My 25 Magnificent Scene in Hokkaido, Japan. (Part 1)

Sun pillar and Diamond Dust in Biei.

Talking about Hokkaido, it gives everybody a solid picture of winter, yet you can't disregard the spring when numerous flower begins blossoming after the winter has passed. Other than the season special, there are so much more to see, especially the national park and hiking trail, which is not so often travel by foreign visitors. At here, most of the recommended places come with how to access, of course, by public transport. A solo traveler like me has no use with the car, besides, I can't drive >.<.

    During my travel, the information which I gather during my planning usually is not enough and sometimes things and place are changed over time, by the time I reach the oversea, access to the destination is always the most headache problem for me, furthermore, I am not good to speak Japanese. At this post, I try to make this post detailed, especially the access part, I hope you enjoy watching at the picture and this post help you to plan your trip to Hokkaido, to where the Magnificent view is located at.

Below is my 25 Magnificent view in Hokkaido, Japan.

1) 旭岳、沼の平【旭川】

Asahidake, Flat Swamp [ Asahikawa ].

2) 大雪山高原沼めぐり【旭川】 

Daisetsuzan Kōgen Numa Meguri [ Asahikawa ].

3)ラベンダー畑【富良野町】

lavender Batake [ Furano-cho ].

4)アーチ橋「タウシュベツ橋」【上士幌町】

Arch Bashi "Taushubetsu Bashi" [kamishihoro].

5)三国峠【上士幌町】

Mikuni Toge [kamishihoro].

6) 雲海テラス【トマム】

Unkai terrace [ Tomamu ].

7) 美瑛の青い池【美瑛町】

Biei No Aoi Ike  [Biei-cho ].

8) 美瑛の丘&パッチワークの路【美瑛町】

Biei No Oka & Patchwork No Michi [Biei-cho ].

9) 石山緑地【札幌市】

Ishi Yama Ryoku Chi [Sapporo].

10) カムイワッカ湯の滝【斜里町】

Kamuiwakk- Yu No Taki [Shari-cho ].

11) 知床五湖【知床】

Shiretoko Go Ko [ Shiretoko ].

12) 能取湖サンゴ草群落【網走市】

Notoro Ko Sango Gunraku [ Abashiri ].

13) オホーツク海の流氷【網走市】

Okhotsk Kai No Ryuhyo [Abashiri].

14) オロロンライン【小樽市～稚内市】

Ororon Line [ Otaru - Wakkanai ].

15) 摩周湖【弟子屈町】

Mashu Ko [Teshikaga-cho].

16) 阿寒国立公園オンネトー【足寄町】

Akan National Park Onneto [ ashoro ].

17) 神威岬【積丹町】

Kamui Misaki [ shakotan ].

18) 東藻琴芝桜公園【大空町】

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Koen [Ozora-cho].

19) 宗谷丘陵 【稚内市】

Soya Kyuryo [ Wakkanai ].

20) ひまわりの里 【北竜町】

Himawari No Sato [hokuryu].

21)  ふきだし公園【京極町】

Fukidashi Koen [Kyogoku-cho].

22) 地球岬【室蘭市】

Chikyu Misaki [Muroran].

23) 二十間道路桜並木【新ひだか町】

Nijukken Doro Sakura Namiki [Shinhidaka-cho].

24) 函館山【函館市】

Hakodate Yama [ Hakodate].

25) 大沼国定公園【七飯町】

Onuma Quasi-National Park [Nanae-cho].

1) 旭岳、沼の平【旭川】Asahidake, Flat Swamp [ Asahikawa ].

As you can see, Numa No Hira, The Flat Swamps.

Hokkaido’s Mt. Asahi, is the tallest volcano in the region and is also a home to various ponds and lakes in the high-elevation marshlands. Numa no Hira signifies "Flat Swamp" in Japanese, is formed by the various size of swamps and ponds, from large, medium, and small, this wetland is huge and is about 1300 meters in size which are enough to raise your heartbeat by just look at a glance. The photo is taken during the season of Autumn.

The path near the observation deck.

The Asahi Dake is the only and earliest place in Japan where to welcome the Autumn the first, hence, you can see the Autumn scene along with your hiking way to the Numa no Hira, enjoy the mystical beauty of Autumn earlier than anyone in Japan. The Mount Asahi is loaded with visitors during September, which is the time when The Asahi Dake turn itself into Autumn, where trees, grass, and leafs are wearing the Autumn costume, forming a contrast stunning view of red, yellow, and cobalt blue around the mountain.

