The Orolon Line is a hidden gem of a drive.
While there are many scenic roads, there aren't that many that truly allow you to experience the beauty of Hokkaido by the sea.

Of all the roads you take from central Hokkaido to northern Hokkaido, the Orolon Line shines the brightest.
But is it easy to run on? Are the roads not too narrow? Are there many sights to see?
I understand you must have many worries. But don't worry.

After reading this page, you'll understand that the Orolon Line's appeal is more than enough to dispel any concerns you may have.

Table of contents
1. What is the Orolon Line?
2. Best sightseeing and rest spots along the Orolon Line
2-1. Kunimare Sake Brewery (Mashike Town)
2-2. Golden Cape
2-3. Obira Herring Hut
2-4. Sarobetsu Plain
2-5. Otonrui Wind Power Plant
2-6. Reindeer Farm
2-7. Mount Rishiri
3. Gourmet spots along the Orolon Line
3-1. Spot prawns and sweet shrimp
3-2. Sea urchin
4. Points to note when driving on the Orolon Line
5. Enjoy the Orolon Line by bus
Final thoughts

The Orolon Line is a road that runs along the coast for approximately 380 km, starting in Otaru (*) and ending in Wakkanai.
Even for Hokkaido residents, this drive takes approximately 7 hours, including breaks.
(Note: This may also refer to three sections: National Route 231 between Ishikari City and Rumoi, National Route 232 between Rumoi and Teshio, and Prefectural Route 106 between Teshio and Wakkanai.)

Photo by Flickr: Orolon Line Begins / acidlemon

However, there are plenty of other sights worth seeing that are well worth the time spent there.
This road offers the added bonus of allowing you to fully enjoy Hokkaido just by driving along it.
In a sense, the entire road itself could be considered a scenic spot.

In spring, as the snow melts, the whiteness of the remaining snow across the vast fields and pastures will be dazzling, and in summer, the blue of the sea, the blue of the sky, and the scent of the ocean will fill your heart, allowing you to relax and unwind.

Photo by Flickr: Cliff and Tunnel / acidlemon

The cool autumn breeze and the early sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan undoubtedly create a scene that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

 Photo by Flickr: Umi no Furusato-kan / acidlemon

Even though winter requires extra care when driving, the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan are truly magnificent.
You'll be able to truly experience the Hokkaido winter, where even the waves seem to freeze.
The scenery, the people, and the tastes all captivate travelers, each showing a completely different face depending on the season they visit.
And then, history.
It could be said that all of these things are part of the Orolon Line's charm.

Photo by Flickr: Nice right curve / acidlemon

The northbound route is still the most popular.
Since you'll always be driving in the lane closest to the sea, you'll see the Teuri and Yagishiri islands floating in the waves.
And you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Rishiri.

2-1. Kunimare Sake Brewery (Mashike Town)

If you're heading north from central Hokkaido, the first place you should visit is Kunimare Sake Brewery in Mashike Town.
This is Japan's northernmost sake brewery.

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

The sake shipped to various parts of Hokkaido is so popular that almost every Hokkaido resident has tasted it at least once.
Polished with water from Hokkaido, this sake boasts a pure and smooth texture, with a subtle sweetness of rice lingering on the tongue.
This sake maker has many enthusiastic fans.

Of course, drinking alcohol while driving is not allowed, but please try it once at your accommodation.
Besides this area, this region, which once thrived on herring fishing and coal mining, also boasts many historical buildings.

If you have some extra time, try visiting the Kazemachi Diner, which was featured in a movie, and the other retro buildings around town.

2-2. Golden Cape

Many places on the Sea of ​​Japan side of Hokkaido offer views of the sunset over the ocean.
Among them, Ogonmisaki is said to be one of the best spots.

Photo by Flickr: Rumoi's Golden Cape / acidlemon

Actually, there is another cape called Kogane-misaki in Bikuni on the Shakotan Peninsula, but that one is in Rumoi City. It was once a kind of lookout post used to detect the arrival of herring schools.

The name Ougonmisaki (Golden Cape) originates from the sight of schools of herring, their silver scales gleaming in the setting sun, surging in with a golden glow.
The coastline, dotted with rugged, strangely shaped rocks rising from the sea towards the sky, is beautiful even without the sunset.
It displays a magnificent grandeur where the boundary between the sky and the sea becomes blurred.

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

Adding even more brilliance to this is the setting sun.
The sheer grandeur of it all surpasses mere emotion, leaving my heart trembling with awe.

This is truly the most magnificent sunset in Japan. Let yourself be so immersed that you forget the passage of time.
The surrounding area is a seaside park.

There are campsites and parking lots, making it very convenient to access.
Nearby, there is also the Marine Hometown Museum, where you can learn about the history of herring fishing.

It's an ideal place to take a break. The observation lounge is especially convenient on chilly days.

2-3. Obira Herring Hut

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

The northern part of Hokkaido, along the Sea of ​​Japan coast, which seems to straighten its back towards Sakhalin (Karafuto), has prospered greatly from herring fishing since the Edo period.

