From Hokkaido's air gateway, "New Chitose Airport," to Lake Toya, the venue of the 2008 G8 Summit, numerous sightseeing spots are scattered along the Pacific coast. This article introduces must-visit attractions and stunning scenery along the self-driving route from Chitose to Lake Toya.
Shadai Stallion Station
Shadai Stallion Station represents the pinnacle of Japan's horse racing industry, home to legendary horses like the undefeated Triple Crown winner "Deep Impact" and "Kitasan Black," which gained fame under owner Saburo Kitajima—even those unfamiliar with horse racing have likely heard of them.
The ranch offers merchandise related to famous horses. Visitors must follow several guidelines, so it’s recommended to check details on the official website in advance.
Shadai Stallion Station (社台スタリオンステーション)
🏠 275 Hayakita-Genshu, Abira-cho, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido
🌐 https://shadai-ss.com/
Northern Horse Park
Northern Horse Park, about 15 minutes by car from Chitose Airport (with free shuttle buses from the airport), is an experiential theme park centered around horses.
In this expansive park, you can enjoy horseback riding, watch pony shows, learn about racehorse life through the "Thoroughbred Tour," and engage in outdoor activities like cycling and putting golf. The park also has restaurants and a barbecue area, making it ideal for a full day of family fun.
Northern Horse Park (ノーザンホースパーク)
💰 Adult admission: 800 JPY
🏠 114-7 Misawa, Tomakomai-shi, Hokkaido
🌐 https://www.northern-horsepark.jp/
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu, located in Chitose City, is a freshwater lake with a circumference of 40.4 km. With a maximum depth of 360.1 meters and an average depth of 265.4 meters, it ranks as Japan’s second deepest lake (after Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture).
The lake’s water is remarkably clear, earning it the nickname "Shikotsu Blue." The visitor center by the lake provides information about the lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖)
🏠 Chitose City, Hokkaido
🌐 http://shikotsukovc.sakura.ne.jp/index.html
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hokkaido’s most iconic hot spring destination, Noboribetsu Onsen is famous for its geysers and other natural features. The most popular spot, "Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)," offers a close-up view of the hot spring source’s geological wonders—steaming vapors and bubbling springs create a striking scene, making it a must-visit attraction.
Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉)
🏠 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
🌐 http://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (登別地獄谷)
🏠 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido (no specific address)
🌐 http://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/
Chikyu Cape
Chikyu Cape, located on a promontory jutting into the Pacific in Muroran City, features a dramatic 14-km stretch of 100-meter cliffs.
The Chikiu Lighthouse, standing at the cape’s tip at 130 meters above sea level, along with the cliffside observation deck, offers a breathtaking 270-degree view of the Pacific Ocean.
Recognized as part of the "Hokkaido Nature 100" and voted the top "Favorite Hokkaido Attraction," it is an iconic Hokkaido landmark.
Chikyu Cape (地球岬)
🏠 4-77 Bokoi Minami-machi, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido
🌐 http://muro-kanko.com/see/chikyuumisaki.html
Hakucho Bridge
Hakucho Bridge in Muroran is a 1,380-meter-long toll-free bridge named after Muroran Port’s nickname, "Hakucho Bay."
Featured in works like *Detective Conan: Magician of the Silver Sky*, the best vantage point for capturing its full view is from the nearby Michi-no-Eki rest stop.
Hakucho Bridge (白鳥大橋)
🏠 From Jinyamachi to Shukuzucho, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido
🌐 http://muro-kanko.com/yakei.html
Showa Shinzan
Showa Shinzan, a 398-meter active volcano, erupted from December 1943 to September 1945, forming a lava dome that was designated a national "Special Natural Monument" in 1957.
As a new volcano from the Showa era, its complete geological record holds immense scientific value.
Showa Shinzan (昭和新山)
🏠 Showa Shinzan, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido
🌐 https://sobetsu-kanko.com/spot/showashinzan
Lake Toya
A 90-minute drive from Chitose Airport brings you to Lake Toya, a lake measuring 11 km east-west and 9 km north-south, with a surface area of 70.72 km², making it Japan’s ninth largest. Nakajima, a 455-meter island in the lake’s center, is accessible by cruise in summer.
The southern shore’s hot spring town is lined with hotels and restaurants. Beyond free footbaths and lakeside trails, the "Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival," Japan’s longest-running fireworks event, takes place from Golden Week through late October.
Lake Toya (洞爺湖)
🏠 Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Lake Toya Cruise
📍 29 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
🌐 http://www.toyakokisen.com/
