When thinking of scenery to see in Hokkaido in the summer, flower fields immediately come to mind. You might imagine hillsides covered in blooming flowers, but did you know that there are also spectacular flower fields stretching along the coast? This paradise of flowers, sometimes called the "Dragon Palace Road" because of its dreamlike scenery, is the Wakka Wildflower Garden.

Wakka Primeval Flower Garden in Tokoro-cho, Kitami City, which has been selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site as a "treasure of Hokkaido to be passed on to future generations," is Japan's largest coastal grassland, offering simultaneous views of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, which stretches across eastern Hokkaido, and Lake Saroma, Japan's largest brackish lake.

Hokkaido is about to enter its best season. Enjoy the refreshing Okhotsk breeze, the lovely flowers, and the beautiful sunsets over Lake Saroma. Let us introduce you to the charms of Wakka Primeval Flower Garden!

～Table of Contents～
1. What is Wakka Primeval Flower Garden?
2. How to enjoy Wakka Wildflower Garden
2-1 Saroma Lake Wakka Nature Center
2-2 Feel the Okhotsk breeze by bicycle
2-3 Take a leisurely stroll in a horse-drawn carriage.
3. The breathtaking sunset over Lake Saroma
4. Recommended restaurants in the area
4-1 Sea Market
4-2 Sushi no Yasusan
4-3 I want to talk
5. Access to Wakka Wildflower Garden

1. What is Wakka Primeval Flower Garden?

Kitami City is the central city of the Okhotsk region. When you think of Okhotsk, the Sea of ​​Okhotsk is famous as a popular tourist spot where drift ice arrives in winter. It takes about an hour by car from Kitami Station to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Along the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk lies the Wakka Primeval Flower Garden, the largest of its kind in Japan, covering an area equivalent to about 150 Tokyo Domes.

While its vast size is certainly a factor, the secret to its popularity lies in its unique topography. Please see the map.

Located in a narrow strip between the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma, Hokkaido's largest lake, is the Wakka Wildflower Garden. This unique tourist spot offers unparalleled views of both the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma simultaneously from a sandbar that stretches for approximately 20 kilometers, with a width of 200 to 700 meters.

About 3.5 km from the entrance, you'll find the "Second Lake Entrance," where you can witness firsthand the point where the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma connect.

This area is known as the "Ice Boom," where nets are erected during the winter to prevent drift ice from the Sea of ​​Okhotsk from entering the lake. It is the world's first ice-breaking barrier, built to protect oysters and scallops in Lake Saroma. The nets are not in place outside of the drift ice season, but this is the only place where you can see this valuable facility up close!

Wakka Primeval Flower Garden is also known as "Ryugu Kaido" (Dragon Palace Road).

When Keigetsu Omachi, a renowned writer of the Meiji era, visited Wakka Primeval Flower Garden during the Taisho era, he was so impressed by the view of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma on either side that he remarked, "Amanohashidate and other places cannot even begin to compare," and named the place after it.

Please come and experience the scenery that even literary giants admired.

This is a natural flower garden. Of course, we want to enjoy the wildflowers as well.

From May to September, approximately 300 species of wildflowers, including Japanese roses, Ezo lilies, dwarf irises, and gentians, bloom one after another. The most vibrant period is from June to July. The time from now, as spring transitions into summer, is the peak season for wildflowers.

Let's enjoy the colorful wildflowers of the Okhotsk region!

Wakka means "place where water springs forth" in the Ainu language. As the name suggests, deep within the park is "Wakka Water," a spring of continuously flowing fresh water (approximately 4.5 km from the entrance).

This "water of life" has been continuously flowing between the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma, nurturing the ecosystems of humans, animals, and plants for over 10,000 years.

You can drink it freely, so you can soothe your fatigue from your stroll, or take home some of this mystical water known as "holy water." Let's fully experience the abundant blessings of the Okhotsk Sea.

2. How to enjoy Wakka Wildflower Garden

Previously, vehicles were allowed to pass through, but since 1991, access for general vehicles has been restricted to preserve the vegetation environment. As a result, you can leisurely enjoy the flowers and plants with the chirping of wild birds as background music. Here, we will introduce how to enjoy Wakka Primeval Flower Garden.

2-1 Saroma Lake Wakka Nature Center

First, let's visit the "Saroma Lake Wakka Nature Center," which is located right at the entrance.

Here, you can enjoy panel displays and dioramas that explain the nature of Wakka, as well as video screenings that give you a glimpse into Wakka's year-round life.

A map showing the current flowering status is also available.

First, visit the nature center to learn about Wakka and check the flowering status; this will double your enjoyment!

It can also be used as a rest area, and is equipped with restrooms and a shop. Be sure to prepare thoroughly before you start your walk!

Bicycles can also be rented here.
We have sizes for both adults and children, so everyone can find something they like!

2-2 Feel the Okhotsk breeze by bicycle

Wakka Primeval Flower Garden offers three walking courses and three cycling courses to enjoy.

