Discover the Majesty of Hokkaido’s Highest Scenic Vista
Perched at an elevation of 525 meters atop the breathtaking Bihoro Pass, Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass stands as a premier roadside station nestled within the scenic embrace of Akan-Mosha National Park. Located along National Route 243, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of Japan’s largest caldera lake, Kushiroko, flanked by the active Shindake Volcano and the distant peaks of the Shiretoko Peninsula. Renowned nationwide, it has claimed first place in Hokkaido’s annual “Roadside Station” landscape rankings for six consecutive years, drawing over 600,000 visitors annually.
This vibrant hub blends natural grandeur with local culture, featuring a diverse lineup of specialty eateries including a popular restaurant serving regional delicacies like Bihoro beef curry and wild elk rice bowls. Visitors can savor locally crafted maple syrup ice cream, freshly fried taro, or a golden, award-winning curry bread from the newly opened Wheat Slave bakery. The second-floor observation lounge offers indoor views of the stunning landscape via AR photo zones and digital guides—perfect for any weather. Whether pausing for a coffee from STAG Coffee, browsing curated goods at Kafu Kafu, or simply soaking in the vast alpine vistas, Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass delivers an unforgettable journey through Hokkaido’s wild heart.
Why Visit
Perched at 525 meters atop the scenic Bihoro Pass, Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass offers a rare, unobstructed view of Hokkaido’s largest caldera lake, Kussharo Lake, with the still-active Shokotsu Mountain and the distant peaks of the Shiretoko Range forming a dramatic backdrop. This is the only roadside station in the region where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the entire caldera while sipping a custom blend coffee at STAG COFFEE or sampling locally made maple syrup ice cream with a unique bear bamboo flavor.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass, where regional ingredients meet creative culinary artistry.
Sea and Sky Haru Bihoro Pass Store
海空のハル 美幌峠・道の駅店
Specialty
Local ingredients from Bihoro Town
A restaurant serving dishes made with ingredients from Bihoro Town, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with a focus on regional flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Sea and Sky Haru Takeout Corner
海空のハル テイクアウトコーナー
Specialty
Local takeout food
A takeout counter offering locally inspired street food and snacks, perfect for visitors on the go.
STAG COFFEE
STAG COFFEE
Specialty
Artisan coffee and homemade lemonade
A cozy coffee shop offering carefully selected beans and a unique blend, along with a refreshing homemade lemonade made from pickled lemons.
Bakery Shop 'Wheat Slave'
ベーカリーショップ「小麦の奴隷」
Specialty
Entertaining bread with award-winning curry bread
A franchise bakery shop known for its fun and creative breads, featuring a signature curry bread that has won gold twice at the Curry Bread Grand Prix.
Shopping Highlights
Discover curated treasures from Hokkaido and beyond at the roadside station’s thoughtfully selected retail spaces.
Kafuka Bihoro Pass Store
可不可 美幌峠店
A retail shop specializing in curated goods from the Hokkaido region, featuring high-quality local products as well as unique items from across Japan and around the world.
Products
Must-Try Item
Selected products from the Hokkaido region
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, Wi-Fi, parking, and accessible facilities for a comfortable visit.
Parking Lot
Large vehicles: 14 units, Ordinary vehicles: 120 units
Adjacent to the roadside station
Toilet
Includes warm water flushing toilets and disabled-accessible toilets. Also features a diaper changing station.
Inside the roadside station
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available for visitors.
Throughout the roadside station
Information Center
Provides tourism information, including guided tablet services and large-screen displays for visitor guidance.
Second floor, within the roadside station
AR Photo Corner
An interactive AR corner on the second floor where visitors can take photos with scenic backgrounds of the pass, even during bad weather.
Second floor, within the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of EV charging facilities provided.
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of ATM facilities provided.
Pet Area
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of pet-friendly areas provided.
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of a dedicated nursing room provided.
