Five spectacular spots in the central Hokkaido with a campervan.

🏞️ What You’ll Learn From This Article

🌊 Cape Shakotan (Goshi)・Shakotan Blue seas & premium uni cuisine
🏖️ Ishikari Beach (Ishikari)・sunset coastline & Ishikari hot pot
🏔️ Lake Katsurazawa (Sorachi)・tranquil mountain lake & local produce
💎 Lake Shikotsu (Iburi)・Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake & himemasu trout
🌸 Nijukken Road Cherry Trees (Hidaka)・Japan’s finest sakura tunnel & Wagyu beef
♨️ Regional hot springs, roadside stations & camping facilities guide

This issue introduces five carefully selected locations from the Goshi, Ishikari, Sorachi, Iburi and Hidaka areas that you can only visit with your campervan. At each of these spots, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as local products and hot springs on your journey.

1. Goshi area: Cape Shakotan Misaki

Cape Shakotan is one of the most beautiful spots in Hokkaido, with its crystal-clear waters known as Shakotan blue. Especially on clear days, the clear blue sea and the sky become one and you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of nature. The spectacular view from the cape is breathtaking. The colours of the sea change subtly with the seasons and weather, making it a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers, with new discoveries to be made every time you visit.

Recommended time: best during the day when the weather is clear. You can enjoy an exhilarating view of the clear blue sea.
Parking spot: you can stay overnight in your car at the free car park around the cape. The quiet environment allows you to relax and watch the sunrise.
Information on nearby hot springs: Bikuni Onsen is a 20-minute drive away. You can relax in the open-air baths while enjoying the beautiful sea view.
Local foods and specialities: Shakotan sea urchin and squid are fresh and exquisite. We recommend tasting them at a restaurant near the local fishing port.
Roadside stations and markets to stop by: get fresh seafood and specialities at Roadside Station Shakotan and enjoy cooking them in your campervan.

2. Ishikari area: Ishikari Beach Beach

Ishikari Beach is a popular beach known for its vast sandy beach and beautiful sunsets. Not only can visitors enjoy swimming and beach barbecues in summer, but they can also set up camp along the beach and enjoy ocean activities throughout the day using a camper. Especially in the evening, you can watch the beautiful sunset over the ocean and have a romantic moment. In summer, the days are long and you can fully enjoy nature until the evening. What’s more, you can stay overnight in your car while listening to the sound of the waves!

Recommended time of day: Early in the morning when it is quiet and you can enjoy the lakeside scenery and birdsong.
Parking spot: You can stay overnight in your car at the parking lot by the lake. You can relax in a quiet environment.
Information on nearby hot springs: 15-minute drive to Mikasa Natural Hot Springs Taiko no Yu. This hot spring is a great place to relax and relieve fatigue while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Local foods and specialties: Dishes using fresh local fish are popular. Also, don’t miss the vegetables and fruits produced in Mikasa.
Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by: It is a good idea to buy local specialties and fresh foods at Michi-no-Eki Mikasa and incorporate them into your meals by the lake.

3. Sorachi Area: Lake Katsurazawa in Mikasa City

Lake Katsurazawa is a quiet lakeside spot where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. The beautiful mountains surrounding the lake and the calm surface of the water offer healing to visitors. Outdoor activities such as fishing and canoeing are available, and visitors can relax in the serenity of the lake. There is space to park your campervan along the lakeside, and in the early morning, you can have the morning sun reflected on the lake all to yourself. Because you are using a campervan, you can stay at the lakeside for long periods of time and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

Recommended time of day: Early in the morning when it is quiet and you can enjoy the lakeside scenery and birdsong.
Parking spot: You can stay overnight in your car at the parking lot by the lake. You can relax in a quiet environment.
Information on nearby hot springs: 15-minute drive to Mikasa Natural Hot Springs Taiko no Yu. This hot spring is a great place to relax and relieve fatigue while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Local foods and specialties: Dishes using fresh local fish are popular. Also, don’t miss the vegetables and fruits produced in Mikasa.
Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by: It is a good idea to buy local specialties and fresh foods at Michi-no-Eki Mikasa and incorporate them into your meals by the lake.

4. Iburi Area: Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu is one of the clearest caldera lakes in Japan, and is a place where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature in all four seasons. There are many campgrounds and hiking trails around the lake, making it a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. In particular, campers can spend a relaxing time by the lake, and canoeing and walking in the quietness of the early morning is exceptional.

Recommended time: Early morning to mid-morning is best. The lake is quiet and you can enjoy the scenery.
Car parking: There is a private parking lot at the lakeside campground, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the lake.
Hot spring information: 15 minutes drive to Marukoma Onsen. The open-air hot spring is fed by the water of Lake Shikotsu, so you can enjoy the hot spring while feeling the nature.
Local food and specialties: The hime-masu trout dish from Lake Shikotsu is a must-try. Enjoy fresh fish dishes at a lakeside restaurant.
Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by: Purchase fresh local foods at Roadside Station Forest 276 Otaki, which is perfect for a picnic by the lake.

