Hokkaido has so many sights to see. You've decided to rent a car and drive around, but there are so many things you want to see that you're not sure what route to take. Are you having trouble deciding?

Even though you can find detailed information about individual spots on the internet, there's not much comprehensive information about what the drive will be like overall.

Therefore, this time we will introduce a carefully selected list of recommended driving routes starting from Sapporo. If you follow this, you should be able to visit the places smoothly. You will undoubtedly be able to enjoy Hokkaido's nature and delicious food.

Table of contents
1. Shakotan Peninsula: A trip to experience the Shakotan Blue and enjoy delicious seafood.
2. Lake Toya and Noboribetsu: A day trip to a caldera lake and hot springs
3. Furano: A pinpoint day trip route to Furano
4. Things to be careful of when going for a drive.
Summary

First, we'll introduce a route where you can enjoy the beautiful sea and seafood such as sea urchins. This route is expected to take approximately 6 hours.

This tour circles the Shakotan Peninsula, a scenic area. The western side of the peninsula has many sandy beaches and is bustling with swimmers in the summer. On the other hand, the eastern side is a panoramic route with a series of strangely shaped rocks. The towns of Shakotan and Furubira on the eastern side are major producers of sea urchins.

Along the way, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the shops. A visit to the Nikka Whisky distillery in Yoichi, the setting of the NHK morning drama series "Massan," and other attractions will surely satisfy both your eyes and your stomach, providing an unforgettable experience that can only be found in Hokkaido.

1-1 Tonden Farm "Hopi Hill"

First, take the expressway from Sapporo to Otaru, then drive past the scenic viewpoint "Kenashiyama" in Otaru towards Akaigawa, and in about an hour from Sapporo, you'll see Tonden Farm Hopi no Oka. Horses, goats, ostriches, rabbits, and alpacas will welcome you in the country-style buildings.

This is a shop directly operated by Tonden Farm, a ham and sausage retailer. You can shop inside, of course, but there's also an eat-in area and restaurant where you can enjoy their unusual sausages made with wild garlic. Their soft-serve ice cream, which rivals the popularity of Yamanaka Farm in the area, is also highly recommended. It's a relaxed space where you can interact with small animals and livestock. It's a place that families and couples alike can thoroughly enjoy.

1-2 Misaki

From Hobi Hill, head west towards Kyowa Town, at the southern base of the Shakotan Peninsula. After about an hour's drive, you'll merge onto National Route 229, also known as the "Raiden National Highway." From here, the Shakotan drive begins, proceeding clockwise around the peninsula. Driving along the coastline with the beautiful sea on your left, you'll arrive at "Shokujidokoro Misaki," a restaurant near Cape Shakotan, approximately two hours after leaving Hobi Hill.

This is a highly-regarded restaurant run by a fisherman from Hokkaido. You might be able to enjoy a rare sea urchin rice bowl made with Bafun sea urchin, which is said to have a richer flavor and more pronounced aroma than the more common Murasaki sea urchin. It's an extremely popular restaurant, with lines forming from early in the morning.

1-3 Shimamui Coast

Leaving the Misaki restaurant, the tourist spot Shimamui Coast is just a stone's throw away, about a 10-minute drive. After a short walk from the parking lot and passing through a dark tunnel, a breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes.

You're sure to be captivated by the beautiful Shakotan Blue coastline, the deep blue sky, and the stunning contrast between the blue of the sea and the sky. This beautiful beach has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches and is known for its exceptionally clear water. To fully appreciate its beauty, be sure to visit the observation deck. On a clear day, you might even be able to see the curvature of the Earth.

If you have some extra time, Cape Kamui is also recommended (in that case, go before "Misaki"). It's about a 30-minute trek along a rough path, but the magnificent scenery that unfolds before you will make the effort worthwhile.

1-4 Nikka Whisky Factory and Museum

After leaving Shimamui Coast, you'll mostly be driving along a single road, enjoying the view of the Sea of ​​Japan and the strangely shaped rocks created by its rough waves on your left. Due to tunnels and road widening work, some scenic spots are obscured, but please take your time and enjoy the drive along the coast.

In the Bikuni area, there are underwater sightseeing boats, and if the timing is right, you can admire the Shakotan Blue from inside the water. Kogane Cape is also a scenic spot, offering a panoramic view of the harbor.

