Tenma Kaido
A Scenic Mountain Drive Through the Heart of the Hidaka Range
Connecting Tokachi and Hidaka through the majestic Hidaka Mountains, Tenma Kaido is a scenic route known for the 4,232-meter Nozuka Tunnel and its striking seasonal landscapes.
National Route 236, known as Tenma Kaido, is a mountain highway crossing the rugged Hidaka Range. Once a major natural barrier, it was fully opened in 1997 after 27 years of construction, linking Hiroo and Urakawa. Its highlight is the Nozuka Tunnel, a 4,232-meter passage beneath Mt. Nozuka. The route reduced travel distance by about 30 kilometers and travel time by roughly 50 minutes, becoming a key corridor between central and eastern Hokkaido.
Driving along Tenma Kaido reveals sweeping views of mountains and deep valleys shaped by nature over time. The scenery shifts with each season—from fresh spring greenery to vivid autumn colors. Exiting the tunnel into crisp mountain air, travelers are greeted by vast landscapes that capture the raw beauty of the Hidaka Range.
Named after horses imagined to soar across the sky, Tenma Kaido reflects the spirit of the region. Whether for its engineering scale or natural beauty, it offers one of Hokkaido’s most memorable driving experiences.
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- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒057-0173
- Address
- 北海道浦河郡浦河町上杵臼451-1
- Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
