+TMROYN

Photo Journey
through Hokkaido

HOKKAIDODRIVE GUIDENEXCO EAST publishes images of beautiful scenery changing colors in each of
the four seasons,vast nature scenes in which you can feel the spirit of the earth,urban scenes with beautiful decorative lighting,and other photos that make you
feel as though you are traveling across Hokkaido. Please enjoy the journey.

Access the website here
https://www.driveplaza.com/trip/area/hokkaido/event/traveling.html

2022

The expresswaysof Hokkaido
Sapporo Area
Shinkawa

Approximate distanceand time between
major Hokkaido cities

Wakkanai Airport

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
Toyotomi-kita

Rishiri Airport⓭

Moerenuma Park

Hokkaido University
Sapporo Station
Former Hokkaido Government Office
Odori Park
Maruyama Park

Sapporo

(50m)

(35m)

Bifuka-kita
ChiebunChiebun-minami

Shin-Sapporo Station

Lake Toya

BifukaNayoroLake

WassamuRumoi❶ P6 Tokachigawa Hot Springs⓰ P11 Blue Pond
Hokuryuhimawari
Rumoi-Owada
Numata❷ P6 Noboribetsu Hot Springs⓱ P11 Otaru Canal
Rumoi-Horonuka
Chippubetsu AsahikawaTakasu
Fukagawa❸ P6 Sounkyo Hot Springs⓲ P11 Sapporo Clock Tower
nishi❹ P7 Lake Akan Ainu Theater <Ikor>⓳ P11 Mount Hakodate⓬❺ P7 Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum⓴ P12 Asahiyama Zoo
Fukagawa
Fukagawa JCT
P12 Icebreaker Garinko❻ P8 Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
Takikawa
P12 Shiretoko❼ P9 Shiretoko Peninsula Cruising
P12 Jewelry Ice❽ P9 Tsurui-Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary
Naie-Sunagawa
Asari❾ P9 Ryu-hyo Bird Watching
Bibai
Zenibako
Otaru❿ P10 Farm Tomita
Sapporo Ebetsu-nishi
Sapporo-nishi⓱
MikasaSapporoYoichi⓫ P10 Shibazakura Takinoue Park
Teine Okadama
Ebetsu-higashi
Otaru-Shioya
Airport
Iwamizawa⓬ P10 Himawari no Sato (Sunflower field)
Otaru JCTP10
Sarobetsu
Primeval
Flower
Garden⓲⓭Sapporo-minami
Sapporo JCT ⓯⓮ P10 Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park
Kitahiroshima Chitose-higashi⓯ P10 Odori Park

Oiwakecho Yubari

Eniwa
Chitose
New Chitose Airport

Lake
Shikotsu

Kuromatsunaiminami

ToyouraKunnuiDate

New Chitose
Airport❷Pippu JCT

Tomakomaihigashi
Tomakomai-chuo
Tomakomai-nishi

Muroran

Asahikawa-kita

Maruseppu

Lake Akan

Okushiri Airport

Mori

119km

71km

114km

(2h10m)(2h)(1h30m)

(2h)

⓳

⓮

Location where two highways connect.
There is no entry/exit here.

SA / PA with commercial facilities (rest areas)
SA / PA without commercial facilities (rest areas)

Tomakomai 177km Obihiro 122km Kushiro

SA = Service Area
PA = Parking Area(2h)(2h50m)SA / PA (rest area) symbols

Lake Notoro

EngaruUkishima❸

Kitami-nishi

Lake Kuttari

Hokutomoheji

Hakodate
AirportHakodate Airport
Hokutochuo
Hokutotomigawa

Wheelchair lending(No charge)

Vending machines

Wi-Fi

Filling station

Pedestrian entranceATM

Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Rest Areas)
Restrooms restaurants, wi-fi, etc. available.
Lake Mashu
Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport

Lake Akan❹

Akan-Mashu National Park

Hombetsu❽ Kushiro-Shitsugen

NemuroE44

National Park❶

UrahoroIkeda

OnnetoShoro
Shiranuka

Akan

Kushiro-higashi

TanchoKushiroAirportHombetsu JCT

Kushiro-Beppo

Lake Akkeshi

E44

Kushiro-nishi

Memuro-Obihiro
Obihiro-Kawanishi

Kushiro-chuo

KofukuTokachi Obihiro Airport

Obihiro Area

Nakasatsunai

Hidakatomikawa

Asahikawa - Furano Area

Hidakaatsuga

Hombetsu

Hiyoshi
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Tower Trappistine
Convent
Hakodate Station Yunokawa Onsen