The Honey and Hubby swamps.

Numa No Hira is deep in the Mt. Asahi and it takes about 3 hours to go through the hiking trail before you can meet the lovely swamp, I suggest you train yourself before you challenge this mystery hiking. Other than that you can also infuse yourself in the wonder of Asahi Dake around the Asahi Dake Ropeway, where offering you another lovely swamps and scene. 

There is a strolling course around the Asahi ropeway, leading you to the Kagami pond and Suribachi pond, These two ponds are also known as the Metro Pond (Wife and Husband), then, the Sugatami pond where you can take the photo of steam created by the volcano nearby. The strolling course comes with observation deck, easy for you to take some picture, and finish one round of the course is about 1 hour.

Best visit during Autumn.

The hiking route is best to visit depend on the season, for example, it is best to stick with the strolling course around the ropeway station during summer, while it is best to explore the Numa No Hira during the Autumn. Finally, as for the Winter, challenge with your vitality, because the environment is harsh and dangerous, however, you may explore the Sun pillar and the Diamond dust during winter, when the temperature is below -15°C.

The Numa No Hira is three hours walk away from the Ropeway.

Name:	旭岳、沼の平【旭川】Asahidake, Flat Swamp [ Asahikawa ].
Address:	Sounkyo Kamikawa-gun, Kamikawa-cho (Numa No Hira.) 071-0372 Hokkaidō, Kamikawa-gun, Higashikawa-chō, Yukomanbetsu   (Daisetsusan Asahi Dake Ropeway.)
Website:	Website for the ropeway and tour.  (For the ropeway and tour). Website to the finest information about the Asahi Dake, it will tells you everything you need during your hiking planning.
Access:	I will separate the route to the Numa No Hira and the route to the Ropeway. 1) (沼ノ平Numa No Hira.) Three hours hiking from the Asahi Dake Ropeway Sugatami Eki. 2) (大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ  Daisetsusan Asahi Dake Ropeway.) Take a bus from the Asahikawa station direct to the ropeway, check the time table here . there are only 4 buses go and return between the Asahi station and the ropeway. , there are only 4 buses go and return between the Asahi station and the ropeway.
Business hour:	Click here for the Ropeway time table , it is a massive one :).
Fare:	The fare vary by season, check with the link above (the Asahi Dake ropeway site.).
Phone:	0166-97-2153 Asahi Dake visitor center.

2) 大雪山高原沼めぐり【旭川】 Daisetsuzan Kōgen Numa Meguri [ Asahikawa ].

This is a hard travel, but it is worth to go a time.

Daisetsuzan Kogen Numa Meguri is a hiking route to the various ponds and swamps (Numa) in the Mount Asahi, where you can enjoy the superb view of the Autumn Mount Asahi. A clear blue sky, comfortable breeze, magnificent mountains and fall foliage could be enjoyed.

This is the biggest swamp, Daigaku Numa.

Every pond have their own unique size and scene, you may feel bored after a few hours walk, but soon you will find out the wonder of the pond as you approach the highest pond, the Kogen Numa, a pond surrounded by outstanding fall foliage. Other than the trees and leafs, you may also encounter some active deer or some lovely birds, and the most dangerous one, the Brown Bear, but fear not, there is staff nearby guide you around and away from the dangerous bear.

This is Kogen Numa, The highest point of the trail.

Daisetsu Kogen Onsen (大雪高原温泉, Daisetsu Kogen Onsen) is one of the multiple bases from where Daisetsuzan National Park can be explored, and they opened for only 123 days. Located at 1260 meters above sea level, the small, remote base on the eastern side of the national park consists of just a single accommodation with hot spring baths and is connected to the main road by a ten kilometer, unpaved road.

The Daisetsu Kogen Onsen in the southern part of Kamikawa town. There is the Brown Bear Information Center on the opposite side of the Daisetsu Kogen Onsen's building and this is an entrance of the Daisetsu Kogen Onsen Hiking Tour. Because the area is a nest of brown bears, hikers need to attend a short lecture at the bear information center before setting off. Walking the entire trail takes about five hours and requires no advanced hiking skills or equipment.

I see different color.

The staff is out on the track each day, radioing in bear whereabouts and keeping an eye on both the hikers and the bears. This is a wonderful day hike beneath the high peaks. Hikers are only allowed to head out on the hike between 7am and 1pm. Hikers must be off the track by 3pm.

