Mashu, renowned for its world-class transparency

Source:Teshikaga TownOfficial website

Lake Mashu is a caldera lake renowned for its world-class water clarity. The breathtaking scenery of the blue sky reflected on its transparent surface is extremely popular, with the blue hues becoming even more striking on windless days. Although it is covered in mist for about 100 days a year, this ethereal atmosphere is also famous for its mystique. Mornings in June and July are particularly recommended for their heavy fog.

TRAPOL offers tours where you can enjoy a sky full of stars. Since there are very few streetlights in Teshikaga Town, you can almost feel the vast starry sky spreading across the heavens with all your senses.

Click here for the experience site

Address: Hokkaido Teshikaga Town, Genya

Access: Bus: Approximately 25 minutes by bus from JR Mashu Station to Mashu-ko Dai-ichi Tenbodai (Lake Mashu First Observatory). Car: Approximately 120 minutes from Doto Expressway Ashoro IC.

Business hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Admission: Free

7. [Doto Area] Kaiyodai, offering a panoramic view of the pastureland

Source:Nakashibetsu TownOfficial website

Kaiyodai is an observation deck at an altitude of 270 meters, also called a landmark of Nakashibetsu Town. Vast pastures, known as a "green carpet," spread out in all directions. Furthermore, with no obstructions to the view, on clear days, you can enjoy magnificent scenery including the Nemuro Strait, Notsuke Peninsula, and the Shiretoko mountain range.

At night, the sky transforms into a magical atmosphere with countless stars spreading across it. The observatory has a cafe where you can enjoy soft-serve ice cream made with local milk and honey.

Address: 2256-17 Matarachi, Nakashibetsu-cho, Hokkaido

Access: Approximately 20 minutes from Nakashibetsu Airport

Business Hours: Observatory & Cafe (Open from late April to the end of October) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Until 4:00 PM in October)

Admission: Free

8. [Dōnan Area] "Mt. Hakodate Observatory" Offers Breathtaking Views

The blue pond is a natural pond with a unique, beautiful blue color. The color is believed to be caused by minerals such as aluminum in the water. The pond's color changes depending on the season and time of day, creating a mystical and ethereal atmosphere.

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is a classic spot where you can see a view often called a "miraculous nightscape." From an elevation of 334 meters, you can get a panoramic view of Hakodate city and its surroundings, offering a beautiful night view that resembles a jewel box.

There is also a ropeway where you can look down at the night view, and you can see different scenery depending on the season, such as colorful flowers, fresh greenery, and snowy landscapes.

Actually, you can also drive up Mount Hakodate. You can enjoy beautiful scenery in various spots on the way to the summit while enjoying the drive, so please do try going by car.

Address: 19-7 Moto-machi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido (Hakodateyama Ropeway Lower Station)

Access: By streetcar: Approximately 10 minutes from Hakodate-Ekimae stop on the streetcar bound for Hakodate-Docks-Mae or Yachigashira, get off at Jujigai stop, then approximately 10 minutes on foot. By car: Approximately 60 minutes from the Oonuma-Koen IC on the Dōō Expressway.

Business Hours: <Ropeway Operating Hours> 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (April 20 - September 30) 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (October 1 - April 19)

Admission Fee: <Ropeway Fees> Adults: One-way ¥1,200, Round-trip ¥1,800 Children: One-way ¥600, Round-trip ¥900

9. [Dōnan Area] "Spitsbergen Bay Panorama Park" with a panoramic view of Uchiura Bay

If you're planning a drive in Southern Hokkaido, we recommend Funka Bay Panorama Park, where you can get a panoramic view of Funka Bay. Within the park, where majestic nature unfolds, there are various recreational facilities such as a golf course and an athletic playground, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.

In the vicinity of Panorama Park, there is the locally famous "Erufin Motoyama Ranch Milk," which sells gelato and sweets. The soft-serve ice cream and gelato made with Motoyama Ranch milk are exquisite.

Address: 368-8 Hamamatsu, Yakumo-cho

Access: 15 minutes by car from Yakumo Station

Business hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission: Free

10. [Dounan Area] Hidden Gem, the Superb Scenic "Shirafura Coast"

Shiraura Coast is a beautiful coastline located on the Oshima Peninsula in southwestern Hokkaido, featuring striking white cliffs about 20 meters high that stretch for approximately 500 meters. It is believed to have been formed by uplifted strata created by volcanic eruptions around 5 million years ago.

It's popular as a hidden gem, with hardly any signs boasting about tourist attractions and few souvenir shops. It's also recommended for photography enthusiasts as there are photogenic spots. If you're looking for a niche spot that's different from other tourist destinations, be sure to visit.

Address: 72 Takise, Otobe-cho, Nishi-gun, Hokkaido

Access: 5 minutes by car from Otobe Town Hall towards Esashi, then a 10-minute walk.

Opening hours: None

Admission: Free

To conclude

This time, we introduced some hidden gem scenic spots recommended for summer in Hokkaido. From famous spots to more off-the-beaten-path locations, Hokkaido offers a wide variety of breathtaking views. We hope you will take the opportunity to see these amazing sights and refresh yourself this summer in Hokkaido.

Check out this article for other spectacular spots in Hokkaido.