Gardens, Views, and Hot Springs: A Journey to Heal Your Soul in Hokkaido

- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 3 days and 2 nights
- Main methods of transportation
- Car
Ready to step away from your hectic daily life? Why not refresh your mind and body on the magnificent lands of Hokkaido?
Hokkaido offers the perfect blend of beautiful gardens where vibrant flowers bloom in every season, breathtaking scenery shaped by vast wilderness, and famous hot springs that warm you to the core.
This guide introduces a relaxing itinerary that takes you from Asahikawa to Obihiro, centered around the Hokkaido Garden Path—a journey showcasing the region's uniquely beautiful landscapes.
As you stroll through the exquisite gardens, walk among the flower fields, and gaze upon the magnificent panoramic views of the great earth, the fatigue of your daily routine will naturally melt away. You will feel the true joy of a Hokkaido trip deep within your soul.
This travel plan is gentle on both the mind and body, allowing you to fully experience the delights of Hokkaido sightseeing while indulging in superb local gourmet food and soaking in therapeutic hot springs.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Ueno Farm (Hokkaido Garden Path)
A Garden Stroll Surrounded by Seasonal Flowers
Ueno Farm, one of the most popular stops on the Hokkaido Garden Path, welcomes visitors with flowers blooming throughout the seasons. Inspired by British garden design, the gardens are adapted freely to the northern climate and natural conditions, creating an open, natural beauty.
A leisurely stroll through the garden immerses you in a colorful, enchanting landscape. The garden shop offers seasonal plants and original goods, while the café provides a relaxing space to enjoy the view of the flowers. For a break during your Hokkaido sightseeing, Ueno Farm is truly a “paradise of flowers and greenery” that delights every visitor.
- Address
- 旭川市永山町16-186
- Telephone Number
- 0166-47-8741
- Open
- Late April to mid-October (closed in winter)
Business hours: 10:00-17:00 - Closed
- Open all year round (closed in winter from late Oct. to late Apr.)
Daisetsu Mori-no Garden (Hokkaido Garden Path)
Nature Surrounded by the Majestic Daisetsu Mountains
Spread across hills overlooking the Daisetsu Mountain Range, Daisetsu Mori-no Garden is a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers and lush greenery. It is one of the most popular spots on the Hokkaido Garden Path, celebrated for its seamless integration with nature.
The garden is divided into three main areas:
- Forest Flower Garden: Enjoy a vibrant display of perennial flowers and seasonal blooms from spring through autumn.
- Forest Guest House: A tranquil retreat surrounded by natural trees and delicate wildflowers.
- Playful Forest: A mysterious, almost hidden area where visitors can feel like explorers wandering through the forest.
This spot is highly recommended for those wanting to enjoy both natural beauty and garden elegance during a Hokkaido sightseeing trip.
- Address
- 上川町字菊水841-8(大雪高原旭ケ丘)
- Telephone Number
- 01658-2-4655
- Open
- ◾Summer Business Hours
Apr. 26, 2025 (Monday) - Oct. 13, 2025 (Monday, national holiday)
9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:00)
Free of charge] Apr. 26th (Mon) - May 16th (Fri)
Free of charge] April 26th (Mon.) - May 16th (Fri.) *Only the forest flower garden area will be open free of charge.
Free of charge] May 17 (Mon.) - October 13 (Mon.)
All areas of the Forest Garden, Forest Guest House, and Play Forest will be open for a fee.
◾Winter Business Hours (Snow Activity Experience)
Scheduled to be held from the beginning of January to the end of Mar. every year. - Closed
- Mid-October - Mid-April
[Accommodation] Sounkyo Hot Spring
Northern Hokkaido’s Largest Hot Spring Area with Stunning Seasonal Views
Located within Daisetsu National Park, Sounkyo Hot Spring is the largest hot spring area in northern Hokkaido, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually.