Nagayama
StationNumataChippubetsu

Churui

Asahikawa
StationFukagawa

Churui-Taiki

MemuroAkagawa

Asahikawa-kita

Asahikawa-Takasu

Hombetsu JCT

Sarabetsu

Hidakamombetsu

Hokutochuo
Hakodate
Hokutooiwake

Baby-care room

Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station

Lake Kussharo

Rikubetsu-Shotoshibetsu

OtofukeObihiro

Tokachi-Shimizu

Accessible toilet

Kitami-chuo

Obihiro JCT
MemuroShopping area

BihoroKitami-Kitagami

AshoroTomamu❾Food court

Highway information terminal(Highway information corner)

Kitami-Kawahigashi

Kunneppu

Daisetsuzan
National Park

Kanayama Lake

Shimukappu❼

Memanbetsu Airport

Information

Memanbetsu Airport

Kitami-higashi

Okushirataki

Lake Shikaribetsu❺

Hokutotomigawa

Nanae-Honcho
Nanae-Okawa
Hakodate
Akagawa
Hiyoshi

Hokutomoheji

Junction

Shiretoko National Park

Lake Nukabira

Onumakoen

Kikonai

Nemuroma

Obihiro JCT

Hakodate Area

Hokutooiwake

(3h)

Saro

*Quick chargers are available
at Sunagawa Highway Oasis.

Noboribetsu-Muroran

Nanae-Fujishiro

Only entry allowed in the indicated direction
Only exit allowed in the indicated direction

169km

159km

Fukagawa-nishi

Otofuke

Otoshibe

Half-Interchange(2h50m)(1h10m)Lake Abashiri❿

AtsumaMukawaNumanohata-nishi

Kamikawa-⓰

Yakumo

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE(1h20m)Shirataki

Sounkyo⓴Asahikawa Airport

MukawaChitose-Eniwa JCT Hobetsu

Tomato-chuo

Engaru-Setose

Pippu-kita
Aibetsu
Aizan-Kamikawa

Numanohata-higashi

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shiraoi
Noboribetsu❻
higashiAbuta-Toyako(1h20m)Interchange

172km

Okhotsk Monbetsu
Airport

Shibetsu-Kenbuchi

Oshamanbe

69km⓫

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Lake Toya

72km

Muroran

58km

Hakodate

Sapporo Dome

Kuromatsunai JCT(40m)

JR Track

Shiretoko
Utoro(2h20m)Nayoro-kita

Sapporo-minami

Kuromatsunai

40km

161km

Hokkaido Development Bureau Management Zone (Free)

Kitami

Furano23km

Lake Shumarinai

Mt. Moiwa Observatory(2h)

New Chitose
Airport(2h10m)SapporoSapporo Clock Tower
Sapporo TV Tower
KitagoGanso Sapporo
Ramen Yokocho
Shiroishi Station

Sapporo Bankei Ski Area

113km

(50m)

111km

Sapporo JCT

Sapporo Beer Garden(2h50m)Asahikawa

FUKAGAWA-RUMOI EXPWY

75km(1h20m)

(2h)

52km

Oyachi

1

137km

39km

Otaru

DOTO EXPWYHIDAKA EXPWY

(1h)

166km

Kariki

Kotoni Station

Abashiri

45km

Horonobe

Fushiko

Sapporo-nishi

(2h)

(4h)

329km
(5h)

SASSON EXPWY/SHIRIBESHI EXPWY

108km

245km

Lake Kutcharo

DO-O EXPWY*Time spentusing expressways

Monbetsu

Toyotomi-Sarobetsu

Map Key

Distance(Approx. time)

206km(3h30m)Toyotomi-Horoka

Only entry allowed in the indicated direction
Only exit allowed in the indicated direction

Sapporo-kita

Wakkanai

Otofuke-Obihiro

Fukagawa
StationAsahiyama Zoo

Fukagawa
Ikeda

Asahikawa
AirportFukagawa JCT

ObihiroTokachigawa Onsen
ObihiroMakubetsu
Ikeda
Station Kita no Yatai Stalls
Memuro Station
Satsunai Station Ikeda Station
Makubetsu
StationMemuro Banei Tokachi
Obihiro Race Track
MemuroObihiro

