Places to go Noboribetsu, Toya, Chitose, Lake Shikotsu (New Chitose Airport)
Towns living in harmony with natural environs steeped in eternal history
This area, despite being relatively close to New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, the gateways to Hokkaido, is also rich in unspoiled nature. Noboribetsu Hot Springs is famous for the Jigokudani area, where gas spews out and produces white smoke. The hot springs are abundant and of high quality here, so much so that the area is called a "department store" of hot springs. The area around Lake Toya and Mt. Usu is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, and the dynamic natural landscape that has been preserved here since time immemorial is a must-see. Lake Toya is also famous as the place where the G8 summit was held. Lake Shikotsu boasts some of the clearest, bluest waters in Japan. You can take pleasure boats and canoes on the waters, or visit the hot springs on the lake shore. Shiraoi is where the Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), dedicated to this indigenous culture that is gaining attention, is located. You must try the local seafood, such as crab and scallops, as well as Shiraoi beef cuisine.
