Top Things to do

• Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum

  Hokkaido Sarugumbiratorichou Nibutani 55

  This museum, located in Saru County, Hokkaido, displays invaluable folk art articles from the Ainu culture. In addition to displaying traditional Ainu folk artifacts and beautiful art works, one can view Japan's largest dugout boat up close. Many Ainu cultural workshops (Reservations required) can be enjoyed including, wood carving, embroidery, lecture, dancing and the Mukkuri (mouth harp) performance.

• Cape Erimo

  Hokkaido Horoizumigunerimochou Erimomisaki

  Cape Erimo is a cape at the southernmost point in Hokkaido, where the Hidaka Mountains gradually fall in elevation as they approach the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned as one of the windiest places in Japan, with wind-speeds that often exceed 30 meters per second. At the Erimo Wind Museum, visitors can experience Erimo’s strong winds for themselves, and both adults and children will enjoy viewing wild Harbor Seals from the Museum’s observation deck. In 2010, Cape Erimo was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty under its Ainu-language name Pirika Noka (meaning “beautiful shape”), in recognition of its spiritual importance to the Ainu people as a sacred place.

• The JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch Observatory

  Hokkaido Urakawagunurakawachou Nishicha 535-13

  This observatory is atop a hill overlooking the JRA Hidaka Horse Ranch where race horses are born, raised, trained, nurtured and studied. From the observatory one can see the whole expansive grasslands covering the 1,500 hectare grounds, including the grass riding area, the sloped riding area, and other training facilities as well as the Hidaka mountain range in the distance. Inside the observatory is displayed, behind glass, information on the facility and grounds.

• Mombetsu Racecourse

  Hokkaido Sarugunhidakachou Tomikawakomaoka 76-1

  This horse track is in Hidaka Town, Saru County. This is Hokkaido's only municipally run racecourse. At the Polaris Dome, connected to the main stands, you can watch the action projected on a giant screen or watch from semi-cover. They also have night races. In addition to the racecourse, there's a dining area with shops offering famous local delicacies perfect for families and couples.

• Roadside Station Mitsuishi

  Hokkaido Hidakagunshinhidakachou Mitsuishikerimai 161-2

  Roadside Station in Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka County, Hokkaido. Visit the shops as you enjoy the beach and swim in the ocean in Mitsuishi-Kaihin Park. Campervans are also permitted, just see the reception desk in the Roadside Station. The facility also has coin operated showers and laundry facilities, as well as shops where you can purchase souvenir seafood.

• 20-ken Road Cherry Blossoms

  Hokkaido Hidakagunshinhidakachou Shizunaitahara - Shizenchi Misono

  A spot for cherry blossoms in Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka County, Hokkaido. Approximately 3,000 cherry trees line seven kilometers of road drawing people from all across Japan when the cherry blossom season arrives. The tops of the trees cover the road, creating a tunnel of flowers. The Twenty-ken Road has appeared in 100 Roads of Japan and Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots as one of the best places in Japan to view cherry blossoms.

• Roadside Station Jukai Road Hidaka

  Hokkaido Sarugunhidakachou Honchouhigashi 1-298-1

  Roadside station in Hidaka Town, Saru County, Hokkaido. Located at the junction of the Sapporo-Obihiro and Asahiwaka-Tomakomai national highways. A great spot for drivers on Hidaka Pass to rest with gift shops as well as cafes, soba restaurants, and more for light meals. There is also a Hidaka Mountains Museum which introduces the abundant nature and geological features of the Hidaka mountain range.

• Erimo Cape Kaze no Yakata (The Wind House)

  Hokkaido Horoizumigunerimochou Touyou 366-3

  Tourist destination in Erimo Town, Horoizumi County, Hokkaido. The facility offers an Erimo Cape exhibition, and you can learn about local wildlife. Spring to mid-June is the Zenigata Seal birthing season, so you can observe the way of childrearing.

• Biratori Hot Springs, Yukara

  Hokkaido Saru-gun, Hiratori-machi Nishiya 92-6

  Recently renovated Japanese hotel with hot springs in Biratori, Saru County, Hokkaido. The baths are rare highly concentrated carbonated springs, including the outdoor bath that was built during the renovation which is incredibly popular with guests. The restaurant also uses local Biratori wagyu beef and tomatoes.