Goryokaku Station

Wine Castle

Biei
AkabiraTakikawa
StationTakikawa

Sunagawa Station

Naie-Sunagawa

Bibai

Bibai Station
Tokachi Obihiro Airport

Blue Pond

Sunagawa

Old Public Hall of
Hakodate Airport
Hakodate
Hakodate Ward
Hakodate
Trappist Monastery Mount Hakodate
Airport
KofukuAshibetsu

Utashinai

Obihiro-Kawanishi

Kofuku Station

Biei Station

Bibai

Kami-Furano Station
Farm Tomita

Furano Wine
Wind Garden

FuranoFuranoStationKikonai

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

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Take precautions against COVID-19 and enjoy your trip to Hokkaido.
Check here for more information

Basic Hokkaido knowledge

https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/news08̲000332.html

Hokkaido's
four seasons
Spring, fresh green and beautiful flowers. Summer, refreshing andcomfortable. Autumn, with its bountiful harvests and beautiful
colors. And of course, the all-encompassing snowscape of winter.
Hokkaido's seasons are sharply distinct from one another, even forJapan. Each season has its own unique and wonderful beauty.
Otaru

Winter driving memo

Kutchan

Hokkaido

Shimukappu

springHokkaido

summerHokkaido

autumnHokkaido

winterHokkaido, where cherry blossoms bloom beginning in late April, has the

The best time to see such flowers as lavender, lilies, sunflowers andDaisetsuzan Volcanic Group and Mount Asahi are the first places in JapanThe world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival and other snow- andlatest cherry blossom viewing season in Japan. The best time to see suchsage in Hokkaido is summer. Summer is the outdoor season when

where the leaves begin to change color in the fall. In Hokkaido in autumn,

ice-themed events are held throughout Hokkaido. You also have to see

blossoms as Yoshino cherry and Sargent's cherry is early to mid May.

you can be active and enjoy nature. Examples of summer outdoor

not only can you enjoy viewing colorful leaves quite early, but also cosmos

the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk, scenery unique to the Hokkaido winter.

In addition to cherry blossoms, flowers you can see in Hokkaido in spring

activities include rafting down a river in a large rubber boat andinclude moss phlox, tulips and lilacs. Lovely wild flowers like dogtoothgoing for a leisurely hike amid beautiful scenery. There are also beer

violet and Corydalis ambigua also begin to bloom in the fields.

gardens held all over Hokkaido, where you can hold a beer in one
hand while tasting delicious Hokkaido specialty dishes.

Sargent cherry

Asian fawnlily / Corydalis ambigua

Trekking

Temperature and snowfall in major cities
(*1)

May

Aug.

Oct.

Feb.

High temperature Low temperature High temperature Low temperature High temperature Low temperature High temperature Low temperature

Average snowfall (depth) (*2)

（℃）

（℃）

Dec.

Jan.

Feb.

March

Sapporo 17.9 9.0 26.4 19.1 16.4 8.0

0.4

-6.2

7

31

52

33

-5.7

3

12

15

0

Obihiro 18.2 6.2 25.4 16.5 15.9 5.3 -0.2 -12.0

2

18

30

21

Kushiro 12.6 5.4 21.5 15.7 15.1 6.1 -0.1 -9.4

0

5

20

2

Asahikawa 18.8 6.1 26.6 16.9 14.9 4.4 -1.7 -11.8

24

42

58

48

（℃）

（℃）

（℃）

（℃）

Hakodate 17.0 8.0 25.9 18.9 17.1 7.8

1.8(*1) Japan Meteorological Agency (1991-2020), average observed values over a 30-year period(*2) Japan Meteorological Agency (2019-2021), snow depth on the 15th of each month (3-year average)
HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

Sapporo Odori Beer Garden

Spring,May

SunriseSummer,AugustSunriseAutumn,OctoberSunrise

5:48

16:52

Winter,February

SunriseSunset

4:11
4:40

6:33

are in full bloom between early September and late October. Autumn is theseason for harvesting various crops from the vast farmlands of Hokkaido,
and during this time of year you can partake of apple and grape picking inorchards. Seafood is also in season in the fall, including salmon, the most
famous Hokkaido fish.

Sunrise and sunset times (Sapporo)

（℃）

（℃）

3

Kamikawa

In a typical year in Hokkaido, snow begins falling in mid-October andthere is sometimes still snow on the roads in May. During this season be
sure to put snow tires on your car and be extra careful when driving on
snowy roads.

