Märchen Hill (Hokkaido)

Located along Route 39, the scenic road from Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri City, Märchen Hill stretches along a 3-kilometer straight section of road with stunning views. This popular viewpoint was also used as a filming location for Akira Kurosawa’s movie Dreams.

The gently sloping hills, covered with fields of potatoes, wheat, beans, and sugar beets, are iconic of Hokkaido’s vast landscapes. At the top of the hill, seven larch trees stand tall, creating a breathtaking scene. Depending on the season, the view transforms: vibrant green in spring, white potato blossoms in summer, golden wheat in autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter. No matter when you visit, the scenery always feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. In addition to seasonal changes, the silhouette of the larch trees against the setting sun creates a particularly striking view during twilight hours.

A wooden deck and benches are set up in front of the hill (except from November to mid-May), allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the view at their leisure. Just a short drive from the hill is the roadside station "Michi-no-Eki Märchen Hill Memanbetsu," a convenient stop for meals, souvenir shopping, and rest.