While a leisurely stroll along the "walking course," which ranges from a short 20-minute route to a more casual one, is a great way to enjoy the flowers and plants, cycling is highly recommended at this time of year, allowing you to feel the refreshing breeze blowing in from the Sea of ​​Okhotsk!

The trail splits into left and right paths around a gazebo located about 1km from the nature center.

There are three cycling courses available: 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes, so choose the one that suits your mood and energy level that day.
Don't forget to rehydrate with "Wakka Water" along the way!
*The 30-minute course does not include a visit to Wakka Water.

Enjoy a refreshing ride along the undulating roads while gazing at the vast Sea of ​​Okhotsk stretching out before you. It'll blow away all your daily stress!

2-3 Take a leisurely stroll in a horse-drawn carriage.

For those who want to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace, how about taking a ride in the "Dream Wakka" horse-drawn carriage? It takes you on a relaxed and leisurely 2.6km (approximately 40 minutes) journey.

Enjoy the seasonal flowers and plants from a slightly elevated perspective, a change from the usual. While listening to the powerful hoofs of horses, the soothing sound of bells, and sometimes even the sound of waves... why not spend a dreamlike time, just as the name Dream Wakka suggests?

3. The breathtaking sunset over Lake Saroma

Lake Saroma is famous as the largest lake in Hokkaido and the third largest in Japan.

Experience the refreshing beauty of two shades of blue: the unique color of Lake Saroma known as "Saroman Blue," and the blue of the Okhotsk Sea known as "Okhotsk Blue." These two shades will clear your mind and leave you feeling refreshed.

However, the best time to visit is at sunset.

There is a large parking area about 2 km from Wakka Wildflower Garden (near the Hokkaido Prefectural Tokoro Youth Nature Center).
The sunset viewed from there is absolutely breathtaking!!

Lake Saroma is a popular spot known for its beautiful sunsets.
The refreshing blue gradually turns orange, and the scene reflected on the calm surface of the lake is simply "beautiful."

The sight of the sky and lake dyed crimson is also breathtaking!

After strolling through the Wakka Wildflower Garden, be sure to enjoy this view as well.

4. Recommended restaurants in the area

Delicious food is a must when you're out for a stroll or a drive! Here are some recommended restaurants around Wakka Primeval Flower Garden.

4-1 Sea Market

"Umi no Ichi" is located 1.3km from Wakka Primeval Flower Garden. The nearby "Saroma Lake Tsuruga Resort" is a good landmark.

You can purchase freshly caught, seasonal seafood at bargain prices.

Hairy crabs, scallops, Hokkaido shrimp, and surf clams are all coming into season soon. Among them, the large, plump scallops from Lake Saroma are a must-try!

There's a charcoal grill outside the shop, so you can grill the seafood you buy right there.

The staff will kindly explain how to eat the food, so even those unfamiliar with the proper way to eat it can rest assured. Let's enjoy the bounty of the Okhotsk Sea in style!

3-2 Sushi no Yasusan

"Sushi no Yasusan" is located in the town of Tokoro-cho, Kitami City, 9km away from Wakka Primeval Flower Garden.

With the Sea of ​​Okhotsk just 200 meters behind the restaurant, the ingredients are incredibly fresh! The moment you put it in your mouth, it melts so much that you can't help but smile.

Besides sushi and seafood bowls, their soba noodles are also exceptional. The soba, handmade by the owner, has a smooth texture and goes down easily. Be sure to order them as a set!

The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere with raised seating areas, making it a safe and comfortable place for those with small children. Enjoy delicious seafood at reasonable prices at this neighborhood sushi restaurant.

3-3 I want to talk

Cafe "Shaberitai" is located very close to Sushi no Yasusan.

This is the coffee shop that the lead actress, Rosa Kato, and others visited in a scene from the curling movie "Simsons," which was set in Tokoro Town.

While their curry, a popular item since the restaurant opened, is highly recommended, the real specialty here is undoubtedly the "Drift Ice Soda."

This dish, inspired by the drift ice floating on the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, is visually refreshing. It lives up to expectations—or perhaps even exceeds them—and offers a crisp, refreshing taste that's perfect for the coming season!

5. Access to Wakka Wildflower Garden

There are no train stations near Wakka Wildflower Garden, and bus service is limited, so we recommend renting a car.
1 hour by car from Abashiri Station
1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Kitami Station
1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
1 hour 30 minutes by car from Monbetsu Airport
3 hours by car from Asahikawa Station

Final thoughts

Wakka Primeval Flower Garden, located within the Abashiri Quasi-National Park, boasts a rich natural environment and unique topography that led to its designation as a Hokkaido Heritage site in 13. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 500 Most Beautiful Walking Trails, making it a popular spot for strolling.

There are plenty of gourmet spots where you can fully enjoy the abundant bounty from the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and Lake Saroma! Why not spend a relaxing and luxurious time in Eastern Hokkaido's Okhotsk region this summer?

Wakka Wildflower Garden (Wakka Nature Center)
242-1 Sakaeura, Tokoro-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
TEL.0152-54-3434
Open from April 29th until Sports Day in October.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 6:00 PM from June to August)

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