The hot spring town is nestled along a canyon surrounded by sheer cliffs, evoking the atmosphere of a Canadian mountain resort. Spring showcases colorful flowers, summer unveils fresh greenery, autumn paints the canyon in vibrant foliage, and winter turns waterfalls into frozen wonders. Each season offers breathtaking canyon views, making Sounkyo Hot Spring an ideal place to refresh both body and mind while enjoying Hokkaido’s natural grandeur.
- Address
- 上川郡上川町層雲峡
- Telephone Number
- 01658-2-1811
Mikuni Pass Observatory
Panoramic Views of Hokkaido’s Majestic Landscapes
Mikuni Pass Observatory sits at an elevation of 1,139 m within Daisetsu National Park, making it the highest pass along Hokkaido’s national roads.
The observatory provides sweeping views of the dense forest and surrounding mountains, making it a perfect stop to break up a drive. On clear days, visitors are treated to a grand panorama of Hokkaido’s vast landscapes, leaving first-time travelers awestruck. Mikuni Pass is a must-visit for those who wish to experience the sheer scale of Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
- Address
- 三股
- Telephone Number
- 01564-7-7272
Former JNR Shihoro Line Concrete Arch Bridges (Taushubetsu River Bridge)
A “Phantom Bridge” Submerged in the Lake
The Taushubetsu River Bridge was originally built as part of the Former JNR Shihoro Line. After the dam was constructed, the line was abandoned, and the bridge occasionally emerges from Lake Nukabira.
During periods of low water, the entire structure emerges above the lake, creating a surreal, time-transcending scene. From the observatory, visitors can view this “phantom bridge” up close, making it a popular photography spot. It’s a unique location where natural beauty and history intersect, highly recommended even for first-time visitors to Hokkaido.
- Address
- 上士幌町ぬかびら源泉郷
- Telephone Number
- 01564-4-2224
Naitai Kogen Farm, Naitai Terrace
Expansive Green Views to the Horizon
Naitai Kogen Farm, nestled in the northwestern hills of Kamishihoro, spans an impressive 17 million m². One of Hokkaido’s largest-scale farms, its rolling green pastures stretch to the horizon, offering a sense of freedom and openness.
At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tokachi Plain from the observatory or relax in the Naitai Terrace, featuring large glass windows overlooking the spectacular scenery. Take your time and immerse yourself in the vast beauty of Hokkaido’s landscape and pasturelands.
- Address
- 上士幌町字上音更128-5
- Telephone Number
- 01564-7-7272
- Open
- [Farm] (Jun.-Sep.) 7:00-19:00, (May and Oct.) 7:00-18:00
[Terrace] 9:00-17:00 - Closed
- Late Oct.- early Apr.
Michi-no-Eki Pia 21 Shihoro[Lunch]
Savor the Local Flavors of Shihoro Town
Located along National Route 241, Michi-no-Eki Pia 21 Shihoro showcases the culinary delights of Shihoro Town. The menu focuses on the locally sourced Shihoro beef, featuring signature dishes like the “Shihoro Beef Sword Tip Steak/Hamburger” served on a real shovel-shaped iron plate.
Other specialties include juicy Shihoro Beef Hamburgers and savory Shihoro Beef Buns. This spot is perfect for enjoying Hokkaido's specialty cuisine while experiencing the unique flavors of the region.
- Address
- 河東郡士幌町字士幌西2線134-1
- Telephone Number
- 01564-5-3940
- Open
- 9:00-17:00 *Varies depending on the season and store.
- Closed
- The New Year's holiday
Tokachi Millennium Forest (Hokkaido Garden Path)
Relax Amidst Beautiful Nature
Surrounded by expansive nature, Tokachi Millennium Forest was founded to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views while experiencing the seasonal beauty of the forest.
The forest offers educational programs on Hokkaido’s dairy farming and food culture, along with hands-on cheese-making experiences. It’s a place where visitors can learn about Hokkaido’s rich traditions through immersive nature activities.
