Four climbing routes on Mount Yōtei have been named. The Makkari Course is one of them, and its starting point is associated with the town of Makkari. It is considered relatively gentle, while also being the longest of the four routes. Two different characteristics therefore matter when assessing it: a relatively gentle gradient does not mean the route is short. Conditions can vary; check seasonal advisories before setting out.
Flowers by Season
The lily garden features colorful lilies, including the Casablanca and Vitala varieties, across 1,400 square meters. Early August is given as the viewing period, with Mount Yōtei as a backdrop. Makkari Flower Road offers a different highlight: a yellow ribbon of flowers stretches for about one kilometer along Iwanai-Tōya Prefectural Road. It runs from the border with Rusutsu to the center of Makkari, and the lilies there reach full bloom in mid-August.
If the flowers determine your travel dates, it is worth keeping these time frames distinct: early August for the lily garden, and mid-August for the flowers at their peak along Flower Road. Planting and flowering are seasonal; check how they are progressing before your visit. The lily garden is also home to a transplanted Clean-Larch larch. Heads of state and government and their spouses planted it at a summit venue; the tree commemorates that summit.
Forest Garden and Walking Trails
At the foot of Mount Yōtei, Makkari Tree Garden combines natural forest with a collection of about 80 tree species. These include foreign species as well as trees from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan. The garden has a spring-fed pond, a lawn and walking trails; parking is also available. The stated visiting season runs from mid-May to the end of November. Confirm current visiting dates if you are planning your stay around them.
Ezo squirrels, chipmunks, red foxes and black woodpeckers live in the tree garden. You may also spot signs of wildlife: walnuts nibbled by Ezo squirrels and pinecones that resemble fried shrimp. Wildlife sightings and traces vary, so they are not a guaranteed part of a visit.
Yōtei Nature Park has several walking trails. Makkari River Park has a distinctive walking trail and received the Minister of Construction’s Tezukuri Furusato Award in fiscal year 1995. Mount Yōtei is visible from the outdoor bath at Makkari Onsen. As operating details can change, check current operations before visiting.
Culture and Seasonal Experiences
Ezo mountain cherry trees stand at the entrance to Makkari Shrine, built in 1910 and planted by local residents around 1920. During peak bloom, photographers and people looking to enjoy the cherry blossoms come to the avenue. Bloom times vary from year to year, so do not plan a visit to coincide with the blossoms based solely on a fixed calendar date.
The Hosokawa Takashi Memorial Statue was erected in 1994 to mark the 100th anniversary of Makkari Village. It plays a message from Hosokawa Takashi and four of his well-known songs; it does not sing in winter. The Hosokawa Takashi Gallery displays stage costumes, scripts, records and, among other items, a Japan Record Award bronze statue. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Park Golf and Camping
Makkari Fureai Hiroba Park Golf Course has 36 holes and a practice area for short approach shots. The 2026 season is listed as running from May 9 to October 31. At the Forest Learning Exhibition Hall, you can borrow park golf clubs and balls free of charge. The stated activity season runs from early May to the end of October; the facility is closed on Mondays. If you plan to borrow equipment, confirm current availability in advance.
Makkari Campground is divided into three areas: open sites, car camping sites and accessible sites. The layout may change. Before making specific plans, check the current layout and availability.
Discover more destinations: Ashoro District, Kitami, Okushiri, Eniwa, Hamatonbetsu, Abashiri, Oshidomari, Tomakomai
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