Nature Spots in Tomakomai / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu Area

  • Cape Chikyu
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Muroranshi Bokoiminamimachi 4-77
    Cape Chikyu is famous for its approximately 14-kilometer stretch of spectacular cliffs, which average around 100 meters in height. On days when the weather is good, the observation platform at Cape Chikyu offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean; the Cape is very popular as a place to view the first sunrise of the new year on New Year’s Day, with many people coming to watch the sun rise up out of the Pacific Ocean. Cape Chikyu also has a wealth of natural interest; for example, it is famous as a nesting site for peregrine falcons, which come here to breed because of the food source provided by the large numbers of migratory birds.
  • Oyunuma Pond
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Isoyagunrankoshichou Yunosato
    Formed by the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Hiyori, Oyunuma Pond is a roughly pear-shaped pond around one kilometer in circumference and with a maximum depth of 22 meters. In the past, sulfur was extracted from here for use in gunpowder manufacturing. There are still sulfur vents at the bottom of the pond pumping out sulfur at a temperature of 130 degrees, and the surface temperature of the water is around 40–50°C. The white steam that rises silently from the pond, and the mud that comes bubbling up here and there, combine to give a real sense of the power of nature.
  • Mt. Showashinzan
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Usugunsoubetsuchou Shouwashinzan
    This volcano in Sobetsu-cho, Usu County is designated a Japanese Special Natural Monument. The area also has the Usu Mountain Cable Car, souvenir shops, restaurants and other tourist facilities. The Masao Mimatsu Museum at the foot of the mountain displays measurement tools and pictures describing the birth and growth of the mountain.
  • Lake Kuttara
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shiraoi Shiraoi
    Lake Kuttara is a caldera lake in Shiraoi Town in Shiraoi Country, Hokkaido with a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers. The lake has no rivers flowing in nor out of it. The mysterious appearance and water transparency of the lake is one of the foremost in Japan. It is approximately 15 minutes from Noboribetsu Onsen by car. Rental boats are available at the lake house on the shore. The reflection of the red and yellow leaves of autumn on the lake is extremely beautiful.
  • Mt. Tarumae
    Travel / Tourism
    Tomakomai, Hokkaido - Chitose
    Mt. Tarumae is a triple volcano (1,041 meters) located to the southeast of Lake Shikotsu. Its original name meant “burning mountain.” It is characterized by a lava dome with a unique pudding-like shape and has also been designated as a Natural Monument. From the city, it is possible to climb up to the 7th stage in about 60 minutes, and from the 7th stage to the summit takes about 50 minutes. Currently, entry is not permitted beyond the outer crater.
  • Noboribetsu Primeval Forest
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Noboribetsushi Noboribetsuonsenchou Nothing
    Approximately a 15-minute bus ride from Noboribetsu Station, this virgin forest is located in the northeast of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the explosive crater of Mt. Hiyori and also the largest spring source in Noboribetsu Onsen. It became a nationally-designated natural monument in 1924. There are many plants that take root in surrounding warm area because it is a hot spring region and close to the ocean, and it characteristically has various kinds of plant life including around 60 kinds of trees and 110 species of vegetation. In addition, the promenade is perfect for strolls.
  • Lake Utonai
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Tomakomaishi Uenae
    Freshwater lake in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido. This lake is famous for being a paradise for wild birds with over 250 varieties recorded there. This is a popular spot for migrating birds including wild geese, ducks and swans. Many people visit all year round for bird watching. Utonai Lake was also designated at Japan's fourth Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
  • Tokkarisho Lookout
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Muroran-shi Bokoiminamimachi
    "Situated on a precipitous cliff around 100 meters high, visitors can enjoy picturesque scenery consisting of kuma bamboo grass sprawling on the ground like a veritable carpet. The lookout has also been selected as one of the ""Muroran Eight Views,"" areas known for their beautiful views."
  • Ayoro Kaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shiraoigunshiraoichou Kojouhama
  • Masuichi Hama
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Muroran City Masuichi Beach
  • Lake Poroto
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shiraoi-gun Shiraoicho Shiraoi
  • Furusato Kaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Tomakomai-shi Shiomicho 3
  • Itanki Hamanasunakaigan
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Muroranshi Miyukichou 3
  • Inkuranotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Shiraoi-gun Shiraoicho Shadai Kokuyurin
  • Mt.Ousu (Mt.Usuzan)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido
  • Kimundonotaki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Usu-gun Sobetsucho Nakatoya
  • Lake Tachibana
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Noboribetsu-shi Karurusucho
  • Nishikionuma Swamp
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Tomakomai-shi Tarumae
  • Mt.Sokuryo
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Muroran-shi Shimizucho 1-chome
  • Uchiura Bay
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido

Hokkaido Areas

around-area-map

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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