As the lingering charm of spring fades, summer quietly approaches. In Hokkaido, the sun grows warmer, yet the breeze remains refreshingly cool, making it the perfect season to embrace summer. Here are four “Hokkaido Panoramic Scenic Spots” for you to enjoy the grandeur and serenity of nature amidst the gentle breeze.
These landscapes, sculpted by nature, surpass what any photo can capture. Hop in your car and explore these exclusive “limited-time views” unique to Hokkaido!
Lake Shikotsu (Pier) / Chitose City
Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido’s iconic caldera lake, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. In early summer, its beauty shines even brighter: sunlight bathes the lake, turning it an emerald green, with the sky and mountains reflected perfectly on its tranquil surface, like a natural painting.
Standing on the pier, gazing at the lake is enough to uplift your spirit. For a deeper experience, visit the “Poropinai Company (formerly Lake Shikotsu Tourism Center)” for activities. They offer pedal boat rides on the lake (1,500 yen for 30 minutes) or fishing rod rentals (800 yen per hour), perfect for families and all ages.
Gliding on the lake with the breeze, far from the city’s hustle, this moment will relax your body and soul, immersing you in nature’s healing embrace.
- Lake Shikotsu (Pier) / 支笏湖（桟橋）
- Address: Chitose City, Hokkaido
Inverted Mount Yotei / Kutchan Town
Known as the “Ezo Fuji,” Mount Yotei is celebrated for its majestic presence. In early summer, its reflection in the waterlogged rice paddies creates the stunning “Inverted Mount Yotei,” with two peaks mirrored perfectly—a fleeting, seasonal spectacle.
This view is only visible from late May, after the “shirokaki” (paddy flooding), until the rice grows and covers the water. The Yawata area in Kutchan Town is the prime spot, where the snow-capped mountain reflects in the water under morning or evening light, a favorite among photographers.
Stop by the nearby roadside station (about a 22-minute drive), where fresh asparagus, in season from May to June, is a popular item—visit in the morning to avoid missing out. This ephemeral “mirror-like illusion” is a must-see with your own eyes.
- Inverted Mount Yotei (逆さ羊蹄)
- Address: Kyogoku Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
atelier nipek cafe & gallery / Biei Town
Biei Town is famous for its rolling hills and vibrant flower fields. The “atelier nipek cafe & gallery,” created by photographer Toshiki Nakanishi, blends art and nature seamlessly. The café displays his Hokkaido landscape photography, while the adjacent observation deck offers a unique experience of enjoying both the real scenery and his works side by side.
In June, the contrast between the lingering snow on the Tokachi Mountain Range and the lush green fields vividly captures the essence of “Hokkaido’s early summer.” A short drive away, a charcuterie shop established in 1988 offers a restaurant serving dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients, delighting both your eyes and taste buds with Biei’s seasonal flavors.
- atelier nipek cafe & gallery
- Address: Bizawa Kibou, Biei Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0236
- Hours: 10:00–16:00 (until 15:00 in winter)
- Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Uehira Green Hill Wind Farm / Tomamae Town
Located along the Sea of Japan in Tomamae Town, the “Uehira Green Hill Wind Farm,” nicknamed the “Wind Ranch,” spans about 300 hectares with 13 towering wind turbines, each 155 meters tall.
Across the endless grasslands, cows graze leisurely while wind turbines spin in the background, creating a quintessential Hokkaido scene. The interplay of blue sky, sea, green fields, and white windmills is a refreshing sight, like a reset for the soul.
Nearby, a roadside station with a hot spring hotel offers open-air baths, jacuzzis, and saunas, with a Japanese garden view from the baths showcasing seasonal beauty. After a refreshing drive in the breeze, a soak in the hot spring will elevate your journey.
- Uehira Green Hill Wind Farm (上平グリーンヒルウィンドファーム)
- Address: Uehira, Tomamae Town, Tomamae District, Hokkaido