Salmon chan-chan yaki
(Steam-fried salmon with vegetables
and miso paste)

Hokkaido snow is high-quality by international standards and isconsidered ideal for skiing and snowboarding. In addition to classic
winter sports, other winter activities such as walking in snowshoes anddog sledding are also popular.

Grape picking

Snowshoe trekking

Drift ice

Clothing advice

Sunset18:51
Sunset18:38
Sunset17:06

April-June
This time of year the sun's rays get
warmer but the winds are often
still cold. It sometimes suddenly
gets cold in the morning or atnight, so it's a good idea to keep alight coat or jacket with you.

July-Sept.
You can be comfortable wearing ashort-sleeve shirt during the day, but after
mid-August the temperatures suddenly
drop in the morning and evening, so be
careful. When you visit cool mountains
and lakes, taking a light jacket with you
will give you peace of mind.

Oct.-Nov.

Dec.-March

During this season, it graduallygets colder in the morning andevening, and the temperature
extremes during the day getwider. Have a thin down jacket or
thin coat at the ready.

Choose a jacket or coat made with anemphasis on protection against cold,layers that are easy to take off andput on and footwear with good
traction. Scarves, gloves and hats are
effective for keeping out the cold.

*National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (2021)

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

4

Get your fill of Hokkaido

Hokkaido foods

Hokkaido onsen

Delicious food may be the thing you look forward to most when you

There are many hot springs in Hokkaido, a prefecture blessed with a vast andtake a trip to Hokkaido. The prefecture is full of appetizing offerings

sprawling natural environment. Hokkaido has 246 hot springs in total, the most ofincluding dishes made using seafood and mountain vegetables, local

any prefecture in Japan. It is also second in Japan for the volume of spring water it

dishes such as ramen and Jingisukan (grilled mutton with vegetables),produces. These hot springs come in a variety of different types, depending on theand sweets made from fresh dairy products.

region, and they constitute one of Hokkaido's biggest tourist draws.
Please mind proper manners and protocol when using the hot springs. Be
comfortable and enjoy!

Ramen
In addition to the big three Hokkaido ramens — Sapporo
miso, Hakodate salt and Asahikawa soy sauce — new local
varieties are popping up throughout the prefecture. Be
they shrimp miso, curry or another kind, by all means try
the ramens of Hokkaido, which feature a variety of soup,
noodle and topping types.

Jingisukan

ColumnMust-visit hot springs in Hokkaido

Tokachigawa Hot Springs(Otofuke)

Noboribetsu Hot Springs(Noboribetsu)

Sounkyo Hot Springs(Kamikawa)A precious moor onsen, a hot springthat contains high volumes of organic
plant matterOne of Hokkaido's top hot springs
villages, where visitors can find ninedifferent types of hot springs.

A hot springs village in which visitors canenjoy the beauty of Hokkaido’s gorges as
they change from season to season.

SweetsAbout 100 years ago, Jingisukan was created as a dish to use the meat of sheep raised in

Hokkaido is also a kingdom of sweets, having a

Hokkaido to produce wool. There are two types of Jingisukan — that made from theluxuriously good selection of ingredients for making

meat of lambs a year old or younger and that made from mutton — and there are twothem, including fresh milk, butter, cheese and otherways of eating it: dipping it in sauce after grilling it or seasoning it before cooking it.

dairy products, as well as wheat, eggs and adzukibeans. You can eat first-rate sweets at various
establishments throughout the prefecture, be theysoft-serve ice cream, pudding or cheesecake.

Sushi●You may not be able to enter the hot springs
if you have a tattoo.

In Hokkaido, which has plenty of delicious
seafood, sushi made using seasonal
ingredients must not be missed. You canenjoy all sorts of fresh sushi toppings
ranging from standards like sea urchin,salmon roe, scallop and Hokkigai toseasonally available ones such as Pacificsaury and herring. Whether eating sushi at arestaurant with a professional sushi chef orat a casual conveyor belt sushi place, you
may find more satisfaction than you
imagined.

This is a spicy soup-type curry born in Sapporo
in the 1970s. This dish is characterized bysmooth soup and dynamic ingredients such aslarge pieces of vegetables and whole chicken
legs, and there are many restaurants thatspecialize in it. Most people put rice in thesoup and let it soak it up.

