Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01

Enjoy the great outdoors, from the Garden Road to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site and four national parks Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01 the WONDERLAND New Chitose Airport Asahikawa Airport in 07

SUMMER the WONDERLAND Enjoy the great outdoors, from the Garden Road to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site and four national parks Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01 7days ROUTE 01 Esashi START As if to make the most of the limited season, all the flowers bloom in unison in summer when, invited by the breeze, the sunlight makes the heart flutter and reminds us of the pleasures of travel. FINISH Wakkanai Sapporo Kutchan New Chitose Airport START Wakkanai Airport FINISH Rumoi Asahikawa Okadama Airport New Chitose Airport Muroran Hakodate Airport Hakodate START Mombetsu Lake Saroma Utoro Mombetsu Airport 3 4 Rausu 5 6 Kitami Nemuro Memanbetsu nakashibetsu Airport Airport Biei Lake Kussharo Nemuro Lake Akan Furano 2 Lake Mashu Shintoku Akkeshi Kushiro 1 Airport Kushiro Asahikawa Airport Airport Urakawa 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tokachigawa Onsen Utoro Onsen Utoro Onsen Lake Onsen Sounkyo Onsen Day1 Furano Furano Kaze-no Garden Ningle Terrace Within the grounds of New Furano Prince Hotel is Ningle Terrace, a shopping area surrounded by the forest, where pretty shops can be found in the log houses built there. Throughout each season, more than 300 varieties of flowers bloom in Kaze-no Garden, a small but splendid garden surrounded by verdant tress that's a great place to take a stroll. Address Nakagoryo, Furano-shi TEL +81-167-22-1111 New Furano Prince Hotel http://www.princehotels.com/en START Asahikawa Airport 08 Kaze-no Garden Ningle Terrace

Travel to East Hokkaido BUS Car rental Jrrailway Buses are a useful part of your travel itinerary. Fixed-schedule tour buses offer access to a number of popular attractions on a single trip, and inter-city express buses offer speedy,assle-free service. Eastern Hokkaido Travels, Guided tour taxis add convenience and value to your sightseeing plans. The JR rail network is a convenient way to travel through Hokkaido, providing access to many regions with routes such as Sapporo to New Chitose Airport and Sapporo to Asahikawa. Nakafurano Farm Tomita Known as the home of lavender, Farm Tomita boasts some of the largest lavender fields in Japan. Four different varieties are cultivated, each with different characteristics and peak viewing periods. As well as the lavender that blooms in summer, other flowers such as poppies and cosmos bloom from summer through autumn. Address 15, Kisenkita, Nakafurano-cho Sorachi-gun TEL +81-167-39-3939 http://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en Shimizu Tokachi Millennium Forest A millennium -- to you or me, this may seem like an eternity. Our modern society prizes speed, but perhaps we have become fixated on only what we can see occurring before our eyes? Forests are different. In a forest, time flows in units called millennia. Humans have achieved convenience and comfort, but at the cost of global-scale environmental problems. How does a forest perceive our world? This forest looks to our future. Forests, gardens, agriculture, art, food. Let us interact with nature from a variety of angles, and together think about our future. And that is the goal of Tokachi Millennium Forest. Address Minami10sen, Haobi, Shimizu-cho Kamikawa-gun TEL +81-156-63-3000 http://www.tmf.jp/language/eng Kita no Yatai A row of semi-alfresco food stalls located downtown, just a 5-min. walk from Station. The street was created by a group of people who wanted to rejuvenate, and is made up of approx. 20 unique stalls that serve a variety of cuisines, including yakitori, Japanese, Italian and Korean dishes, made by the individual owners from ingredients produced in Tokachi. Address 10-7, Nishi1-jominami, -shi TEL +81-156-63-3000 Farm Tomita Shimizu Tokachi Millennium Forest Kita no Yatai Day1 Tokachigawa Onsen 09

Day2 Manabe Garden This "fairy-tale land" of a garden is known for a number of remarkable "first in Japan" and "best in Japan" features. The conifer garden here is Japan's first -- and largest. Composed of Japanese garden, western-style garden, and landscape garden components, Manabe Garden is home to giant trees with ages over a millennium. This botanical display garden handles all aspects in-house, including tree cultivation, import, sales, landscaping, and management. Take a break at the on-site cafe terrace and become one with this magical world of trees. You might even spot visitors such as small birds or Hokkaido squirrels. Address 2-6, Inadacho Higashi, -shi TEL +81-155-48-2120 Shichiku Garden This 59,504-m2 garden has been nurtured for over 20 years by its owner, Akiyo Shichiku, who set about developing it after turning 60. Address Nisi4sen107, Bieicho, -shi TEL +81-155-60-2377 Tokachi sweets tour Hokkaido is known for its sweets and is particularly famous for its delicious confectionery. That is because the flour, milk, sugar, eggs, beans and other high-quality ingredients used to make the sweets are all produced in Tokachi. Recommended Tokachi sweets shops Tokachi Toteppo Factory In the Tokachi region in bygone times, a steam locomotive used to run carrying sugar beet, the raw material of sugar. Address 17-3-1, Nishi6-jominami, -shi TEL +81-155-21-0101 Cranberry HQ Address 6, Nishi2-jominami, -sh TEL +81-155-22-6656 In city, there is a pastry shop called Cranberry which is famous for its sweet potato products. Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden If you are speaking of Ryugetsu, it has to be Sanpouroku (literally meaning three way six), a Baumkuchen made to resemble white birch firewood which is one of Hokkaido s classic souvenirs. Address 9sennisi18-2, Shimotofuke, Otofuke-cho Kato-gun TEL +81-155-32-3366 Manabe Garden 10 Shichiku Garden Tokachi sweets tour

Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01 7days Day3 Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor Featuring indoor performances of the Iomante Fire Festival and puppet theater, as well as traditional Ainu dance, which is a designated important intangible folk cultural property of Japan and UNESCO world intangible cultural heritage. Address 4-7-19, Akancho Akankonsen, Kushiro-shi, TEL +81-154-67-2727 Akan lakeside walk/ Tour of Ainu Kotan Take a refreshing morning stroll along the wooden boardwalk amid the trees, while listening to the songs of the wild birds. On the shores of Lake Akan is Hokkaido's largest Ainu kotan (settlement), where artistic wood carvings and other folk crafts catch the eye and shops selling Ainu food can be enjoyed. In addition to one of the walking courses, why not experience the atmosphere of a completely different space? Akan Sogakudai Akan National Park's symbolic peaks, Mt. O'Akan-dake and Mt. Me'Akan-dake. These two mountains can be viewed side by side from the Sogakudai viewpoint. The view of Mt. O'Akan-dake with its gentle slopes, along with Mt. Me'Akan-dake and its volcanic smoke, is a sight to behold. Address 4-7-19,Akancho Akankonsen, Kushiro-shi, TEL +81-154-67-2727 Address Sogakudai, Lake Akan lakeside, Akan-cho, Kushiro-shi TEL +81-154-67-2505 Ashoro Lake Onneto It is a lake at the western foot of Mt. Meakan which is about a 1 hour drive from the urban center of Ashoro and about 20 minutes from lake Akan. Address Moashoro, Ashoro-cho Ashoro-gun TEL +81-156-25-2141 Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor Day2 Akan lakeside walk Tour of Ainu Kotan Ashoro Lake Onneto Akan Sogakudai 11

Teshikaga Mt. Io Atosa Nupuri means bare mountain in the Ainu language and refers to Mt. Io. Even at present this volcano has active eruptions and is located about 3 kilometers from Kawayu hot spring district. Shari Oshinkoshin WaterFall It is located along the national highway as one heads from the center of Shari town towards the Utoro hot spring. It is possible to see the sheet of spray surfacing from bare rock and the powerful waterfall falling down at a short distance. Address Utoronishi, Shari-cho Shari-gun TEL ++81-152-22-2125 Teshikaga Lake Mashu Boasting a degree of transparency ranking next to lake Baikal in Russia. On a clear day, the lovely surface of lake Mashu is a deep blue color which is called Mashu blue. Address Teshikagagenya, Teshikaga-cho Kawakami-gun Address Atosanupurigenya, Teshikaga-cho Kawakami-gun TEL +81-15-482-2200 Day4 Rausu Shiretoko Pass The summit of this trans-shiretoko road, which links Utoro in the town of Shari with Rausu, passes over the ridges of the Shiretoko Mountain Range at an altitude of 738 m. It is a popular driving course amid the natural surroundings and, if the weather is fine, the road offers views of the Northern Territories' Kunashiri Island in the distance. Teshikaga Lake Mashu Mt. Io Shari Oshinkoshin WaterFall Day3 Utoro Onsen Rausu Shiretoko Pass 12

Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01 7days Rausu Whale-watching Cruise There are very few places in Japan that can boast more sperm whale sightings than here. It is a location where the whales migrate so close to the coast, they can be observed from the land with the naked eye or with binoculars. Enjoy the thrill of a whale spraying water right before your eyes. Utoro Nighttime safari Enjoy a nighttime safari amid Shiretoko's abundant nature. See the deer on the grasslands, the hunting foxes, the star-filled sky and the silhouette of the Shiretoko Mountain Range against the moonlit sky. Learn more about the animals thanks to the guide's knowledge, and see different animal behavior to that of the daytime. Sharibus TEL +81-152-24-2054 Day5 Bear-watch Cruise Shiretoko is a region with a high population density of brown bears. Many untouched places can only be accessed by boat, and the cruises are popular due to the high probability of bear sightings while enjoying a cruise in comfort. Utoro Stroll along the Shiretoko Five Lakes boardwalk A World Heritage site, Shiretoko is filled with extremely mystic places. One of those places is the Shiretoko Five Lakes. Why not take a stroll along the relatively flat 3-km boardwalk course around the lakes? At a height of 207 m, Mt. Tento's name is derived from the Japanese meaning "as comfortable as heaven." In 1938 it was nationally designated a "place of scenic beauty." The observatory at the summit commands panoramic views of Lake, Lake Notoro, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Mountain Range and the mountains of Akan. Enjoy dynamic 360-degree landscapes in each season. Mt. Tento Address 245-1, Tentozan, -shi TEL +81-152-43-5951 Whale-watching Cruise Utoro Bear-watch Cruise Nighttime safari Day4 Utoro Onsen Shiretoko Five Lakes Shiretokoshari Sta. Sta. Mt. Tento 13

