The Southern Hokkaido area is an area of natural beauty and rich culinary culture. There are many locations that are perfect for a trip with a campervan. In this issue, we will introduce five recommended spots in the southern Hokkaido area that can be enjoyed only with a campervan. We will also detail the recommended times to visit each spot, spots to stay overnight in your car, information on hot springs, local foods and specialties, and roadside stations and markets to stop by.
1. Onuma Park
With the majestic Mt. Komagatake in the background, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and forest. Hiking and biking can also be enjoyed while experiencing nature in each of the four seasons.
- Roadside Stations to Stop by: You can buy fresh local vegetables and apples at Nanae Roadside Station.
- Recommended time: Early morning or evening. The sunrise and sunset reflected on the surface of the lake in the quiet atmosphere is a spectacular sight.
- Parking: The parking lot of Onuma Park or the nearby Nanairo Nanae Roadside Station are recommended.
- Onsen Information: Onuma Onsen and nearby Nanae Onsen offer a wide variety of relaxing hot springs.
- Local Foods and Specialties: Don’t miss the sweets made from Nanae apples and Onuma dango (dumplings).
2. Mt.Hakodate
The night view overlooking Hakodate is famous as one of the three best night views in Japan. A great place to spend some relaxing time with your campervan.
- Roadside Stations and Markets: Hakodate Morning Market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and souvenirs.
- Recommended time of day: Evening and night. It is best to arrive before sunset to enjoy the night view.
- Places to stay: Parking lots at the foot of Mt. Hakodate and Hakodate Tsutaya, an RV park in the city.
- Nearby Hot Springs: There are many refreshing hot springs in the city, including Yunokawa Onsen.
- Local Foods and Specialties: Be sure to visit Hakodate Morning Market for fresh seafood rice bowls and Hakodate’s famous salt ramen noodles.
3. Niseko Area
Niseko is known as a ski resort in winter and a mecca for outdoor activities in summer. The hot springs and nature walks make it a great place for campervan trips.
- Roadside Station: Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station is a great place to buy fresh local produce and dairy products.
- Best time to visit: In the morning or evening. The fresh air is perfect for strolling and watching the sun set over the mountains.
- Places to stay: Campgrounds around Niseko and the Niseko View Plaza roadside station.
- Hot Springs in the area: Niseko Kombu Onsen, Goshiki Onsen, and other famous hot springs are scattered throughout the area.
- Local Foods and Specialties: Niseko’s fresh vegetables and dairy products, such as cheese, are especially recommended.
4. Lake.Toyako
A caldera lake created by volcanic activity, it is surrounded by hot springs. It is a perfect place for a relaxing lakeside campervan trip.
- Roadside Stations to Stop by: Roadside Station “Toya Lake” offers a wide variety of local agricultural products and souvenirs.
- Recommended time: Early morning and night. The silence in the early morning and the starry sky at night are beautiful.
- Places to stay: Parking lots in the Toyako Onsen Hot Spring Resort or at the nearby Toyako Roadside Station.
- Onsen Information: Hot spring facilities scattered around the Toyako Onsen Hot Spring Resort are available.
- Local Foods and Local Products: Tempura wakasagi, a specialty of Lake Toya, and onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) available in the hot spring resort area are highly recommended.
5. Esashi Town
Esashi Town, with its long history and culture, is characterized by its elegant streets and beautiful coastline. Visitors can enjoy driving and strolling while looking at the sea.
- Roadside Stations to Stop by: At “Esashi” Roadside Station, you can get fresh herring, kelp, and other marine products.
- Recommended time: In the morning. Quiet townscape and calm sea are attractive.
- Places to stay: Parking lots in Ezashi Town or at Michi no Eki “Ezashi” Roadside Station.
- Onsen Information: We recommend “Nishino-yu” in Ezashi Town.
- Local Foods and Specialties: Fresh herring, kelp, and seafood from Ezashi.
The Donan area has many attractive spots where nature and culture are blended. By visiting with a campervan, you can enjoy the freedom of travel and fully appreciate the local attractions.