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

Manners in bathhouses
and hot springs● Do not enter drunk.

● You cannot enter if you are menstruating.

●Absolutely never run inside thebathhouse or hot springs.

● In general, men and women cannot enter the same hot springs.

●Do not swim or dive in the hot springs.

●Do not enter while wearing a bandage or supporter.

●Do not use a loud voice or be noisy.

●You cannot bring your cell phone into the hot springs ortake photographs.

●Do not wash yourself in the hot springs.
(Wash yourself before entering the hot springs.)● You cannot bring food or drink into the hot springs.

Soup curry5

Bathhouse and hot springs rules●Do not put a towel in the hot springs.

Procedure: Follow the steps below when entering the hot springs.
① Remove all underwear in the dressing room.
② Before entering the hot springs water, go to thewashing area and clean your head and body.
③ Sit down on the chair or stool before washing yourself.
④ When washing, ensure that you do not splash wateraround yourself.

⑤ If the washing area lacks a shower, use a wash bowl to ladle hot water
onto your head and body to wash the dirt and filth away.
⑥ Before entering the water of the hot springs, pour water on yourself.
(This is called kakeyu.)⑦ Even if the hot water is high in temperature, it is considered bad manners
to cool it down by adding cool water.
⑧ Before returning to the dressing room, dry your body with a towel.

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

6

Learn about Hokkaido

Learn about Ainu culture
The Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, lived in nature throughout their
history and possess a rich and unique traditional culture.
Although modern Ainu lifestyles are the same as those of people elsewhere in
Japan, they continue to carry on valuable cultural events such as traditional
seasonal ceremonies and Ainu language speech contests.

Ainu gods

Ainu song and dance

To the Ainu people, gods are those things that

The Ainu people almost always danced andare an indispensable part of life or beyond thesang during ceremonies, gatherings of friends

Ainu people's control.

and relatives, or when working. All of these

The plants and animals that serve as

dances were unaccompanied by instruments,

nourishment and sustenance are generally

and accompaniment was instead provided bygood gods, while events that threaten

the dancers’ or spectators’ singing and clapping.

livelihoods, such as infectious disease andnatural disasters, are considered to be evil gods.
Whatever happens in life, the Ainu people pray
to the gods. Whichever god to whom they pray,

Ainu diet
The Ainu people sought food in nature, andTo the Ainu people, dance is an activity that is
enjoyed by the dancers as well by the gods,
who dance together with them.

Ainu clothes
There are two types of clothes worn by the Ainu

they spent the majority of the year looking forpeople in daily life: everyday clothes and formal

food. Seasonal wild plants, animals, anddress worn for special ceremonies. This type of

seafood were eaten by families as they could be

clothing is decorated in what are called Ainu

The Ainu people chose to build their houses and settlements

found in that season, and some food was also

designs, swirling and thorny patterns madealong rivers and the ocean in areas with easy access to food andstored for the long winter and to prepare forfrom embroidery and patches.

water as well as low risk of natural disaster. Such settlements arepotential droughts. They prepared their food bycalled kotan and may consist of anywhere from a few to over aboiling, roasting, and cooking.

Ainu settlements

they always pray first to the god of fire to askthat their prayers properly reach the gods.

dozen houses. Organized by the village leader, the people of thesettlement hunted, fished, and gathered plants in set locationsin the mountains, rivers, and ocean surrounding the kotan.

Source: The Foundation for Ainu Culture, "Together with the Ainu: History and Culture."

Facilities at which visitors can come in contact with the Ainu lifestyle and culture

MAPCODE

Lake Akan Ainu Theater <Ikor>
At this facility, view traditional Ainu dance, which has been registered as both a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural
Property and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You must also be sure to see “Akan-Yukar - Lost Kamuy”, a new program
begun in March 2019 that blends digital art and traditional Ainu dance.
[Location] 4 Chome-7-84 Akancho Akanko Onsen, Kushiro [Closed] Irregular days [Hours] Please inquire.
https://www.akanainu.jp/739 341 725*52

Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum
Enjoy approximately 4,000 exhibits across four zones: “Ainu,” a collection of everyday articles from traditional Ainu lifethat are now considered folk art; “Kamuy,” which is focused on prayer, faith, and the spiritual culture; “Moshiri,” whichpertains to agriculture, hunting, and funerals; and “Moreu,” which is focused on Ainu patterns and designs.
[Location] 55 Nibutani, Biratori [Closed] Open every day from Apr. 16 to Nov. 15. Closed Mondays from Nov. 16
to Apr. 15. Extended closure from Dec. 16 to Jan. 15. [Hours] 9:00 - 16:30 [Admission fee] Adults: ￥400 Primary andjunior high school students: ￥150
http://www.town.biratori.hokkaido.jp/biratori/nibutani/
442 799 127*75

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
These facilities serve as national hubs of Ainu cultural restoration and development, protecting theculture as a valuable and endangered national treasure. On the banks of Lake Poroto, surroundedby the area’s rich natural environment, visitors can encounter the diverse beauty of Ainu culture.

