Driving The Niseko Panorama Line In Autumn

31 August, 2023 Sofie Lahtinen

From Niseko to Iwanai, enjoy spectacular views and the colours of autumn along this pleasant scenic drive.

Panorama Line In Autumn On The Road

The road along the Niseko Panorama Line.

Who doesn't just love just hitting the road and feeling the freedom that comes with exploring new places? With the autumn leaves out on show and local autumnal delicacies ready to be tasted, October is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty along the road of the Niseko Panorama Line.

Starting your journey at Niseko-cho on highway road 66, you'll enjoy views of the magnificent Mount Yotei and Niseko-Annupuri mountain ranges. You'll travel to the highest point of your trip which is Chisenupuri Pass, also the boundary between Rankoshi and Kyowa. Here you can explore several marshes and lakes including Shinsen Marsh, one of the most beautiful around Niseko. There is a resting house with parking right in the middle of the Panorama Line, with the walk to the marsh a leisurely 15-20 minutes. A great pit stop!

Panorama Line In Autumn 2

Spectacular valley views and peaks of the Niseko-Annupuri ranges.

As you pass the borders of Rankoshi and Kyowa you will marvel in the stunning views of the golden leaves of Erman’s birch trees, which make up much of the glorious autumn foliage on show.

Panorama Line With Autumn Leaves

Golden-hued birch trees along the roadside.

As you journey from the section of road at Kyowa you can overlook the breathtaking panoramic views of the Shakotan Peninsula with the blue water of the Sea of Japan. This is definitely a picture-perfect moment!

Panorama Line With Autumn Trees

Autumn leaves roadside and the Sea of Japan in the distance.

Panorama Line In With Iwanai In Background

A birch tree with the township of Awanai behind.

The last stop on your trip will be the the coastal town, and one of the oldest in the region, Iwanai. Being so close to the ocean and with the town's origins as a fishing village dating back to 1450, it means there's plenty of delicious fresh seafood to try! The local culinary specialties include cod roe, Tatsukama (fish cakes makes with cod sperm sacs), dried herring, and sushi.

Panorama Line With Iwanai

The quaint coastal town of Iwanai by the Sea of Japan.

The Niseko Panoramic Line is around 45km in length and takes about 50 minutes to drive. To get yourself a set of wheels to hit the road, why not hire a car for your stay in Niseko!

Toyota Rent-a-Car
https://www.toyotarentacar.net/english/shop/niseko...

Peak Niseko Car Rentals
http://www.nisekocarrental.com/

If you prefer not to drive or don't have a car, SkyExpress offers the convenience of a day out with your own private driver.

SkyExpress
https://www.skyexpress.jp/

Sofie Lahtinen
Sofie Lahtinen

Australian-born and Euro-blooded, Sofie has been living in Niseko since 2016. When she's not behind a desk, she gets her kicks from yoga, cycling, Mother Nature, and as a self-confessed 'speed-demon', riding anything with wheels or a motor is top of the list. Sofie's perfect day ends by getting red-faced in an onsen, then polishing off a bowl of Hokkaido's famous soup curry (yes, it's a thing!).