Hamanaka, Hokkaido
The River on My Map Makes a Wide Bend Right Before My Eyes A September Morning Drive to Take in Wetland and Sea at Biwase Viewpoint
Biwase Viewpoint sits on a hilltop with views of Kiritappu Wetland to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. On an autumn morning, I want to park the car and compare the river’s bend on the map with the vast landscape right in front of me.
On a lightly overcast autumn morning, I’ll take in the river winding through the wetland, then choose my next road on the map.
AutumnEarly September · Morning
I Spread Out the Map Beside the Car and Take in the Wetland
I parked at Biwase Viewpoint on an early September morning. A road runs across the far side of the car park, and beyond it the flat wetland stretches out. The river makes a broad bend, and I hadn’t expected to find a view this vast first thing in the morning. The sky is lightly overcast, but soft light reaches deep into the wetland. I pulled my green jacket closed and paused beside the car.
I unfolded my paper map to check which road to take next. The river right in front of me was the Biwase River. I traced its thin line on the map, then looked up—and the sheer width of the water caught me off guard all over again. I lined up the river’s bend and the distant cluster of houses with their places on the map, and finally got a feel for where I was along the route.
As I started to fold the map, the wind lifted one of its corners. I pressed it down with both hands and matched up the creases. I must’ve looked more serious than I expected. I leaned lightly against the parked red car and unfolded the map once more. I was glad to take the time to enjoy the view and check my route here instead of rushing off to the next stop. I felt the morning chill at my sweater cuffs, too.
At Biwase Viewpoint, I can look north across the wetland, then turn south and take in the Pacific. Watching the river curve made me want to pick a road towards the sea on my map. I have a feeling there’ll be another detour in today’s drive. I’ve only just taken in the vastness of the wetland, so I can’t wait to see what the coast has in store.
By the time I’d folded the map, I was thinking about lunch, too. Surf clams are a local favourite in Hamanaka, often enjoyed in dishes like surf clam rice or grilled with butter. I’m hoping to have surf clam rice today. With the view right in front of me, planning where to drive next and what to have for lunch felt like a little bonus. I took one last look at the river’s bend, tucked the map back in the car, and set off again.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Hamanaka Surf Clams
Surf clams are a local favourite, served in dishes like surf clam rice or grilled with butter. I’d love to make them part of a day exploring Hamanaka.
Highlights
The Biwase River’s Great Bend
From the hilltop south of Kiritappu Wetland, you can take in the wetland and the winding river to the north. I traced its thin line on the map, looked up, and was struck all over again by how wide the water was.
A Hilltop View of Wetland and Sea
Biwase Viewpoint opens onto a 360-degree panorama. After taking in the wetland, I’d love to turn south and look out over the Pacific, too.
Access and Views
Getting to Biwase Viewpoint
- From the Airport by Car
- About 100 minutes
- Panoramic View
- 360 degrees
You can drive to this hilltop from Tancho Kushiro Airport. Take in the wetland on one side and the sea on the other, then choose your next road.
Once I’ve unfolded the map in the car park, I want to take in the wetland to the north and the sea to the south, then carry on driving around Hamanaka.
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