Upopoy main facilities*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

◆ The Ainu Museum

The first national museum centered on the Ainu indigenous peoples. Through a variety of exhibits,
this museum describes the history and culture of the Ainu people from their perspective.
◆ National Ainu ParkA participatory open-air museum where visitors can experience Ainu culture through traditional
dance performance and various participatory programs.
◆ Memorial Site

Established on the high ground on the east side of Lake Poroto, this facility serves as a place where
the Ainu people can perform their memorials with dignity.

[Location] 2-chome 3 Wakakusa, Shiraoi
Closed: Mon. (or the next day if Mon. is a holiday)
New Year’s holidays (Dec. 29 to Jan. 3) [Hours] Please inquire.
[Admission fee] Adults: ￥1,200 (￥960)
Senior high school students: ￥600 (￥480)
Junior high school students and younger: Free
*Prices in parentheses are group rates (for groups of 20 or more)*To enter Upopoy or the National Ainu Museum,
you must make an appointment for them beforehand.
Check the official site for more information.
https://ainu-upopoy.jp/545 194 852*20

MAPCODE

7

HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE" マップコード " and "MAPCODE" are registered trademarks of DENSO Corporation.
HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

8

Learn about Hokkaido

Hokkaido wildlife

Hokkaido's flowers

Hokkaido is home to wildlife not found anywhere else in Japan.

Enjoy the many types of flowers that bloom across Hokkaido

Some of these animals are classified as special protected species

between spring and summer in Hokkaido’s vast fields.

and endangered species.

Come see the unique landscapes full of majestic scenery andWe need to enjoy observing such animals without disturbingcolorful flowers that only that season can achieve.

their lives.

Brown bear

LavenderThe brown bear can be found living almost anywhere in Hokkaido. There arecases of drivers encountering brown bears in Shiretoko and other parts of
Hokkaido, but it is extremely dangerous to leave your car to take photos orvideo. When cruising around the Shiretoko Peninsula, you can safely spot wild
brown bears from the sea. It has been said that there is an over 90% chance of
spotting a brown bear on this particular type of tour.

Moss phlox

Shiretoko Peninsula Cruising

Red-crowned craneYezo sika deer

The red-crowned crane is the only species of crane thatbreeds in Japan, and it is classified as a special protected
species. Although these cranes can famously be foundthroughout the Kushiro Marsh, you can view them up
close in the feeding area of the Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane
Sanctuary from November to March, where feed isprovided because the natural prey of red-crowned
cranes becomes scarce in winter.

The Yezo sika deer can be found living throughout Hokkaido. Its meatis also a popular dish in recent years. Drivers in the mountains andforests of Hokkaido often come across wild Yezo sika deer, andsometimes the cars collide with them in accidents. Drive carefully inthe mountainous parts of Hokkaido!

[Location] Nakasetsuri-minami, Tsurui Village[Open] Oct. - Mar. (Closed Apr. to Sept.)

The ezo red fox can also be found throughout
Hokkaido and even spotted in urban areas. It’s
common to see these foxes in especiallynature-rich areas or from the car whendriving through the mountains. But besure you don't touch an ezo red fox:
you may get infected with the
Echinococcus parasite.

White-tailed eagle
Steller's sea eagle
Native to northern Eurasia, Steller’s sea eagle and the white-tailed eagle
migrate to the Sea of Okhotsk for the winter in January through April. In
Rausu, where fishing takes place even in the drift ice season, eagles can easilyfind fish to eat. Legions of photographers and tourists come from throughout
Japan and the world to film and photograph the eagles fluttering over the sea
and resting their wings on the drift ice.
What distinguishes the Steller's sea eagle from the White-tailed eagle is theirbeaks. The Steller's sea eagle has a vibrant yellow beak, while the white-tailed
eagle's beak is a paler yellow. Moreover, the Steller's sea eagle has a black
body while the white-tailed eagle is a brownish grey.