Its heyday, from the Meiji era to the early Showa era, is still evident today in the form of various historical buildings stretching from the Shakotan Peninsula to Otaru and here in Obira Town.

Yoichi Town is famous for its herring fishing huts and mansions, but the former Hanada family fishing hut is the largest in Hokkaido in terms of scale.
It has a frontage of 40 meters and a depth of over 20 meters.

Its grandeur is unparalleled, and it still conveys to this day the image of people who made a fortune with a single herring net in days gone by.
Of the many herring fishing huts in Hokkaido, this former Hanada family hut is the only one designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Moreover, it's the northernmost in Japan. Interior tours are free.
Currently, there is a modern roadside station called Obira Nishinbanya next door.

Above all, you can't miss this spot where you can enjoy plenty of sea urchin, which has now replaced herring as the main ingredient.

2-4. Sarobetsu Plain

There are many sights that travelers from Honshu or Hokkaido residents who have moved from other prefectures exclaim are "typical of Hokkaido."

Image source:Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO

Roads in the Naitai Plateau and Nemuro-Kushiro Plateau in Tokachi.
Both Furano and the Okhotsk region offer scenery that truly embodies the essence of Hokkaido.

While all the scenery is absolutely stunning, in northern Hokkaido, there is no landscape that suits Hokkaido better than the Sarobetsu Plain.

A road stretches straight ahead. There's absolutely nothing there. Just endless grasslands, the sea, and the sky.
It may not be a scene that inspires cheer, but it's a space that transforms the traveler's heart into a pure, natural color.

This wilderness, sometimes called the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden due to its unique vegetation, sees its flowers reach their peak from May onwards.
The colorful flowers bloom profusely in the green wetlands, as if squeezing out the very essence of life.
From the skunk cabbage to the Ezo gentian in September, they delight us in their natural, unblemished state.

If you're driving along the Orolon Line, this is a spot you absolutely shouldn't miss.

2-5. Otonrui Wind Power Plant

Driving along the Orolon Line, you often come across scenery that doesn't feel like Japan.

Photo by Flickr: Ororon Line / bullets95

From the grandeur of the Sarobetsu Plain to the fantastical Golden Cape, this is truly a sight to behold.

However, there may be no other landscape that evokes a more surreal feeling than the clusters of wind turbines rising along the hillsides of the coastline.

This group of wind turbines is the Otonrui Wind Power Plant. A total of 28 turbines, each with a diameter of approximately 50 meters, rotate here.
These wind turbines are lined up at equal intervals over a distance of 3 kilometers.

Standing approximately 100 meters tall, its appearance suddenly emerging from the coastline and then vanishing just as quickly is truly magical.
We made a brief stop at Sarobetsu Plain Parking Park so that we could get a better view of the vehicle.
The contrast between the gently curving wings and the blue sky makes for a perfect photo opportunity to capture lasting memories. Please come and see this new symbol of the Sarobetsu Plain.

2-6. Reindeer Farm

The reindeer farm in Horonobe Town is located a little inland from the Orolon Line.
Strictly speaking, it's not part of the Orolon Line, but it's a tourist ranch I'd definitely like to visit.
Over 100 reindeer live peacefully amidst the rich natural environment of Horonobe.

Photo by Flickr: I came to visit my neighbor! / adelie33_Asako

Especially from May to June, there's a baby boom. You might encounter lots of cute reindeer.
In its native Finland, it is raised as livestock.

Reindeer are generally not known to be very friendly towards humans, but this one was so friendly that it ate food from my hand.
In winter, you can even ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, just like Santa Claus's.
It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

At the park's restaurant, you can enjoy unique and authentic Nordic flavors, such as sausages made with reindeer meat.
As it's arguably the only reindeer farm in Japan, it's definitely worth making a detour to enjoy.

2-7. Mount Rishiri

There are many different versions of Mount Fuji throughout Japan.
Starting with Mount Satsuma Fuji in the south, we have Mount Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji, in Hokkaido. And the northernmost Mount Fuji in Japan is Mount Rishiri, also known as Rishiri Fuji.

Photo by Flickr: Rishiri / bullets95

On this relatively small island, mountains exceeding 1700 meters in height create an exquisite, graceful curve.

The island itself looks so much like Mount Fuji.
The way the majestic peak suddenly emerges from the sea creates a perfect atmosphere of a secluded paradise, like a remote island in the middle of the ocean.
The scenery is so picturesque that you might easily believe it's not in Japan, but on some mysterious island.

From the Orolon Line, you'll drive towards Wakkanai while enjoying this scenery.
Southern Hokkaido boasts breathtaking beauty that seems to surpass even Mount Komagatake rising above Funka Bay. A trip here is sure to become a lifelong memory.

Photo by Flickr: View of Rishiri Island from the Orolon Line / norie1381

You can fully enjoy the northernmost view of Mount Fuji with just your eyes, without even having to travel to Rishiri Island.