- Address
- 上川郡清水町羽帯南10線
- Telephone Number
- 0156-63-3000
- Open
- 9:30-16:00
- Closed
- Open throughout the period
Shichiku Garden (Hokkaido Garden Path)
A Vast Garden Filled with Loving Care
Shichiku Garden, located in the Tokachi Plain, was created by a single woman’s vision and spans about 60,000 m². Around 2,500 varieties of flowers bloom, the scenery shifting with each season to captivate every visitor.
A stroll through the garden reveals ever-changing views, with fragrant flowers and vibrant colors creating a relaxing atmosphere. The garden also features a shop and café where visitors can enjoy refreshments surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Address
- 帯広市美栄町西4線107
- Telephone Number
- 0155-60-2377
- Open
- Third Saturday in April - Late October
Hours: 8:00-17:00
- Closed
- Open throughout the year
*Restaurant is open after the park is closed (after December 1) (Reservations required for the winter restaurant).
*Reservations are accepted only for groups during the winter season.
[Accommodation] Tokachigawa Hot Spring
Rare “Moor Hot Spring” for a Soothing Experience
Tokachigawa Hot Spring is known globally for its rare “Moor Hot Spring” waters, which flow through layers of decomposed plant material over long periods.
The plant-based, silky water warms the body deeply even after a brief soak, leaving you comfortably warm afterward. Its moisturizing properties have earned it the nickname “beauty hot spring,” cherished by locals and tourists alike. Stay here to enjoy a luxurious time rejuvenating both body and mind while exploring Hokkaido.
- Address
- 音更町十勝川温泉
- Telephone Number
- 0155-32-6633
Manabe Garden (Hokkaido Garden Path)
A Vast Space with Diverse Gardens
Covering about 83,000 m², Manabe Garden features three distinct types of gardens. The Conifer Garden showcases imported conifers and seasonal colors, the Japanese Garden offers a traditional aesthetic, and the Landscape Garden allows visitors to walk through a forest-like setting.
Take your time to explore each garden and fully experience the charm of the Hokkaido Garden Path.
- Address
- 帯広市稲田町東2-6
- Telephone Number
- 0155-48-2120
- Open
- 8:30-17:30 (Depends on the season)
- Closed
- Late Nov. to late Apr.
Tokachi Hills (Hokkaido Garden Path) [Lunch]
Garden Lunch with Flowers and Fresh Produce
Perched on a hill overlooking the Tokachi Plain, Tokachi Hills is a unique garden park blending flowers, food, and agriculture. Visitors can explore seasonal landscapes including a rose garden, herb gardens, fruit trees, and edible flowers.
The on-site café serves a variety of dishes using seasonal ingredients, making it the ideal lunch stop during a leisurely garden stroll. Surrounded by flowers and fruit trees, visitors can enjoy the best of Hokkaido’s nature and cuisine simultaneously.
- Address
- 中川郡幕別町字日新13-5
- Telephone Number
- 0155-56-1111
- Open
- 9:00-17:00 (Mid-Apr. - Mid-Oct.)
- Closed
- Open every day during the period
Rokka no Mori (Hokkaido Garden Path)
A Harmony of Wildflowers and Art
Rokka no Mori, run by the popular confectioner Rokkatei, features wildflowers depicted on Rokkatei’s signature floral packaging. The garden also features pieces by Naoyuki Sakamoto, including paintings and sculptures, seamlessly blending art with nature.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the flowers while purchasing limited-edition souvenirs only available here. This garden perfectly embodies how nature and art come together on the Hokkaido Garden Path.
- Address
- 河西郡中札内村常盤西3線249-6
- Telephone Number
- 0155-63-1000
- Open
- 10:00-16:00 (April to October)
10:30-16:00 (Convenience Store)
11:00-15:30 (coffee shop) - Closed
- Open daily during the period