Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Lake Saroma is the third-largest lake in Japan and the largest in Hokkaido, stretching far from east to west. If you head to the observatory at the summit of Mt. Horoiwa, located near the center of the lake, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view that captures the full scale of this vast body of water.

From the observation deck, you’ll see the entire length of Lake Saroma, the sand spit that separates the lake from the Sea of Okhotsk, and even the distant Shiretoko mountain range—scenery you won’t find anywhere else. The lake’s unique deep blue color, often called “Saroman Blue,” alongside the shimmering Sea of Okhotsk creates an unforgettable view that will make you lose track of time.

Sunset is especially magical, as the sky and the lake are painted in colors beyond description. Around Lake Saroma, you can also enjoy local specialties like fresh scallops at nearby restaurants.

With an altitude of 376 meters, Mount Horoiwa is the highest peak in the region and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. The out-of-the-way but totally-worth-it Lake Saroma Observatory is a scenic spot providing an expansive view of Japan’s third-largest lake. The observation deck on top of Mount Horoiwa located in the center of the coastline gives a vantage point of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountains, and more. The gradation of blues between the Okhotsk skies and seas along with the “Saroma Blue” of the lake is a breathtaking sight you can enjoy for hours on end.

“Notoroko Sangoso Festival” Held in mid Sep.

Lake Notoro, a massive saltwater lake with a surface area of 580,000 square meters, overlooks the Sea of Okhotsk in Eastern Hokkaido. When Sep. hits, the lake turns a beautiful shade of crimson, all thanks to the growth of a unique aquatic plant that locals call "Sangoso (coral grass)." The contrast between the ruby red of the coral grass and the sapphire blue of the lake is jaw-droppingly stunning and can not be missed. A wooden walking path snakes leisurely through the lake, so visitors during this special season should take a stroll through this mysterious coral-like wonder.

A well-known hot spring known by those in the know with a history of over 100 years. All of the hot spring water is free-flowing from the source, and is known for its anti-aging properties and skin whitening and beautifying properties. One-day bathing is also available, making it a great place to casually enjoy the hot spring on a road trip. The area is also dotted with places famous for their flowers, such as Ezomurasaki azalea in early May and Japanese honeysuckle in summer, and the Nezu-no-oka Garden offers a variety of flowers from spring to summer.

An aquarium where you can see fish behaving naturally in an environment close to their natural habitat. In Japan's first tank where you can look up at a waterfall from below, you can observe fish swimming desperately against the strong current. Additionally, the large tank where taimen over 1 meter long swim is the largest taimen tank in Japan and is truly impressive. There are also unique exhibits such as tanks that freeze like natural rivers in winter, allowing you to see rare displays that are not usually visible.

Ueno Farm is an original "Hokkaido Garden" that takes a British-style garden as its base and incorporates Hokkaido's climate and natural environment. The garden, with its natural atmosphere spreading at the foot of a hill, was created with care by the Ueno Sayuki family, who designed the garden that appeared in the TV drama "Kaze no Garden" (Garden of Wind), which was set in Furano. In the garden, where the flowers that bloom change with the passing seasons, you might even see ducks and chickens taking a stroll. Mt. Shatsu, which stretches out behind the garden, is known as a "Lovers' Sanctuary" where couples are said to find happiness. Why not extend your visit to the large weeping willow, the symbolic tree of the mountain?

Otokoyama began brewing sake in the Kansai region during the Edo period (1603-1868) before moving to Hokkaido to take advantage of the famously pure waters of Mount Daisetsu. Explore the museum’s three floors for an exciting insider look at the brewing process, tastings of Monde Selection sake, traditional Ukiyo-e block-print art connected to the brand, and seasonal activities for the whole family. Be sure to pose for pictures in an Otokoyama happi (traditional Japanese coat) in the lovely front yard, overflowing with seasonal flowers in the warmer seasons and glistening and snow-covered in the winter!

Asahikawa Ramen Village is a must-visit for ramen lovers. Featuring a collection of eight well-known local ramen shops all in one place, it offers a deliciously convenient way to taste a variety of Asahikawa-style ramen. Whether you're on your way to Asahiyama Zoo or coming from Asahikawa Airport, it's an easy stopover along the route.

Inside the facility, don’t miss the Asahikawa Ramen Shrine—a popular photo spot where visitors often stop to pray to the “God of Ramen Bonds” for good fortune in their noodle-loving lives. The village is located within a section of the Powers Shopping Center, making it easy to enjoy some local shopping as well.

This zoo is famous for its "behavioral displays," creating comfortable spaces tailored to the animals' ecology and showcasing their natural behaviors. You can witness penguins freely swimming through an underwater tunnel in the "Penguin House," seals moving up and down a cylindrical tank in the "Seal House," polar bears making powerful dives into their pool in the "Polar Bear House," orangutans nimbly moving through the air in a 17-meter-high tower in the "Orangutan House," hippos swimming as seen from directly below in the "Hippo House," and animals living vibrantly in exhibits unique to a Hokkaido zoo such as the "Red-crowned Crane House," "Ezo Deer Forest," and "Hokkaido Native Animal House." In 2022, the "Ezo Brown Bear House" opened, allowing visitors to closely observe Hokkaido's representative wild animals in an indoor enclosure modeled after Shiretoko.

Among the highlights is "Mogumogu Time" (feeding time), where you can observe the animals in their natural feeding behaviors – a must-see! The schedule is decided on the morning of the event, so it's recommended to check the notice boards within the zoo or the official website to plan your route accordingly.

Seasonal events are also appealing. The "Night Zoo," held only during the Bon Festival period in summer, is a summer tradition where the zoo stays open at night. You might see animals sleeping, nocturnal birds of prey actively moving, and even hear the howling of wolves. During the winter snowfall, the "Penguin Walk" offers a charming sight of penguins waddling freely along a course without fences.