How to enjoy Tongari Road
Embraced by the magnificent nature、
traveling leisurely
The towns of Urakawa, Samani, Erimo, and Hiroo face the Pacific Ocean with the Hidaka Mountains in the background.
These four neighboring towns can be toured by three national roads (Golden Road, Tenma Kaido, Hidaka-Yabakei Kaido), which are called “Tongari Road” because of the triangular shape of each driving course.
Tongari Road has many “specials” to offer.
Special cuisine that is made with the wholesome nature’s gift of southern Hokkaido and prepared by proficient local chefs.
Special cultures and industries that was established through everyday but unique lives of the locals.
And the ever changing views of the nature seen all over the Tongari road region. Mt. Apoi (Samani town) has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Flowers. There are also mountain range of Hidaka Mountains, reefs and cliffs, and coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean to name a few.
- ①Yushun Sakura Road
- 141-40 Nishicha, Urakawa
- 0146-26-9014
（Urakawa Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - About 1,000 cherry trees have been planted along a 3km-long boulevard in a former facility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Enjoy the different faces of cherry blossoms at night when they are illuminated.
- ②JRA Hidaka breeding ranch observation
- 535-13 Nishicha, Urakawa
- 0146-28-1211
（JRA Hidaka Farm General Affairs Division）
9:30～16:30（Closed Sat/Sun/Holidays） - A world-class training facility for racehorses, and one of the best observation spots in town where you can see the majestic Hidaka Mountains.
- ③Lupinus Hill
- 10 Shiomicho, Urakawa（Behind the Urakawa Family Sports Center）
- 0146-26-9014
（Urakawa Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - The garden is privately owned but open to the public, where beautiful lupines and cosmos can be enjoyed. The view of the harbor and the city below are breathtaking from this observation spot.
- ④Mt. Apoi
- Samani Town Fuyushima District
- 0146-36-3601
（Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor’s Center） - Mt. Apoi, the symbol of Samani Town, is filled with a variety of alpine plants blooming, despite its low altitude of 810 meters.
- ⑤Oyakoiwa
- Nishimachi, Samani
- 0146-36-2119
（Samani Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - Three strange rocks nestle together like parents with a child. In winter, an amazing view of the sun setting between the rocks can be seen.
- ⑥Cape Enrumu
- Kaishomachi, Samani
- 0146-36-2119
（Samani Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - From the observatory, the Apoi massif and the city of Samani can be viewed. Also, in the distance, the spine of the Hidaka Mountains and Cape Erimo can be observed.
- ⑦Horoman Gorge
- Horoman, Samani
- 0146-36-2119
（Samani Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - The surface of the mountain, which is a mixed forest of needle and broadleaf trees, glows with fresh green in early summer and turns bright red in fall.
- ⑧Kannon Yama
- 2 Shiomidai, Samani
- 0146-36-2119
（Samani Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division） - From the observatory at an elevation of about 100 meters, the Oyakoiwa (parents with a child) and numerous other oddly shaped rocks lined up in a straight line can be observed.
- ⑨Cape Erimo
- Cape Erimo, Erimo
- 01466-2-4626
（Erimo Town Hall Industrial Promotion Division） - The pointy top of Hokkaido “Cape Erimo”. It is home to the largest number of harbor seals in Japan.
- ⑩Lake Toyoni (Toyoniko)
- Meguro, Erimo
- 01466-2-4626
（Erimo Town Hall Industrial Promotion Division） - This is a heart-shaped lake famous from the “Shiroi Koibito (White Lover)” chocolate commercials. There is a high probability that chipmunks would appear right in front of your eyes!
- ⑪Golden Road
- Yoshiya, Erimo～Hiroo
- 01466-2-4626
（Erimo Town Hall Industrial Promotion Division） - The road is carved out of the cliffs. Enjoy the dynamic coastline between tunnels and covered roads.
- ⑫Funbe Waterfall
- Funbe, Hiroo
- 01558-2-0177
（Fisheries, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division of Hiroo Town Office） - It is located along the national highway facing the Pacific Ocean, and in winter, beautiful ice waterfalls can be seen.
- ⑬Hiroo Santa Land
- 689 Hiroo, Hiroo
- Weekdays：Fisheries, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division of Hiroo Town Office（01558-2-0177）
Weekend and Holidays：The Sants’s house（01558-2-3293） - Daimaruyama Forest Park, the symbolic zone of Hiroo Santa Land, has been certified as a sacred place for lovers. Enjoy the Christmas illumination beginning in October.
- ⑭Tenma Kaido
- National road 236
- 01558-2-0177
（Fisheries, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division of Hiroo Town Office） - It crosses the Hidaka Mountains and connects Tokachi and Hidaka. In fall, this is a beautiful driving spot for the amazing, colorful autumn leaves.