A separate hiking trail leads from Daisetsu Kogen Onsen to Mount Midoridake (3 hours one way), from where well-prepared hikers can continue hiking into the vast interior of the Daisetsuzan mountains.

There are only three designate ponds/places that allowed to eat, they are Midori-Numa, Daigaku Numa, and Kogen Numa, so, get ready your lunch box and drinks in your back pack before you begin your hiking.

On the way back to Onsen Inn.

Name:	大雪山高原沼めぐり Daisetsuzan Kogen-numa Meguri.
Address:	Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture 078-1701, Japan
Website:	The Daisetsu Kogen Onsen. for the hiking map
Access:	There are seven direct buses per day from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo (110 minutes, 2100 yen one way). 1) Alternatively, you can ride a JR train to Kamikawa Station (40 minutes, around 2000 yen by limited express train or 70 minutes, 1070 yen by local train from Asahikawa) and catch a bus from there (30 minutes, 870 yen, 11 buses per day). 2) Once you reach the Sounkyo Onsen, take a taxi or take a free shuttle bus provided by the Onsen Ryokan (Some of them may provide), reservation needed, you can check with the link above or use the phone number below to call for a reservation.
Business hour:	10:30-17:00            Regular closing day from October 11 to June 09
Fare:	The fare of Onsen Inn is different for each occasion, check this link for more information,  this link is only available in Japanese but you can use google translate, the result is still able to understand easily.
Phone:	(01658)5-3818 for the Onsen Inn reservation. (only available from 10th of June until 10th of October.) (0166)26-8300 For the shuttle bus reservation and winter contact.

3)ラベンダー畑【富良野町】lavender Batake [ Furano-cho ].

Do you like Lavender,
love the way they swing in the wind?

Do you like lavender? Envision yourself strolling through an enormous stunning floor covering of blossoming lavender in Provence. The sweet flower fragrance of the herb calming your nerves, taking every one of your stresses far away, and just the humming of the honey bees breaking the quiet.

Welcome to Farm Tomita.

One of the oldest lavender fields in Japan, this is the place where Farm Tomita initiate its first step in lavender cultivating. The field was picked as an area for a photograph calendar created by Japan National Railways (as of now the Japan Railway Company). That was the springboard for the lavender fields in Furano to wind up known across the nation.

Travel to France is too much for your budget? I got an Idea for you. Go to Hokkaido, the biggest Japanese prefecture, in July! Lavender has been developed there for over 50 years. The Furano farms are similarly famous to both Japanese and foreigners. Lavender is in full blossom around the middle of summer and numerous bloom celebrations are held each year. Return to the very same place to enjoy the ski resort.

A purple carpet of lavenders spreads over the slope. Strolling the slope to the highest point of the field brings you views of awesome wonder. Beyond the lavender flowers swaying in wind are the rural landscapes of the Furano valley and the Tokachi Mountains.

The rest area with various facilities.

Among the most prevalent lavender-themed desserts and beverages are lavender honey caramel custard, lavender jelly, lavender-flavored cheesecake, lavender smoothie, lavender lemonade and lavender soft-serve ice-cream, each of them is healthy as well as extremely delicious. Lavender-scented candles, lavender oil, lavender cosmetics and different trinkets are likewise flourishing.

Try to avoid the day of festival and weekend if you want to avoid crowds. The best visit timing may change over time, check the website below before visit.

There are other flowers too.

Name:	ラベンダー畑【富良野町】Lavender Batake [ Furano-cho ].
Address:	Kisen Kita 15-go, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Website:	Official site for Furano farm.
Access:	25 minutes walk from the Naka Furano station, or 7 minutes walk from the lavender farm station, for more information, please click here, Farm tomita access.
Business hour:	Mostly 9am to 5pm to all the shop and facilities. May change depend on season.
Fare:	free admission.
Phone:	0167-39-3939

4)アーチ橋「タウシュベツ橋」【上士幌町】arch Bashi "Taushubetsu Bashi" [kamishihoro]

During spring, the bridge exposed.

The Taushubetsu Bridge was raised in 1937 and is a piece of the first elevated railroad bridges that turned into the first designated Hokkaido Heritage, the Old National Railway Shihoro line Concrete Arch Bridges.

Although initially all the arches were set to be disassembled after the line was shut, numerous nearby citizens felt that these extensions had more to offer and started a conservation development to preserve them. Taking all things together, 34 bridges have been protected. Since 1999 the community has attempted to develop and promote the bridges as a centerpiece of the region. They made the "Higashi Taisetsu Arch Bridge Association" to help in this exertion.