Drift Ice Bird Watching[Location] 27-1 Honcho, Rausu Town (Shiretoko Nature Cruise)[Dates] Jan. - Apr.
757 353 796*62

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HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE[Location] #15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano Town
[Best time to visit] Early July - Early Aug.
349 276 837*25

Shibazakura Takinoue Park
[Location] Motomachi, Takinoe Town
[Best time to visit] Early May - Early June
570 699 352*08

Sunflower
Large yellow sunflowers are cultivatedfor viewing pleasure, but in Hokkaido
the seeds are also eaten and used tomake oil. Sunflowers are also grown
to make green manure.
The vast sunflower fields of rural
Hokkaido are a classic symbol of the
Hokkaido summer.

Tsurui-Ito Tancho Crane
Sanctuary

Ezo red fox

Farm Tomita

Moss flox beautifully decorates the slopes of mountains and hills in spring. Mossflox’s small flowers resemble cherry blossoms in shape, and they bloom in great
numbers that cover the ground like a lawn of flowers. Relatively durable to heat anddryness, these flowers also help to prevent ground soil from being washed away.

[Location] 51 Utorohigashi, Shari Town (Gojiraiwa Sightseeing)[Dates] Late April to late October
894 854 261*63

556 535 006*13

Lavender is the iconic flower of the Hokkaido summer. The
lavender fields of the Furano region are particularly famous. The
aroma of lavender is said to have calming and soporific effects, andthe sight of a field of purple flowers rustling in the wind is sure to
put your mind at ease.

Daylily
The daylily is a perennial plant of thelily family that grows en masse on
meadows and wet plains next to thecoastline. The sight of daylilies
bringing a wave of orange to amarshy grassland or natural flower
patch is truly a sight to behold.
Daylilies blossom in the morning andwither by night, so try to visit during
the day to fully enjoy the view.

Sarobetsu Primeval
Flower Garden[Location] 8662 Kami-Sarobetsu,
Toyotomi Town
[Best time to visit] Mid-June - Mid-July736 667 559*60

Himawari no Sato (Sunflower field)[Location] 143- 2 Itaya, Hokuryu Town
[Best time to visit] Late July - Mid-Aug.

763 569 747*68

CosmosCosmos is an iconic autumn flower, but somevarieties begin blossoming in summer.
Although a simple flower alone, cosmos are
overwhelming beautiful when they blossom
en masse. Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park in the
town of Engaru is known for being one ofJapan’s largest cosmos fields.

[Location] Marudai, Engaru Town
[Best time to visit] Late Aug. - Mid-August

Lilac
Lilacs have a distinctively sweet and gentle aroma that is so
popular it’s used for perfumes and room fragrances. In
Sapporo, the lilac is beloved as the city's official flower and canbe seen blooming in Odori Park, Nakajima Park, and otherparks in the city center.

Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park404 181 764*58

Odori Park
[Location] 1-Chome to 12-Chome, Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo[Best time to visit] Mid-May - Early June
9 492 780*17

MAPCODE
HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

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Recommended sightseeing spots in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Beautiful scenery that changes colors with the seasons can be found all over Hokkaido.
This includes natural phenomena that can only be seen in winter and one-of-a-kind, picturesque scenery that makes for wonderful photos.
If you’re traveling through Hokkaido, you also have to see its historic buildings that bring history life.

Blue Pond

Photo Journey through Hokkaido
NEXCO EAST publishes images of beautiful scenery changing colors in each of the four seasons,vast naturescenes in which you can feel the spirit of the earth, urban scenes with beautiful decorative lighting,and
other photos that make you feel as though you are traveling across Hokkaido. Please enjoy the journey.