After driving for about an hour and a half, you'll enter the town of Yoichi. Crossing the Yoichi River, the northernmost ayu (sweetfish) producing area in Japan, and heading towards Yoichi Station, you'll see a stone-built factory. You can take a free tour, but the last guided tour at 3:30 PM includes a 40-minute tour and a 20-minute tasting. Juice is provided for drivers, so there's no need to worry about drunk driving.

Tastings are available without a tour.

After that, you'll depart Yoichi and, via Otaru (a stroll along the Otaru Canal at sunset is also recommended), arrive in Sapporo in about 1 hour and 10 minutes (partially using the expressway). Well done!

Misaki
TEL：0135-45-6547
Address: 236 Hishimachi, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 16:00 PM (Open from late April to the end of October)
Breakfast service, lunch service, Sunday service
Closed: Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Address: 7-6 Kurokawa-cho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido 046-0003
Phone: 0135-23-3131
Opening hours (visiting hours): 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM
Closed only from December 25, 2015 to January 7, 2016.

【Related article】
Let's go see the spectacular Shakotan Blue scenery! How to enjoy sightseeing in Shakotan!
・[First Time in Otaru] A digest of Otaru's sightseeing and highlights!

Lake Toya is a spot that became famous during the 2008 G8 Summit. Not only is it blessed with the scenery of Lake Toya and Mount Usu, but it is also famous for its abundant hot springs.

While the Pacific coast is generally the more common route to Lake Toya, I'd like to introduce a route that takes you from Sapporo through Nakayama Pass, offering a pleasant drive through quintessential Hokkaido scenery. This is a route taken by locals, and if you take this road, you can almost certainly be considered an expert on Hokkaido sightseeing.

Furthermore, a day trip to Noboribetsu's hot springs is sure to help you fully recover from your travel fatigue. The route is designed to save time, allowing you ample time to relax in the hot springs.

2-1 Lake Hill Farm

National Route 230 runs from Sapporo city through mountainous areas to Funka Bay. It is the basic route when traveling from Sapporo to Hakodate using ordinary roads.

Along this route, you'll pass through Jozankei, Sapporo's hidden gem, and find a beautiful roadside station at Nakayama Pass. From Kimobetsu Town, known for its thriving potato production, you'll travel along the Shiribetsu River to Rusutsu Village, home to Rusutsu Resort, boasting some of the best facilities and capacities in Hokkaido, including golf, skiing, and an amusement park. In the distance, you can see Mount Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji. The rich rural landscape is truly characteristic of Hokkaido.

If you continue driving along Route 2, you will see Lake Toya. It is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, and there are several observation decks along the surrounding roads. The Silo Observation Deck, in particular, is a popular spot that attracts many drivers and motorcyclists on weekends. Lake Hill Farm is located a short distance from here. It is about a two-hour drive from Sapporo.

This place is highly recommended for its gelato, which is a local favorite. There's a restaurant on-site, but on a sunny day, it's best to enjoy it outside while gazing at the distant Mount Yotei. There are also plenty of small animals like horses, goats, and rabbits in the back. Play equipment is available, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Lake Hill Farm
Address: 127 Hanawa, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5724
TEL: 0120-83-3376
Opening hours: Not specified
Closed days: Not specified

2-2 Lake Toya Sightseeing Boat

Leaving Lake Hill Farm and continuing straight along the road, you'll see the hot spring town of Lake Toya in just over 10 minutes.

After parking your car, you can stroll through the hot spring town and head towards the sightseeing boat pier. The hot spring town is lined with various souvenir shops, including Okadaya, famous for its white sweet red bean soup. As it is a popular spot for school trips, the prices of souvenirs vary widely.

Image courtesy of:Photo library
Sightseeing boats on Lake Toya depart every 30 minutes. They always stop at Nakajima Island in the middle of the lake. You can experience nature up close on Nakajima Island, where you can see Hokkaido deer and other animals. Disembarking and exploring Nakajima Island is highly recommended. The boat trip is 80 minutes if you disembark at Nakajima Island, and 50 minutes otherwise. There is also a lunch cruise, but we recommend not using it and having lunch after disembarking.

There are many excellent restaurants in Toyako that offer both great food and excellent service, so you'll likely be more satisfied if you enjoy those instead.

