Guida
Located in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, the 'Milk Road' earned its name from the sight of milk tanker trucks traversing its straight paths. The route leading toward Kaiyodai is particularly famous for its dynamic landscape, featuring long straightaways that appear to stretch to the horizon and gentle undulations in the terrain. This road is a symbol of Hokkaido's vastness and serves as a 'sacred ground' for many drivers and motorcyclists seeking freedom.
This region is a hub for dairy farming, with vast pastures spreading across the landscape. The scenery of the Milk Road is not just a path for transportation but a cultural landscape deeply connected to the local dairy industry. Furthermore, the area is home to the 'Grid-patterned Windbreaks of the Nemuro Grassland,' a Hokkaido Heritage site. This unique landscape was even captured in videos by astronauts, highlighting its otherworldly beauty. It is a place where nature and human-made structures exist in perfect harmony.
The greatest charm of the Milk Road is the overwhelming sense of openness with no obstructions in sight. On the way to Kaiyodai, you will see endless green pastures that look like a soft carpet spread across the earth. At night, it becomes an exceptional spot for stargazing, with countless stars filling the sky. In certain atmospheric conditions, visitors may even witness the rare natural phenomenon known as a 'square sun' (a type of distorted sun caused by light refraction).
The best time to visit is during seasons with beautiful contrasts between blue skies and green grass. From early June to late October, when grazing is active, you can see cows roaming the vast pastures. At night, due to the minimal light pollution, it is an ideal time to observe the Milky Way and a brilliant starry sky. Early morning and twilight are also highly recommended, as the changing angles of light dramatically alter the expression of the landscape.
In this area, you can truly feel the essence of Hokkaido through driving or touring. A drive toward the Kaiyodai Observatory offers an extraordinary experience that makes you forget daily life. Near the Kaiyodai Ranch Interaction Plaza to the west, you can also enjoy nature observation. Additionally, the cafe within the observatory offers delicious treats, such as soft-serve ice cream made from locally produced fresh milk.
One of the key destinations along the Milk Road is 'Kaiyodai,' which features an observatory where you can overlook the surroundings from a plateau 270m above sea level. The Kaiyodai Ranch Interaction Plaza also offers walking paths through vast grasslands, allowing you to feel the natural environment up close. These are essential stops when traveling through the Milk Road.
Weather in this area can change rapidly, and temperatures drop significantly at night, so bringing warm clothing is essential. As there is no public transportation, traveling by rental car or private vehicle is a must. When taking photographs, please ensure you do so safely without obstructing other travelers or farm operations. When using facilities like the Kaiyodai Observatory, please follow local rules and maintain proper etiquette.