Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island and the country's largest prefecture. Its climate is relatively cool in summer and icy in the winter, with no rainy season. Surrounded on three sides by ocean and filled with grand mountain ranges, Hokkaido boasts a spectacular landscape that can be enjoyed all year round. In other words, it's the perfect place to enjoy a driving tour! A summertime cruise along Hokkaido's wide roads while surrounded by natural beauty will surely make you fall in love with this gorgeous island! In this edition, we will introduce the beauty of Hokkaido through a variety of driving tours. The following routes are recommended by Scenic Byway Hokkaido, an organization dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of the island's beautiful landscapes.

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1. Hakodate - Onuma - Funka Bay Scenic Byway ( See map )

Highlights include Hakodate City, Onuma Quasi-National Park, Mt. Komagatake. Hokkaido's third largest city, Hakodate is famed for the spectacular night views from the top of Mt. Hakodate.

2. Shikotsu, Toya, Niseko Scenic Byway ( See map )

Highlights include Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei, Lake Kuttara, Lake Shikotsu. Lake Kuttara is located in a volcanic crater whose circumference measures 8 kilometers. The water here is said to be among the finest in Japan. Scenic Lake Toya, meanwhile, was chosen as the site of the 2008 G8 Summit.

3. Taisetsu - Furano Scenic Byway ( See map )

On this route, Saika no Sato Lavender Fields, Shinei Hill, Shikisai no Oka Hill Furano is famous for its lush lavender fields. The best season to visit is summer, when the vivid purple flowers are in bloom.

4.Kushiro - Marshland, Akan, Mashu Scenic Byway ( See map )

Lake Akan, Onneto, Lake Mashu, Cape Nossappu, Kiritappu Marsh are located along the route. Lake Mashu is one of the world's most translucent bodies of water, while Cape Nosappu, the easternmost cape in Japan, is noted for its view of the Northern Territories. Kiritappu Marsh is Japan's third largest wetland.

5. Higashi Okhotsk Scenic Byway ( See map )

Highlights include Shiretoko Pass, Shiretoko Five Lakes, Bihoro Pass, Lake Notoro, Marchen no Oka Shiretoko was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unspoiled natural beauty and its value to the peninsula's ecosystem.

6. Soya Scenic Byway ( See map )

This byway's highlights include Cape Soya, Soya Hills, Wakasakanai Beach, Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, Cape Noshappu The Soya Hills are Japan's northernmost peaks, and visitors here can enjoy gorgeous views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sakhalin Islands.

About Scenic Byways in Hokkaido
The "Scenic Byways Hokkaido" Program, Japan's first program for driving tourism, was been launched since 2005. In this endeavor, communities and public-sector organizations are collaborating to realize livelier communities and more attractive tourism environment through road-oriented tourism development, including scenic beautification. Come and experience the pleasure of a driving tour in Hokkaido to discover its inherent beauties and northern splendor.