The very popular Furano and Biei areas in the center of Hokkaido are famous for their rolling and beautiful landscapes. Here you can drive down the Nishi 11-sen Road, popularly known as the "Roller Coaster Road"!

This 2.5km long road, which starts after turning off Route 237, about 9.7 km from the JR Kamifurano Station, at the ‘Nishi 11-sen Nomen Nodo’ sign, goes basically in a straight line, however it has lots of hills.

It repeatedly, and quite suddenly, ascends and descends, just like a ride on a roller coaster - hence its nickname!

The wide expanse of the surrounding area, which has the Tokachi-dake mountain range in the background, is absolutely superb! Regardless of whether you love roller coasters or not, this is one road that has to be driven on to be believed.

In Hokkaido's northeast, the popular Shiretoko Peninsula is also well-known for being on the World Heritage List, thanks to its rich ecosystem.

If you are going from Shiretoko to the nearest airport, Memambetsu Airport, then making a Hokkaido road trip along this road is a no-brainer.

This straight road continues for about 28.1 km from Minehama, an area on top of a hill in a town called Shari-cho, on National Routes 244 to 334. Known as the “Road to the Sky,” from the hill it looks like the road goes straight towards the heavens. If your timing is good, then you can see the awe-inspiring sight of the sunset at the end of the road.

As there are a parking lot and observation deck, you can get out of your car and enjoy the sight at your leisure. However, please note that it is dangerous to stop and take pictures while on the main road.

The Ororon Line is a wide road that runs parallel to the Sea of Japan on a stretch of Prefectural Road 106 on National Route 5 between Otaru and Wakkanai. There is also beauty found along Prefectural Road 106 on National Route 231/232 between Ishihikari and Wakkanai.

It got the nickname of the Ororon Line because of its association with Teurito Island, which is also known as Ororon Island because of the Common Murre bird species that can be found living there.

On this spectacular Hokkaido drive, you can enjoy a variety of pristine views, including the beautiful Cape Ogon, where you can see astounding sunsets sinking into the Sea of Japan, Sarobetsu Plain with its spread of vast meadows, and Mt. Rishiri, which appears on packets of Shiroi Koibito, famous sweets in Hokkaido, and which has a commanding presence from its island offshore from Hokkaido.

The Mikuni Toge Pass is at an altitude of 1,139 meters above sea level, and it has the highest national highway in Hokkaido. Running through the Daisetsuzan National Park, an area surrounded by lush rich nature, it affords awe-inspiring views. The landscape can only be described as a massive panoramic view of a sea of trees.

Driving through on a Hokkaido road trip in spring is especially recommended, with the start of verdant green shoots and leaves, and in fall, when there is a mosaic of colorful leaves.

There is also a cafe at the Mikuni Pass observatory. Without a doubt, it is really amazing to get out of your car and enjoy a nice cup of tea while admiring the view.

While several routes in Japan have the affectionate name of "Milk Road," the Milk Road (Northern Road Route 19) of Nakashibetsu-cho is a very straight road famous for the many milk tanker trucks that travel on it.

This road, which is surrounded by the beauty of nature, has no traffic signals, and goes straight towards the horizon, is very popular with people driving in Hokkaido. In addition, at a sightseeing spot called the Kaiyodai Observatory, it is possible to see a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside.

While it is called the milk road for the milk tanker trucks that travel on it, of course, from time to time, you can see cattle grazing in the nearby fields. For Japanese drivers, it is common to say “this is Hokkaido!” when driving through here.

Text by: Minna no Kotobasha