Southern Circuit Travel Guide
Discover the cultural, natural, and adventurous attractions of Southern Circuit in Hokkaido, Japan. Updated information on what to see, where to stay, and what to do in Southern Circuit.
- Introduction to Southern Circuit
- List of Places to Visit in Southern Circuit
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Circuit
- Best Things to Do in Southern Circuit: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Circuit
- Food and Drink Scene of Southern Circuit
- Where to Stay in Southern Circuit: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Southern Circuit: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Southern Circuit
- Best Time to Visit Southern Circuit
- Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Circuit
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Southern Circuit: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Southern Circuit
- Where to Go Next from Southern Circuit: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Southern Circuit
Southern Circuit is a scenic region located in Hokkaido, Japan. With untouched natural landscapes, wildflowers, and waterfalls to be explored, Southern Circuit provides a tranquil getaway from the bustling cities of Japan. This is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese culture, indulge in local cuisine, and discover the traditional lifestyle of the towns and cities here. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the best that Southern Circuit has to offer, including the must-visit attractions to the best hiking and biking routes, and the best accommodations to stay in.
List of Places to Visit in Southern Circuit
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- (1) Sakai City Museum
- (2) Obihiro Museum of Art
- (3) Otofuke Historical Museum
- (4) Ikeda Wine Castle
Natural Attractions of Southern Circuit: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- (1) Shikaribetsu Lake
- (2) Daisetsuzan National Park
- (3) Shiretoko National Park
- (4) Lake Akan
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Circuit
- (1) Shiretoko Peninsula
- (2) Lake Akan
- (3) Onneyu Hot Springs
- (4) Mount Taisetsu
Best Things to Do in Southern Circuit: Activities and Tours
- (1) Take a dip in a natural onsen
- (2) Visit the Tancho Crane Park
- (3) Savor the flavors of Japanese cuisine and seafood
- (4) Attend the Obihiro Ice Festival
Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Circuit
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the Obihiro Museum of Art, Tancho Crane Park, and Obihiro Ice Festival |
| 2 | Hike around Lake Akan and take a dip in a natural onsen |
| 3 | Discover the Ikeda Wine Castle and Shikaribetsu Lake |
| 4 | Head to the Daisetsuzan National Park and enjoy outdoor activities |
| 5 | Visit the Otofuke Historical Museum and enjoy local cuisine |
| 6 | Explore the Shiretoko National Park and enjoy scenic views |
| 7 | Take a tour around Mount Taisetsu and head back home |
Food and Drink Scene of Southern Circuit
Must-Try Dishes
- (1) Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl)
- (2) Soup curry (spicy vegetable soup)
- (3) Genghis Khan (grilled lamb or mutton)
- (4) Ishikari Nabe (salmon hotpot)
Local Beverages
- (1) Sake
- (2) Whisky
- (3) Shochu
Where to Stay in Southern Circuit: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- (1) Dai-ichi Hotel (Obihiro)
- (2) Yumoto Kanketsu Hotel (Lake Akan)
- (3) Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel (Shiretoko)
- (4) Taisetsu Crystal Hotel (Mount Taisetsu)
What to Buy in Southern Circuit: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- (1) Mapletree syrup
- (2) Tsudoi Soba
Local Culture and Customs of Southern Circuit
Southern Circuit has a rich cultural heritage. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of the Ainu people by discovering the local crafts, music, and dance.
Best Time to Visit Southern Circuit
The best time to visit Southern Circuit is from June to October. This is when the region offers the most pleasant climate and the scenery is at its best.
Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Circuit
Do:
- (1) Respect the local culture and customs
- (2) Try the local food and drink
- (3) Visit the local museums and historical attractions
Don’t:
- (1) Litter in the natural surroundings
- (2) Speak loudly in public places
- (3) Overstay in the hot springs
Safety and Health
Safety in Southern Circuit
Southern Circuit is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should take precautions when participating in outdoor activities and follow the guidelines provided by the local authorities.
Health in Southern Circuit
The health facilities in Southern Circuit are generally of high quality. However, visitors are advised to take additional precautions during the cold season.
Getting to Southern Circuit: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Southern Circuit
- (1) Obihiro Airport
- (2) Memanbetsu Airport
- (3) Sapporo Airport
Bus Stations Near Southern Circuit
- (1) Obihiro Bus Station
- (2) Kushiro Bus Station
Other Options
- (1) Car rentals
- (2) Taxis
How to Get Around in Southern Circuit
It is recommended that visitors rent a car to travel around Southern Circuit as the region’s public transportation is quite limited.
Where to Go Next from Southern Circuit: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- (1) Kushiro Marsh National Park
- (2) Asahikawa Zoo
- (3) Sapporo City
Conclusion
Southern Circuit is a beautiful destination for those seeking an escape from the bustling cities of Japan. The region is a natural wonderland with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of activities to suit everyone’s interests. Plan your trip today and explore the best that Southern Circuit has to offer!