Day6 Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum Have you ever touched an ice floe? Or tried spinning a damp towel in subzero temperatures? At the Ryu-hyo (Drift Ice) Museum, visitors can try these and other arctic experiences, even in the middle of summer. The facility is located at the peak of Mt. Tento, about 10 minutes drive from JR Station. The Hands-On Drift Ice Terrace is kept at -15 degrees Celsius, and contains actual drift ice. Visitors can touch the drift ice firsthand, or try spinning a damp towel until it freezes solid. You can also meet creatures from the Okhotsk Sea, such as the clione sea angel. The observation terrace provides a breathtaking panorama. Address 244-3, Tentozan, -shi TEL +81-152-43-5951 Only in May Ozora Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Vast hillsides filled with vibrant pink shibazakura (moss phlox) blossoms create a truly breathtaking sight. Visitors will doubtlessly be surprised to learn that most of the moss phlox was planted by a single person -- by hand. These hills tell the story of one man's love for flowers. The park began with a single bushel of moss phlox planted in a garden immediately after the end of the war. The owner diligently spread the flowers into a veritable moss phlox park behind his house. This remarkable story and beautiful sight would propel a tiny town to nationwide fame. Address 393, Higashimokoto Suehiro, Ozora-cho -gun TEL +81-152-66-3111 Prison Museum Japan's only prison museum. Set over an expansive ground, this facility preserves and displays the prison complex buildings of Prison, which was in service since the Meiji Period. Perhaps most impressive is the five-winged radial prison house of five buildings fanned out from a central watch tower. A registered tangible cultural heritage of Japan, this structure is also the oldest wooden prison building in the world. These historical buildings are populated by mannequin inmates so realistic you can almost hear them breathe. Step inside the Prison Museum and take a trip back in time. The cafeteria even serves meals based on the actual recipes served to prisoners. Address 1-1, Yobito, -shi TEL +81-152-66-3111 http://www.kangoku.jp/world Day5 Lake Onsen Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum 14 Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Prison Museum Sta. Kamikawa Sta.

Eastern Hokkaido in summer ROUTE 01 7days Kamikawa Sounkyo Mt. Daisetsu Photo Museum The museum, which utilizes a disused elementary school building, boasts a permanent display of the work of Koetsu Ichine, a leading Daisetsu mountain photographer. Address Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho Kamikawa-gun TEL +81-1658-5-3415 Kamikawa Sounkyo A gorge located in Daisetsuzan National Park, originally known as Souunbetsu (river with many waterfalls) in the Ainu language. Day7 Kamikawa Mt. Kurodake Ropeway Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, Mt. Kurodake offers breathtaking mountainside skiing. Enjoy the silvery snow-capped scenery as you ride the Ropeway to the mountain's halfway point. Then change to the chair lift and ascend to the seven-tenths point where you will start your run. Typically opening in November, Kurodake is said to offer Japan's earliest natural snow skiing. If you can't wait for winter, head to Kurodake. This is also an excellent spring skiing mountain. With lifts open until Golden Week, you can visit Japan in spring and still enjoy winter snow -- two seasons with one trip! Address Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho Kamikawa-gun TEL +81-1658-5-3031 Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo "Welcome!" Step inside this marvelous zoo and enter an amazing world of animals. Penguins soar through the water as if flying, and polar bears dive with a mighty splash! Orangutans display masterful balance and grace on ropes and nets. Wolves howl in the distance. Now nationally famous, Asahiyama Zoo has revolutionized the zoo experience throughout Japan by installing displays to maximize the natural ecology and behavior of each animal. The lively animals create vivid new scenes every day. How about a visit to this very special world? Address Higashiasahikawacho Kuranuma, Asahikawa-shi TEL +81-166-36-1104 http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/ zoo/top&index/pamphlet/english/top-english.html Address Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho Kamikawa-gun Mt. Daisetsu Photo Museum Day6 Sounkyo Onsen Kamikawa Mt. Kurodake Ropeway Sounkyo Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo Asahikawa Sta. FINISH Sapporo Station FINISH Asahikawa Airport 15