Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Lake Utonai, Japan’s first officially designated bird sanctuary, offers a peaceful environment where visitors can observe migratory birds and enjoy the changing beauty of nature throughout the year.

Located in the northeastern area of Tomakomai, Lake Utonai was designated in 1981 as Japan’s first wildlife protection area, making it a true haven for birds. To date, about 270 species have been recorded, and from autumn through winter, migratory species such as Whooper Swans and Greater White-fronted Geese gather here to spend the season.

Standing by the lakeside, you’re greeted by the refreshing scent of grass and trees, accompanied by the gentle chorus of birdsong. At the Nature Center, binoculars are available for rent, allowing you to observe elegant swans gliding across the water and the ever-changing scenery as the seasons shift. The shimmering calm of the lake and the vibrant presence of wildlife offer new discoveries and a deep sense of tranquility each time you visit.

Be sure to visit and experience the seasonal beauty and wildlife of Lake Utonai for yourself.

Located about 8 km northwest of Noboribetsu Hot Spring and surrounded by high mountains on three sides, this was the first national recreational hot spring area in Hokkaido. It was named 'Karurusu Hot Spring' because its water quality is similar to the famous Czech spa, Karlovy Vary. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy mountain climbing and hiking, and in winter, you can enjoy the rime ice and snow activities at the nearby 'Karurusu Hot Spring Sunlaiva Ski Resort.'

Embark on a refreshing mountain horse trekking adventure while enjoying the stunning views of Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan! After receiving basic lessons on riding posture, you will set off with a guide, making it easy for beginners to join. There are various courses, including the full-fledged 'Lake Trekking' that takes you around the highlands and through the forest, and the 'Family Trekking' course that allows small children to participate.

Hokkaido is famous for gelato and soft-serve ice cream, and at Lake Hill Farm you can enjoy these treats made from the fresh milk of cows raised on their vast ranch. The farm is a hidden gem located in the beautiful wilds of south-central Hokkaido. Various ice cream flavors are on offer, but the natural, not-too-sweet tastes of the local dairy and fresh fruits really shine through. A café serving pudding and cream-puffs (a Japanese dessert snack favorite) is also located on-site. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, be sure to try the pizza made with homegrown wheat. While the food is great, the views surrounding the farm are just as appealing: sprawling landscapes featuring snow-crowned mountains and rolling plains. On clear days, you’ll get excellent shots of Mt. Yotei climbing above the horizon – it’s one of the most famous views in Hokkaido.  And if you’re an animal lover, don’t forget to go say hi to the farm’s pet goat Yuki!

Experience a unique blend of art and nature at the Sculpture Park surrounding Lake Toya, where 58 distinctive sculptures inspired by the theme “Celebration of Life” are displayed along the scenic lakeshore.

As you stroll around this peaceful and expansive area, each artwork harmoniously integrates with the natural surroundings, inviting you to see, touch, and connect with art in the open air. The park offers a relaxing and enriching cultural experience perfect for art lovers, families, and anyone seeking serenity by the water.

Take your time to walk the full loop around the lake, enjoy the breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the artistic expressions that make Lake Toya a one-of-a-kind destination in Hokkaido.

A theme park recreating Edo period streetscapes and culture, where you can enjoy shows such as ninja action and oiran dances, along with period costumes and experience facilities.

One step inside, an atmospheric Edo townscape spreads before you. At Ninja Kasumiya-shiki, you can watch a powerful action show where ninjas perform on a stage full of trick mechanisms, and outdoors at the 10-meter-high ninja fortress, you hold your breath at the sight of ninjas flying overhead. At the Japanese Traditional Culture Theater, gorgeous oiran in splendid costumes perform elegant dances, allowing you to witness Edo's glamorous culture firsthand. At Oedo Theater, period drama comedies with both laughter and tears are performed, and the audience's laughter echoes throughout the theater.

Within the village are trick houses like the "Ninja Mysterious Maze" and dojos where you can experience shuriken throwing and archery, allowing you to touch upon Edo martial arts. At the period costume rental, you can dress as a samurai, townsperson, or princess and feel as if you've time-slipped to the Edo period. On the atmospheric merchant street, you can enjoy eating while strolling the cobblestone paths with skewered dango in hand, where the sweet soy sauce fragrance drifts. It is an entertainment space where you can experience Edo culture throughout the day.

From spring to summer, you can observe up to 18 species of marine animals, including dolphins, whales, and seals, in the waters near Muroran. You might see minke whales swimming around the boat, watching humans, and sometimes even groups of 500 to 1,000 Dall's porpoises. Occasionally, you can also spot orcas, the largest species in the dolphin family. The tours operate from June to mid-August and end when the dolphins leave. The period during which dolphins can be seen varies each year depending on the water temperature and other climatic conditions. Typically, there are two trips per day, each lasting about 150 minutes.

Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Poroto, Upopoy—meaning “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language—is Japan’s first national center devoted to the revival and development of Ainu culture. This symbolic space promotes understanding and respect for the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and serves as a place to learn about their deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage.

At the heart of the facility is the National Ainu Museum, Japan’s first national museum focusing on the Ainu. Nearby, the National Ainu Park offers a hands-on, immersive experience of Ainu traditions. The park also includes a solemn memorial site, designed with dignity for Ainu ancestral commemoration.

Visitors to the National Ainu Park can enjoy authentic Ainu traditional dance performances, and join in a variety of interactive programs. From playing indigenous instruments such as the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed zither), to participating in cooking and tasting Ainu dishes rooted in traditional knowledge of nature, the experiences are engaging for both adults and children—making it a perfect destination for families.

After exploring, you can browse a curated selection of Ainu crafts, museum goods, and books at the gift shop, or relax at the on-site restaurant or café, where you can savor flavors from Ainu food culture. Spend a fulfilling day surrounded by the stunning scenery of Lake Poroto, immersed in the spirit of cultural harmony.

Japanese beef is considered to be among the best in the world, and the black wagyu cows in Shiraoi Town, central Hokkaido, typically yield delicious grade-A beef. The cattle are given a uniquely blended feed using beer yeast and are raised in a stress-free environment that allows the meat to have a tender texture and a rich, mellow flavor. At the farm’s on-site restaurant, Shiraoi Beef is served barbecued, as steak, or in shabu shabu and sukiyaki (types of Japanese hotpot).

From horseback riding and garden strolls to exquisite local cuisine, this horse lover's paradise offers a soulful Hokkaido experience for all generations.

Spreading across the vibrant woodlands of Tomakomai, Northern Horse Park is home to about 80 horses, including majestic retired Thoroughbreds and adorable ponies. Inside the stables, the calming scent of straw and the gentle sound of the horses' breathing help the stress of daily life fade away. Visitors can feel the soothing warmth of these animals through activities like pony leading for children or relaxing horse-drawn carriage tours through the scenic grounds.

Beyond the stables, explore the breathtaking 33,000-square-meter botanical garden, where about 1,000 varieties of seasonal flowers fill the air with fresh fragrances. For more adventure, try a Segway tour or park golf. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. To round out your visit, head to the restaurant overlooking the gardens to indulge in freshly baked bread and the finest seasonal flavors of Hokkaido. Here, you can savor a truly luxurious moment surrounded by nature and horses.