Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark

Blooming flowers Admiring the new spring flowers.

Spring approaches Hokkaido little by little in April. In May, the land is colored in a fresh green while cherry and plum blossoms start blooming. Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark is tinted with soft spring colors.

Cherry and Plum Blossoms Check out some flower viewing.

The soft hue of flowers makes a beautiful contrast against the remaining white snow on the mountains in spring. Shrines look even more solemn surrounded by blooming flowers. This kind of scenery lasts for only a short time each year.

Information

Flower-viewing Spots Please inquire at each facility or shop
for business hours and prices.

Seasonal Specialties The grace of spring.

After the long winter in Hokkaido, trees begin to bud and color the whole area in fresh spring green. In the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark area, it is the best season for strawberries, young scallops, and asparagus.

Information

Local Specialties Please inquire at each facility or shop for their products and business hours.

1. Route A

   Plum blossoms! Cherry blossoms!
   The model course to admire flowers in spring!
2. Start!
3. New Chitose Airport
   JR Sapporo Station

4. Sobetsu Park Plum Garden

   A spacious park located on the south-east shore of Lake Toya, Sobetsu Park is a great viewing spot for plum blossoms. Drop by from the start of May to the middle.

5. Tatsukamu Tamago Café

   A farm café that serves great lunch. The dishes are made with fresh eggs and vegetables straight from the farm.

6. Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

   This bear ranch attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. You may be able to see adorable newborn cubs if you visit around May.

7. Mt. Usu Ropeway

   The ropeway departs from Showa-Shinzan Station and takes you to Usuzan-Sancho Station. Enjoy the view of the Geopark covered in soft spring colors.

8. Kimonbetsu-gawa River Cherry Blossoms

   In the central part of Date city, there are about 60 cherry trees planted on the bank of Kimonbetsu River. The best spot to see them is from the bridge.

9. Date Rekishi-no-Mori

   A place that introduces the history and culture of Date through cultural exhibitions, including a guest palace. Try out the unique, Handsome-yaki snack!

10. Date Onsen

    After admiring the beautiful flowers, how about relaxing in natural hot springs? There is another great cherry blossom viewing spot just in front of Date Onsen.

1. Route B

   The taste of spring! Strawberry
   picking and visiting sacred sites.
2. Start!
3. New Chitose Airport
   JR Sapporo Station

4. Usu Zenkoji Temple

   Usu Zenkoji Temple is known as a temple of flowers. It is a sacred spot decorated with seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms, azaleas, and hydrangeas.

5. Roadside Station Aputa

   Try some fresh seafood for lunch while gazing at the bay of Uchiura-wan! Many dishes are made with locally obtained seafood, such as scallops and sea urchins.

6. Rebunge Tourism Farm

   The farm where visitors can enjoy picking Toyoura strawberries. Its sweetness and large size is a town specialty. Eat as many as you want.

7. Roadside Station Toyoura

   The most popular menu here, the strawberry-flavor soft serve ice cream is made with handmade Toyoura strawberry jam. This is the must-have dessert!

8. Abuta Shrine (Ryusando, Ryu-no-Tamago)

   This 15-minute walking route is thought to be a spiritual power spot located on the high-energy line that links the mountains of Rishiri, Yotei, and Komagatake.

9. Toyako Onsen

   The final spiritual spot to visit is Toyako Onsen. Soak your body while enjoying the beautiful view of the lake, and recharge yourself with the energy of the earth.

1. Route C

   A forest trek embraced
   in the color of spring.
2. Start!
3. New Chitose Airport
   JR Sapporo Station

4. Shiraginu no Toko

   Shiraginu no Toko is located near the trekking path running along Osaru River by Kita Yuzawa Onsen. Enjoy a warm foot bath by walking through it.

5. Heisei Furusato no Michi

   An old railway turned into a 7 km cycling road. People enjoy walking while listening to the sound of the river and trees.

6. Yutoku Yujo Park

   A spacious, large park. Take a short break on the bench, then turn back towards Kita Yuzawa Onsen.

7. Osaru River Hiking Trail

   The hiking trail allows you to walk along the stream near Kita Yuzawa Onsen. Feel the negative ions energizing you!

8. Kita Yuzawa Onsen

   A hot springs town located on the riverside of Osaru River, it is surrounded by nature. The surrounding tender green forest creates the best healing atmosphere.