Bihoro Onsen 'Touge no Yu Bihoro'
A hot spring located about 20 minutes by car from the roadside station. Features a dome-shaped bath made of log beams, a restaurant, and an RV park. Ideal for campers and travelers.
Approximately 20 minutes by car from the roadside station, along National Route 243
Bike Rental
Not explicitly mentioned in the text. No evidence of bike rental services provided.
Activities & Experiences
Explore seasonal highlights, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences that bring the region’s natural beauty to life.
Panoramic View from Bihoro Pass
美幌峠からの景色
Enjoy a panoramic view of Japan's largest caldera lake, Kussharo Lake, the smoking Shindake Volcano, and the distant Shiretoko mountain range on clear days. Cloud seas can be seen in the early morning under favorable weather conditions, and stargazing at night is also recommended.
Duration
60 min
Cloud seas and stargazing are best seen on clear, calm mornings and nights.
Birch Grove Walk
白樺並木
Stroll along the scenic birch grove along National Route 243. Enjoy the vivid contrast of green leaves and white trunks in summer, and the serene snow-covered landscape in winter.
Duration
30 min
Best experienced in clear weather; winter visits may require warm clothing.
AR Photo Experience
ＡＲコーナー
Take photos with a virtual backdrop of the scenic Bihoro Pass view using AR technology, even during bad weather.
Duration
15 min
Available indoors regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
Insider Tips
Visit early to enjoy panoramic views without crowds and check seasonal hours for pop-up vendors and special events.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM in summer to secure a parking spot near the entrance, as the 120 regular vehicle spaces fill quickly by midday due to the scenic views and high visitor numbers.
- Hidden Gems: Stop at the STAG COFFEE counter to try their house-made lemonade, made with fermented lemon slices that are pickled in-house—this is only available at the roadside station’s coffee shop, not at other locations.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Sea and Sky Hal restaurant between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to order the popular Meiji-style curry with eight spices and local beef, which is typically sold out by 1:00 PM.
- Foodie Tip: Purchase the 'Bihoro Pass Fried Potato' from the Sea and Sky Hal takeout counter before 3:00 PM, as it is made fresh daily and often sells out by early afternoon.
- AR Photo Hack: Use the AR photo booth on the second-floor observation lounge during cloudy or rainy weather—this digital feature overlays high-resolution images of the panoramic view of Kushiro Lake and Shokotsu Mountain, allowing you to capture perfect landscape photos even when visibility is poor.
- Seasonal Timing: Arrive just before 6:00 PM in late spring or early autumn to experience the cloud sea phenomenon at the summit, which is visible only when atmospheric conditions align, typically in the early morning or evening hours.
- Shop Insider: Visit the "Kafu Kafu" store (the apparel and lifestyle shop) between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to browse the limited-time seasonal collection, as new stock is delivered and displayed only once per week on Tuesdays.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower blooms along the roadside; fresh bamboo shoots appear at local markets.
Summer (June-August): July brings the debut of the award-winning Za-za-ku Curry Pan; clear days offer stunning views of Kussharo Lake and Shokotsu Mountain.
Autumn (September-November): October showcases vibrant white birch groves against golden foliage; early November marks the start of winter operations.
Winter (December-February): Snow-dusted white birch trees blend into winter landscapes; morning cloud seas appear under ideal weather conditions.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a spacious playground, stroller-friendly paths, and a children's AR photo corner. Includes kid-friendly food options like ice cream and tempura. Facilities feature changing tables and accessible restrooms for families.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse local cuisine including regional specialties like Meihoro beef curry and elk rice bowl. Offers local ice cream, seasonal produce, and artisanal products. Multiple dining options with strong regional authenticity.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking and clean restrooms, but lacks designated overnight camping zones. Quiet during daytime, though not ideal for extended stays. No explicit policy for overnight parking.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of Kushiro Lake, Shokotsu Mountain, and the Shiretoko Range. Features excellent photo spots, seasonal beauty from spring blossoms to winter snowscapes, and a serene mountain atmosphere.