Soon the water comes.

The bridge is submerged when the dam is opened every year, and in January the bridge shows up again when the dam is shut and the water level drops. This is how the bridge claims its nickname "The Phantom Bridge." In winter, in any case, it is possible to stroll over the frozen river by using snowshoes, so there are visitors all year come to see the bridge. The Higashitaisetsu Nature Guide Center, a neighborhood nonprofit association, began the tours to the bridge in 1997.

Other than the bridge, there are also a few hot springs close by, including "Nukabira Onsen," so, the hot spring lovers could have an interesting visit too. At long last, A railroad historical center in Kamishihoro Town shows the historical backdrop of the old Shihoro Railway Line of which the arch bridges are a section.

The bridge under the water? Don't worry.

Then the water level drops.

There are also a few arch bridges close to Taushubetsu Bridge. It has some kind of extraordinary environment where those unmaintained human-made arches that left behind the closure sit in nature. 

During Autumn, an awesome season with red and yellow leaves, an energizing scenery spreads before you with an assistance of mountain behind them. On the off chance that Taushubetsu Bridge is under the water, and you miss an opportunity to see it, despite everything and you still have another choice to make the most of your visit.

The bridge will disappear as time pass, hence the phantom bridge.

Name:	アーチ橋「タウシュベツ橋梁」【上士幌町】arch Bashi "Taushubetsu Bashi" [kamishihoro Cho].
Address:	Nukabira, Kamishihoro, 080-1400
Website:	Kamishihoro town site. Kamishhoro Tour site.
Access:	The access is a bit difficult to reach this place. 1) You need a permission from the Tokachi western forest management Department, then you can drive your private car to the location of the bridge. 2) Or apply a tour with the link above during winter, it is the easiest way to getting near the bridge.
Business hour:	Depend on the tour. the tour start at 09:00~11:30, and 14:00~16:30
Fare:	3150 yen for an adult, 1550 yen for elementary student. 14 people capacity.
Phone:	01564-4-2261        (Higashi nature guide center).

5) 三国峠【上士幌町】Mikuni Toge [kamishihoro].

You can count the car from this view.

Mikuni-toge Pass has the refinement of being the most elevated mountain pass among passes on national routes in Hokkaido. With a height of 1,139m, a completely cleared street and being open all year round, one can infuse you in a fantastic scene of the enormous ocean of trees and the delightful mountains. At the resting places along the pass, one can enjoy the home-roasted hand drip coffee and curry, soba, and udon meals. There is also a corner for selling souvenir from Kamishihoro town.

The rest house, enjoy the hand drip coffee and curry here.

After going through a tunnel, you will end up in Sounkyo. From the pass, the delightful edge line of the mountains in the Daisetsu mountain framework spreads out before you, including Mt. Nipesotsu and Mt. Upepesanke. The Tokachi Mitsumata Forest used to be prosperous and was one of Japan's leading superb timber production area. Mikuni Pass was given its name since it is situated at the border of formerTokachi, Ishikari and Kitami.

Specifically, this place is best to visit during the Autumn. The enlightening excellence of the Autumn costume is nothing not as much as woodland craftsmanship. Immediately after passing through the Mikuni Tunnel on National Route 273, you will come to a parking area where is the best viewing point for the highest pass in Hokkaido, The Mikuni Toge.

During winter, I feel a bit lonely.

Name:	三国峠【上士幌町】Mikuni Toge [kamishihoro].
Address:	Hokkaido Kamikawa-gun, Kamikawa-cho - Katō District kamishihoro
Website:	English Mikuni Toge information. Driving Map.
Access:	Unfortunately, there is no public transport reach here, you may rent a car or bike at the town of Kamishihoro, then drive to the Mikuni Pass. Or take a tour from the Kamishihoro-cho tourist association. About 110km between kamishihoro city - Kamikawa-cho does not have a gas station. Please refuel at the ENEOS Kamishihoro SS (Co., Ltd. Sato Kiko) Hokuren Kamishihoro self-service stations along Route 241.
Business hour:	Open all year round, the Route may close depend on season.
Fare:	Free parking.
Phone:	01564-4-2224, Kamishihoro-cho tourist association.

Alright we will stop here for now, here is the link for next part. I tried to put it all in one post but there are a lot of error occur when I write all in one post, and I am not good in HTML, as the result, I messed with the first attempt, then I decide to separate the post into 5 "Episode".
Thanks for reading and wish to see you again.