Rokugo Viewing Platform
Rokugo Viewing Platform: A Scenic Gem in Furano, Hokkaido
If you ever find yourself yearning for the kind of panoramic, take-your-breath-away vistas that could inspire an entire TV series (and indeed did), look no further than the Rokugo Viewing Platform in Furano, Hokkaido. This platform, perched gently atop a rise in the Rokugo countryside, doesn’t just offer a view—it offers a scene. A scene so quintessentially Japanese, you half-expect a wise, kimono-clad elder to shuffle into frame. It’s no wonder the site was featured in the beloved TV drama series Kita no Kuni Kara. In fact, it’s been honored as one of the “Hundred Views of Rural Japan.” But enough accolades—let’s get to the real draw: the landscape.
A Landscape Fit for Legends
Imagine a sweep of rural perfection: endless fields of green, punctuated by the sort of rolling hills that suggest this might actually be the setting for the best daydream you’ll ever have. And in the distance? Snow-capped peaks. Yes, even in the warmth of summer, you’ll spot those snowy summits, as if the mountains themselves are reluctant to let go of winter. It’s a view to savor, a vista that rewards not only the eyes but also, if I may be so bold, the soul.
Highlights of the Rokugo Viewing Platform
Panoramic Views: The Art of Seeing Everything
The primary allure here is the sheer scale of it all. The view sprawls before you, an expansive stretch of green with mountains standing guard in the distance, their craggy peaks sometimes still adorned with snow. You’re elevated, and the world seems to open up beneath you in all its verdant glory. Even for the most casual of nature admirers, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and serenity. It’s a landscape so beautiful, you may just start waxing poetic without even meaning to.
Irodori no Hiroba (Painted Plaza): Nature’s Masterpiece
Just when you think you’ve had your fill of pastoral perfection, you turn around and are met with the Irodori no Hiroba, or Painted Plaza. It’s as if Mother Nature herself went on a color spree, brushing the land with great swathes of lavender, poppies, sunflowers, cosmos, and Chinese peonies. Depending on the time of year, the palette shifts, but it’s always a riot of color. If there’s a definition of sensory overload in nature, this might be it, but in the most delightful way possible.
Rainbow Road: Where Flowers Become Art
And now, for a little surprise: Rainbow Road. It sounds like something out of a Mario Kart game, but here it’s 100 meters of floral magic. Every July and August, seven varieties of flowers bloom in perfect harmony, creating—you guessed it—a rainbow effect across the landscape. It’s like a living painting, and a sight so magnificent, you might wonder why it’s not more famous. Hokkaido, of course, does this sort of thing effortlessly.
Visitor Information: The Practical Bits
- Location: 3 Higashirokugo, Furano City, Hokkaido 076-0162
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free (Yes, free! So no need to feel guilty about indulging in a second or third visit).
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Furano Station.
- Telephone: 0167-29-2233
For a relatively small site, it’s impressively peaceful. You see, larger tour buses can’t access the platform, so you’ll generally have the place to yourself—or at least close to it. And there’s something wonderful about soaking in that view without the obligatory shuffle of a crowd behind you. It’s a slice of serenity.
Nearby Attractions: The Neighbors You Want
If you’ve made it all the way out to Rokugo, you’re not just in the middle of nowhere. A stone’s throw away (or at least a short drive) is the Anpanman Shop and the Furano Jam Garden—two excellent choices if you’ve got children in tow or a craving for local delights. These attractions make the area a convenient one-stop shop for both relaxation and exploration.
Tips for Visitors: What They Don’t Tell You
- Peace and Quiet: As mentioned, tour buses don’t often make it up here, so it’s likely you’ll have a peaceful visit. Savor it.
- Road Conditions: The road up to the platform is unpaved. If you’re traveling by motorcycle or any particularly dainty vehicle, you might want to take extra care. Or, better yet, bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes and approach it as an opportunity to enjoy the journey.
- The Coffee Trick: If you’re like me, a cup of coffee improves everything. Bring one along, find a spot to sit, and enjoy the view as the steam rises from your cup. It’s as close to perfection as you’ll get in this lifetime.
In Conclusion: A Hidden Gem Worth the Drive
The Rokugo Viewing Platform is one of those places that feels like it should be overrun with tourists, but miraculously isn’t. It’s a place to reflect, to breathe deeply, and to remind yourself that beauty—real, unfiltered, jaw-dropping beauty—still exists in the world. And in Furano, it’s just a scenic drive away.