3. Gourmet spots along the Orolon Line

3-1. Spot prawns and sweet shrimp

Photo by Flickr: Having sweet shrimp and spot prawns for a late-night snack! Yay! / is_kyoto_jp

The Orolon Line is not only adorned with beautiful scenery and landscapes.
One of the leading shrimp kingdoms in Hokkaido. While Hokkai shrimp from eastern Hokkaido are mainly sold boiled, these are served raw.
Sashimi is the perfect way to savor the freshness and natural sweetness of shrimp.

The freshness of shrimp and crabs deteriorates rapidly from the moment they die.
Therefore, it can be said that the best flavor comes from eating them fresh.

The flesh is large but firm, and yet it has an elegant yet rich sweetness.
Some people even travel all the way from Sapporo just to eat these shrimp. And speaking of specialties, sweet shrimp are also a local specialty.

The price, quantity, and freshness are surprisingly low. It's amazing!

Another great thing about the Orolon Line is that no matter which town you go to or which shop you enter, you can't go wrong with the freshness of the produce.
Some popular and well-known restaurants include Mashike-cho Fukuyoshi, Kita no Nishin-ya, and Maruju Ito.
If you're in Haboro Town, you can combine a visit to the hot springs with a trip to Haboro Sunset Plaza or Hama no Kaachan Shokudo at the ferry terminal.

The contrast with the whelk at Orolon Shokudo is beautiful. Ultimately, the best is up to your own taste buds.

3-2. Sea urchin

Shakotan in summer, Rausu in winter.
While there are some regions in Hokkaido that serve delicious sea urchins, the Orolon Line is just as good.

The best season, like Shakotan, is from spring to summer. Although not well-known, this region also offers some very high-quality experiences.
Sea urchins are omnivores, but the ones that eat kelp taste the best.
Regions that produce high-quality kelp also produce high-quality sea urchins.

Northern Hokkaido is, of course, a major production area for Rishiri kelp. It's no surprise that sea urchins raised on this nationally renowned kelp are delicious.

The two-pronged attack with sweet shrimp was so delicious I couldn't even cry out.
This will undoubtedly be a tool that transforms your drive along the Orolon Line into an incredibly enjoyable experience.
Among them, the one that receives the highest rating is Sumire (Oni-shika, Kodaira-cho), where the Uni Uni Donburi costs 3,800 yen, which is a bit pricey, but two colors of sea urchin adorn the top of the bowl, making it look like a jewel box.

This is one of the restaurants that many Hokkaido residents recommend, guaranteeing complete satisfaction.

4. Points to note when driving on the Orolon Line

The Orolon Line, which runs from Otaru to Mashike and then to Rumoi, has a complex road with many curves, so you might find it a little difficult to drive on.
Those coming from Sapporo will find it easier to drive inland, as the roads are straighter.
Traffic volume will likely be somewhat high.

Once you pass Rumoi, there are many straight roads along the coast, truly a panoramic route, so please be careful not to speed.
The winter months are a time to be especially careful on all routes.

There are many days when cold seasonal winds blow, and heavy snow warnings are issued much more frequently than on the Pacific side.
While not as severe as the bomb cyclones over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, roads can still experience whiteouts and snowdrifts, so extra caution is necessary.

5. Enjoy the Orolon Line by bus

Photo by Flickr: Sapporo Station / pika1935

Renting a car isn't the only way to enjoy the Orolon Line.
The "Hamanasu" is an intercity express bus service connecting Sapporo and Wakkanai.
The journey takes approximately 6 hours. From Rumoi City to Wakkanai, we will travel north along the Orolon Line.

Driving part of the way from Sapporo via the Orolon Line saves time and allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Orolon Line from a higher vantage point than you would in a passenger car.

If you board in Sapporo in the afternoon, you can watch the sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan.
If you take a ride in the morning, you can fully enjoy the sparkling Sea of ​​Japan and the vast landscape of the Sarobetsu Plain, without being distracted by driving.

Similarly, the "Haboro" train conquers the southern half of the Orolon Line.
This is a leisurely bus that travels from Sapporo City to Toyotomi Town, stopping at several stops along the way.
It looks like it will be a trip to see the unique rock formations along the Sea of ​​Japan.

The "Hamanasu" train costs 6,200 yen for a one-way trip, or 5,150 yen per trip if you buy a multi-ride ticket, which is quite reasonable.
The "Haboro" bus, which runs from Sapporo to Rumoi, costs 2,370 yen, making it a reasonably priced option for a trip in search of the sunset at Kogane Cape.
This is also recommended for a leisurely trip to northern Hokkaido.

Final thoughts

How was that.
Compared to Shiretoko and the Shakotan Peninsula, the Orolon Line is still not a major tourist destination.
It's quite far from Sapporo, which is often a base for travelers, so it might seem like a difficult tourist destination to get to.

However, by overcoming that hurdle, you can fully enjoy the magnificent, unspoiled nature.
There are many hot springs and some wonderful accommodations.
There are still many undeveloped tourist resources waiting to be discovered by everyone.

Please do drive the entire Orolon Line.
You'll be able to discover yet another wonderful charm of the amazing Hokkaido.

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