Jutting out into the Sea of Japan, the Shakotan Peninsula is known for its jewel-like waters called “Shakotan Blue,” dramatic cliffs, and striking rock formations. A scheduled sightseeing bus is the perfect way to enjoy this scenic coastal area.
This tour visits three spots in Shakotan: Cape Kamui, Misaki no Yu Shakotan, and Shimamui Coast.
Cape Kamui sits at the northwestern tip of the Shakotan Peninsula, offering sweeping views of the open sea. Take in the rugged, majestic cape as it extends into the sparkling water beneath the autumn sky.
After viewing Cape Kamui, enjoy lunch and a bath in the hot springs at Misaki no Yu Shakotan. Lunch features a hamanabe seafood hot pot prepared with plenty of seasonal seafood, perfect for warming up after the cool autumn sea breeze. After lunch, relax in the hot spring while gazing out over the vast sea.
Once you have warmed up to the core, continue to Shimamui Coast. Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches, this scenic site is reached by passing through a 30-meter tunnel once used to transport herring. When you emerge from the dark tunnel, the emerald-green sea opens up before you in a truly breathtaking view.
Two more highlights are Roadside Station Space Apple Yoichi on the outbound route and Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura on the return route. Roadside Station Space Apple Yoichi is popular for its apple pies made with Yoichi-grown apples and its creamy soft-serve ice cream. At Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura, you can shop for local Otaru sake and enjoy tastings.
This course follows a varied and dramatic coastline, making the scenery from the bus window part of the journey itself. Enjoy the spectacular views at each stop on a comfortable scheduled sightseeing bus tour.
Category Archives: 運行中のコース
Drive along the deepening autumn coast and enjoy a hot spring bath!
Hike through autumn colors at Hokkaido’s highest peak.
Asahidake “Garden in the Sky” Walking Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
At 2,291 meters, Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. After a scenic 190-kilometer drive from Sapporo, enjoy a hike in this “garden in the sky” near the center of Hokkaido.
The journey from Sapporo takes about three hours, with a rest stop along the way Upon arrival at the Asahidake Ropeway, enjoy lunch at the Sugatami Shokudo on the second floor. The menu features a hearty stewed hamburger steak topped with chunky locally grown Higashikawa vegetables. Made with 100% Hokkaido beef, it’s juicy and well-balanced, perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After lunch, take the ropeway at your own pace up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From the station, set out on a scenic hike. A 1.7-kilometer walking loop (about one hour) leads past alpine plants such as chinguruma, the reflective Sugatami Pond that mirrors Asahidake on calm days, and occasionally wildlife such as the Ezo pika.
On the return journey, stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where products from across Hokkaido come together. Brows Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional specialties, or visit Soraichi Market for fresh produce and local goods from the Sorachi area. The site also features the first shop of the popular confectionery maker Kitakaro, offering exclusive items you can only find here.
With about three hours each way and roughly 400 km in total, this comfortable journey is made easy by the sightseeing bus. Don’t miss the chance to experience these seasonal views that can only be enjoyed for a short time each autumn.
