A Guide to Enjoying Hokkaido in Summer – Part 2

This article is a continuation of "A Guide to Enjoying Hokkaido in Summer – Part 1".
This time, we'll introduce scenic driving routes and gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed during Hokkaido's summer season.

Table of Contents

4. Scenic Driving Routes to Enjoy Summer Hokkaido

4-1. Mikuni Pass (Kamishihoro Town)
4-2. Orolon Line (Otaru City-Wakkanai City)
4-3. Esanuka Line (Sarufutsu Village)
4-4. White Road Leading to the Sea (Wakkanai City)

5. Delicious Summer Foods of Hokkaido

6. Enjoy Professional Baseball at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO

Summary

4. Scenic Driving Routes to Enjoy Summer Hokkaido

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In Hokkaido, where vast nature spreads out, there are numerous spectacular views that can only be experienced by driving. Summer is especially the season when blue skies and green landscapes shine, making the scenery from car windows feel particularly beautiful.

Here, we introduce summer driving routes that offer the grand scale characteristic of Hokkaido.

4-1. Mikuni Pass (Kamishihoro Town)

(Source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website)

Mikuni Pass is a mountain pass at 1,139 meters elevation along Route 273, known as Hokkaido's highest national highway pass. The dynamic landscape surrounded by deep virgin forests is captivating, and the view from Matsumi Bridge is truly spectacular. It's popular as a driving route where you can feel the beauty of nature with your whole body.

4-2. Orolon Line (Otaru City-Wakkanai City)

(Source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website)

The Orolon Line is a coastal driving course stretching approximately 380km from Otaru to Wakkanai. The route that passes Mount Rishiri, landscapes with wind turbines, old fishing grounds, and sake breweries allows you to feel Hokkaido's grand scale and history. The sunset over the Sea of Japan is also spectacular, and local gourmet foods like sweet shrimp bowls in Haboro Town are one of the pleasures.

4-3. Esanuka Line (Sarufutsu Village)

(Source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website)

The Esanuka Line is one of Hokkaido's premier scenic roads, featuring a perfectly straight road with no obstructions that continues for about 16km. The liberating scenery without guardrails or telephone poles gives you the sensation of being in a world of just sky and road. It's called a "sacred place" by riders and drivers and is an excellent driving route.

4-4. White Road Leading to the Sea (Wakkanai City)

(Source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website)

The "White Road" in Soya Hills, Wakkanai City, is a walking path paved with crushed scallop shells. The scenery woven by blue sky and sea, green hills, and the white road is as beautiful as a painting, making it perfect for strolling. Giant wind turbines stand around the area, and on clear days, you can see Mount Rishiri from this spectacular viewpoint.

5. Delicious Summer Foods of Hokkaido

(Source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website)

Hokkaido's summer is a treasure trove of flavors with abundant seasonal seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Particularly, sea urchin caught around the Shakotan Peninsula and Rishiri Island is exquisite with its rich sweetness and melting texture. In Hakodate, you can enjoy fresh-caught squid with its transparent flesh and delightfully chewy texture. King crab is also in season, with large crabs packed full of meat that are very satisfying to eat.

Additionally, in Furano and Yubari, melons ripen sweetly, and their juicy flesh provides relief from summer heat. In the Tokachi region, grilled corn and boiled corn on the cob are also popular, with their fresh-picked sweetness and fragrant aroma being exceptional. When visiting Hokkaido, be sure to fully enjoy these seasonal delicacies.

6. Enjoy Professional Baseball at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO

For those who want to spend Hokkaido's summer actively, professional baseball games are recommended. Particularly noteworthy is ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, which opened in 2023. The distance between the field and spectator seats is very close, allowing you to feel the players' expressions and the intensity of the game up close. Additionally, the 360-degree seating structure surrounding the ground, craft beer bars, and gourmet shops within the ballpark are well-equipped, making it enjoyable even for those not familiar with baseball. The entire stadium feels like a theme park, providing a highly satisfying experience as part of your tourism.

Summary

Summer Hokkaido is further enhanced by seasonal delicacies such as sea urchin, squid, corn, and melon that add color to Hokkaido's summer. Food enjoyed in the magnificent nature will further enhance the joy of travel.

A trip to Hokkaido where you can fully enjoy nature, scenery, and food during the short summer is perfect for getting away from daily life and refreshing yourself.

※This article was created based on information as of May 2025