Toyako Kisen
Address: 049-5721
29 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun
TEL. (0142)75-2137
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 16:30 PM (every 30 minutes) during the daytime.
*Service available for the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival.
Closed: Open all year round

2-3 Lunch at Lake Toya

Lake Toya boasts a variety of restaurants, allowing you to enjoy lunch according to your budget. The most upscale option is the full-course French meal at Michel Bras Toya Japon (located within The Windsor Hotel Toya), while a more reasonably priced choice is the restaurant at Wakasaimo Honpo, known for its excellent value.

Hotels in the hot spring town also seem to have highly-rated lunch buffets. There are countless options, such as the pizza restaurant La Locanda del Pittore. If you had to choose just one, I would recommend enjoying a leisurely meal at the Western-style restaurant "Boyotei". Whether it's the hamburger steak or the pork chops, the restaurant is known for its delicious food, thanks to the combination of carefully selected ingredients and the time-consuming sauces.

Furthermore, since there are currently no tall buildings in front of the restaurant, you can enjoy your meal while gazing at Mount Yotei. If high-rise buildings such as hotels are constructed in the future, this view may no longer be enjoyable. In other words, this restaurant is at its best right now. Its location within the hot spring town is also appealing, as you don't need to move your car again after parking.

Bouyoutei
TEL 0142-75-2311
Address: 36-12 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Opening hours 11: 00 to 21: 00
Regular holiday Irregular holiday

2-4 Daiichi Takimotokan

After lunch, our next destination is Noboribetsu Onsen. While there's a pleasant coastal road on the Pacific side, we'll head towards Orofre Pass. This is the most challenging part of our route, but on a sunny day, the traffic is light, making it a pleasant drive.

The Orofre Pass observation deck along the way is a great viewpoint. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Funka Bay, Mount Usu, and Mount Yotei. After making a few detours along the way and passing Karurusu Onsen, turn left onto the wider road and you will enter the Noboribetsu hot spring town. It's about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Lake Toya.

The hot spring town is not very wide and has many slopes, so caution is needed. Daiichi Takimotokan is located at the back of the hot spring town. If you have time, it is recommended to visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley) after parking your car. The whole area is filled with the distinctive smell of hydrogen sulfide from the hot springs, which makes you feel that you are in one of Japan's leading hot spring towns.

I recommend Daiichi Takimotokan. While it's a bit pricey for a day trip to a hot spring, the volume and quality of the spring water, the variety of baths, and the spaciousness make it well worth the price. There's also a swimming pool. A long soak will surely melt away the fatigue of your travels.

From here to Sapporo is about an hour and a half's drive using the expressway.

第一滝本館
Address: 55 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 059-0595
TEL: 0143-84-2111
Check-in/Check-out: 14:00/10:00
Day trip bathing
9 AM to 4 PM
Adults 2,000 yen Children 1,000 yen
Open all year round

【Related article】
・Let's go for a drive! A roundup of recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Toya!
・Let's play in nature during summer vacation! The charm of spending summer at Rusutsu Resort!

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Many people who come to Hokkaido probably think of Furano. However, a day trip from Sapporo is quite a long and tiring journey.

Therefore, I would like to introduce what is probably the most time-efficient route for a round trip from Sapporo. I have designed the route taking into account traffic volume and access to expressways.

I think you'll have plenty of time even on a day trip from Sapporo. Whether you use that extra time to see many spots or to take your time and explore thoroughly is entirely up to you.

The lavender in Furano is at its peak in July. However, many other flowers bloom beautifully throughout the year, so I highly recommend visiting Biei from Furano.

3-1 Garden of the Wind

We'll get on the expressway from Sapporo. We'll take the Hokkaido Expressway to the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway and get off at Shimukappu Interchange. This will take about an hour and a half. From here, we'll head north towards Furano.

First up is the quintessential Furano tourist attraction: the Garden of the Wind. If you're not interested in gardens, you might enjoy shopping at the nearby Ningle Terrace.

Kaze no Garden is a British garden that has also been used as a filming location for television dramas. Beautiful flowers, including roses, bloom profusely from spring to autumn within its approximately 20-are grounds. Along with Ninguru Terrace and Coffee Mori no Tokei, it is a very popular spot. In summer, in particular, it attracts many tourists and the surrounding roads become congested. It is recommended to allow plenty of time to look around.

3-2 Yuiga Dozon

I recommend having lunch near JR Furano Station, after passing through the area around Furano Prince Hotel. Of course, the lunch buffet at Furano Prince Hotel is wonderful, but Furano Omurice Curry is also known as a local specialty.

Since you've come all this way, why not give this a try? This shop is a pioneer in that field. It's about 15 minutes from Wind Garden.

