Sobetsu Park

Located on the eastern lakeshore in Sobetsu, Hokkaido, this is one of the best scenic viewpoints around Lake Toya. From the observation deck at the top of the park, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya with Nakajima Island, as well as Mt. Usu and Showa Shinzan, and on clear days, even Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountain range.

This vast park, covering Approx. 86,000 square meters, is also famous as a plum blossom spot. A plum grove stretches across Approx. 20,000 square meters on the slope overlooking the shores of Lake Toya, and around 300 Bungo plum trees come into full bloom every year around mid-May. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast of plum blossoms in full bloom against the blue waters of Lake Toya, with the snow-capped Mt. Yotei in the distance adding to the spectacular scenery.

Because cherry blossoms are still blooming during the plum blossom season, this is also a popular flower-viewing spot unique to Hokkaido where you can enjoy both at the same time. Double-flowered cherry trees and wild cherry trees are planted in the park, and both usually bloom from early to mid-May. There are Approx. 10 parking spaces in the park, but it gets especially crowded in May, so public transportation is recommended.