Access the website here

Asahiyama Zoo

A picturesque spot where the blue water surface and withered Japanese larch trees
create a storybook landscape. In the spring, the pond sparkles a green-blue color,and in summer and autumn the vivid flora strike a beautiful contrast. In winter, theblue-tinted water surface and snowscape strike a mystical tone.
[Location] Shirogane, Biei Town
[Hours] Parkling lot: 7:00 - 19:00 (May to October),
8:00 - 21:30 (November to April) *There is a fee to use the parking lot.
[Access] Approx. 40 km from downtown Asahikawa City, or approx. 60 min. by car[URL] https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/sightseeing/shirogane-blue-pond/

Japan's northernmost zoo attracts crowds of tourists from throughout Japan. It is especially popularfor its “behavioral exhibits” that bring out animals’ natural qualities, and visitors can see animals likepolar bears and lions at close quarters. There’s also an adorable “Penguin Walk” event in winter.
[Location] Kuranuma Higashi-asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City
*Zoo hours and zoo opening/closure dates differ from year to year.
Refer to the website for more information.
[Access] Approx. 10 km from downtown Asahikawa City, or approx. 30 min. by car[URL] https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
79 358 812*26

349 569 814*43

Icebreaker Garinko

Otaru Canal

Between roughly January and March of every year, the Sea of Okhotsk around Hokkaido isfully covered in drift ice that extends south from Siberia and elsewhere. It is highly
recommended that visitors take a ride on an ice sightseeing ship to see the the sight ofwhite ice completely covering the ocean surface, and you can also enjoy a powerful cruise
through the waters as the ship breaks up the ice in its path.

Sightseeing spot with historic warehouses made of stone that is especially popular even in
Otaru. This nostalgic and atmospheric scenery is beautifully picturesque when shot from any
angle. After nightfall, 63 gas lights turn on to illuminate the path and cast the canal andwarehouses in a romantic mood.

[Location] 1 Kaiykoen, Mombetsu City
*Reservation required to board the ship. Check the website for the service period,
departure times, fees, and other information.
[Access] Approx. 6 km from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport, or approx. 10 min. by car[URL] https://o-tower.co.jp
801 585 794*68[Location] Minatomachi, Otaru City
[Access] Approx. 40 km from downtown Sapporo City, or approx. 40 min. by car[URL] https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/otaruunga.html
493 690 444*66

Sapporo Clock Tower

Shiretoko

A popular sightseeing spot that serves as a symbol of Sapporo. Designated an
Important Cultural Property by the national government, the toll of the tower’s bellhas struck at noon for Sapporo City residents for over 130 years. Inside the tower,
visitors can examine the reverberating bell and learn about the history of Hokkaido’s
development and the clock tower itself.
[Location] 2-chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
[Hours] 8:45 - 17:10 (Entry allowed until 17:00)[Fee] ￥200 for adults; free for senior high school students and younger[Closed] New Year’s (January 1-3)
[Access] Approx. 1 km from downtown Sapporo City, or approx. 3 min. by car[URL] http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp
9 522 206*01

Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of untouched nature. See animals
such as brown bears and yezo sika deer, as well as countless breathtakingly
beautiful spots such as Furepe Falls and Lake Rausu. The various activity tours arerecommended for sightseeing, and information on those can be picked up at theShiretoko National Park Nature Center and elsewhere.
Shiretoko National Park Nature Center[Location] Iwaubetsu 531 Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District[Hours] 8:00 - 17:30 (Apr. 20 to Oct. 20); 9:00 - 16:00 (Oct. 21 to Apr. 19)[Access] Approx. 80 km from downtown Abashiri City,or approx. 90 min. by car
757 603 607*38[URL] http://center.shiretoko.or.jp

Mount Hakodate

Jewelry Ice

The Hakodate City nightscape is counted among one of the Three Major Night Views of theWorld, and the view from the observation deck reached via ropeway at the summit ofMount Hakodate is one of the most stellar. In addition to its nighttime view, Mount
Hakodate is also beautiful during the day. Enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms blooming in
spring and the changing colors of the leaves in autumn.

This stunning sight can be seen only between mid-January and mid-February on
the sandy beaches near the estuary of the Tokachi River in the town of Toyokoro
Clear ice washed up all across the coast sparkles under the sun’s light, making it
look just like so many gems. This location is inaccessible using public
transportation, so a guided tour is recommended.

Mount Hakodate Ropeway[Location] 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City
*Hours vary from year to year. Refer to the website for more information.
[Fee] Round trip: 1,500 yen for adults (Junior high or older); 700 yen for children[Access] Approx. 2 km from downtown Hakodate City, or approx. 5 min. by car[URL] https://334.co.jp
86 041 004*66[Location] Otsu Motomachi, Toyokoro Town
[Access] Approx. 50 km from downtown Obihiro City, or approx. 60 min. by car[URL] http://www.toyokoro.jp/jewelryice/
511 078 059*27

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HOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDEHOKKAIDO DRIVE GUIDE

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