5. Hidaka Area: Nijuma Road Cherry Trees in Shinkan

This 7-km-long row of cherry trees is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido, where cherry trees are in full bloom in spring.

Recommended time of day: If it is cherry blossom season, it is ideal to visit early in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Car Parking Spots: Free parking spaces are available around the rows of cherry trees, and it is possible to stay overnight in your car in a quiet environment.
Information on nearby hot springs: It is a 20-minute drive to Shizunai Onsen. After a day of cherry blossom viewing, the hot springs are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day.
Local foods and specialties: Wagyu beef and horse sashimi from Shinkan are excellent. Enjoy fresh meat dishes at local restaurants.
Roadside Stations and Markets to Stop by: Purchase local specialties and fresh vegetables at Thoroughbred Road Shinkan Roadside Station to make your trip memorable.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

April to October offers ideal conditions. Cape Shakotan’s uni season (June-August), Nijukken Road cherry blossoms (late April-early May), Lake Shikotsu’s fresh greenery (May-June) and autumn colors (late September-mid October) are particularly recommended. Ishikari Beach sunsets are year-round spectacular but most beautiful in summer (June-August). Lake Katsurazawa’s tranquility is best enjoyed during spring-autumn mornings. Winter offers excellent snow-viewing hot spring experiences at all locations.

Cape Shakotan: Free cape-area parking (excellent ocean views, sunrise watching ideal)
Ishikari Beach: Coastal parking areas (fall asleep to wave sounds, sunset viewing possible)
Lake Katsurazawa: Lakeside parking (quiet environment, optimal for bird watching)
Lake Shikotsu: Lakeside campground dedicated parking (full facilities, easy lake access)
Nijukken Road: Cherry tree area free parking spaces (early arrival recommended during sakura season)

Bikuni Onsen (Shakotan): ¥700-1,000 adults, ocean-view outdoor baths, sodium chloride springs
Airoad Atsuta Onsen (Ishikari): ¥600-900 adults, ocean-view hot springs, alkaline simple springs with skin benefits
Mikasa Natural Hot Springs Taiko no Yu (Sorachi): ¥800-1,200 adults, ancient seawater-origin chloride springs
Marukoma Onsen (Lake Shikotsu): ¥1,500-2,000 adults, unique Lake Shikotsu water outdoor baths, simple springs
Shizunai Onsen (Hidaka): ¥500-800 adults, beloved local family-style hot springs

Cape Shakotan: Shakotan uni & squid (Shakotan Roadside Station, local fishing port restaurants)
Ishikari Beach: Ishikari hot pot & hokki shellfish (Ishikari Airoad Atsuta Roadside Station)
Lake Katsurazawa: Mikasa vegetables & fruits, lake fish cuisine (Mikasa Roadside Station)
Lake Shikotsu: Himemasu trout & mountain vegetable cuisine (lakeside restaurants, Forest 276 Otaki Roadside Station)
Nijukken Road: Shinhidaka Wagyu beef & horse sashimi (Thoroughbred Road Shinhidaka Roadside Station, local restaurants)

Recommended Route (4 nights/5 days): ①Sapporo departure→Lake Shikotsu→②Lake Katsurazawa→③Cape Shakotan→④Ishikari Beach→⑤Nijukken Road Cherry Trees
Total Distance: Approximately 650km
Travel Times: Sapporo→Shikotsu (1 hour), Shikotsu→Katsurazawa (1.5 hours), Katsurazawa→Shakotan (2 hours), Shakotan→Ishikari (1.5 hours), Ishikari→Nijukken Road (3 hours)
This Sapporo-based Central Hokkaido circuit efficiently covers lakes, ocean, and mountain diverse landscapes.

Essential Items: Warm clothing (lakeside/coastal areas cool during mornings/evenings), rain gear, insect repellent, fishing equipment (Lake Shikotsu/Katsurazawa)
Important Notes: Cape Shakotan has cliff areas – beware of strong winds. Ishikari Beach – check tide schedules. Lake Shikotsu water temperature too cold for swimming. Nijukken Road extremely crowded during cherry blossom season – recommend early morning visits. Significant distances between areas require regular fuel stops. Prepare for weather changes and maintain flexible schedules.

Conclusion

By using a campervan, you can make your own special trip, unbound by time or place. Each area is filled with seasonal attractions, and new discoveries await you each time you visit. We hope you will take advantage of your campervan and enjoy the great outdoors to your heart’s content.