The curry sauce is relatively light and runny, served with a creamy omelet and rice. Grilled sausages are added on the side, making it a very filling meal. The sausages and salami are homemade using Hokkaido ingredients, offering a unique taste you can only find here. Combined with its fantastical, country-style exterior reminiscent of something out of Tom Sawyer's Adventures, it's a restaurant that often has a line of customers.

Yuigadokuson
TEL：0167-23-4784
Address: 11-8 Hinode-cho, Furano City, Hokkaido
Business hours
[Tuesday-Sunday/Holiday]
11: 00-21: 00 (LO20: 30)
Closed on Mondays
(If Monday is a public holiday, the shop will be closed the following Tuesday. During the summer months of July and August, the shop will be open until 3:00 PM on Mondays.)

3-3 Town-run lavender garden

We drove towards Nakafurano town. Traffic became quite heavy around this point. The lines of cars waiting for parking spaces also grew long. First, we headed to the town-run lavender garden. It's about a 15-minute drive from Yuigadokuson (under normal conditions).

This resort operates as a ski resort during the winter, but the lifts are also in operation during the summer. Be sure to take the lift all the way to the top. You'll see the Tokachi mountain range in the distance, and the slopes covered in lupines and lavender. A breathtaking, picturesque scene unfolds before your eyes.

As you slowly descend the winding path through the flower fields, you'll feel like you're truly enjoying summer in Hokkaido. It's one of those spots that shouldn't be underestimated just because it's run by the town.

Town-run lavender garden
Address: 1-14 Miyamachi, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0714
Phone number 0167-44-2122
Opening period: May to August. Best time to visit: mid-July to August.
Price Notes: Free; Sightseeing lift: Adults 300 yen, Children 200 yen

3-4 Farm Tomita

Leaving the town-run lavender garden and heading north for just 1km, you'll arrive at Farm Tomita in a few minutes. As expected of one of the classic tourist spots, there are quite a lot of tourists during the summer. The presence of various dialects and languages ​​speaks volumes about Furano's status as an international tourist destination.

While strolling through the park is certainly enjoyable, we highly recommend visiting one of the pleasant cafes. Of the several cafes, Potpourri House is the most popular, offering a variety of sweets while you enjoy the cool Hokkaido breeze. Here you can savor lavender tea and lavender soft serve ice cream. The soft serve ice cream can also be combined with other flavors such as melon or white chocolate, with lavender as the base.

Farm Tomita
Location: 15-go, Kisen Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0703 MAP
Phone number 0167-39-3939
Business Hours: No holidays
Business hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Hanabito no Ya (Flower Blossom House), late April - September.
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Hanabito no Ya, October to mid-April.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Potpourri House: Late April - October.
Business hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Distillation House and Perfume House are open from late April to September.

If you take your time enjoying Farm Tomita, it will probably be evening by then. On the way back, you'll go from Furano, through Katsurazawa Lake to Mikasa Town, and then take the highway to Sapporo, arriving in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

【Related article】
Let's go see the lavender in Furano! Everything you need to know about the best time to see it and the highlights!
・Sightseeing spots that showcase the best of Furano and Biei, and model itineraries categorized by time!
・[A breathtaking sight you must see at least once!] The seasonal charm of Biei's Blue Pond and how to get there!

Pay attention to local rules.

Local drivers in Hokkaido often change lanes without using their turn signals. This is not seen in Honshu, especially in the busy Tokyo and Kansai regions, so caution is advised.

Also, the average speed is quite high, and perhaps because sudden braking is dangerous on snowy roads in winter, drivers often enter intersections without slowing down even when the light is yellow. We want to avoid accidents that could ruin our trip. Please drive carefully.

There is no right-turn lane.

When clearing snow in winter, a wide shoulder is necessary. Therefore, many roads in Hokkaido have wide shoulders. On the other hand, even on two-lane roads, there are often no designated right-turn lanes.

Therefore, cars tend to concentrate in the left lane in general. Even if you think the right lane is open, you'll often get stuck at intersections, so be sure to carefully consider the situation before choosing a lane. In the case of three lanes, cars tend to concentrate in the middle lane.

5. Summary

Outside of urban areas, traffic is light, so you're sure to have a pleasant drive. Driving can be difficult in winter, but summer drives are fantastic. This recommended route is packed with local knowledge and tips. I hope it helps make your trip more enjoyable. Have a great time in Hokkaido!

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