Author: Author

In the northwest side of Kushiro Shitsugen, Tsurui (鶴居) is home of tancho (Japanese crane), also called sar-or-un-kamuy (god of marshland) by Ainu. During the winter, they nest in a group in local sanctuaries and rivers.

Nature lovers and wildlife-watchers will feel at ease at this Japan’s largest wetland (at 269-sq-km) directly behind the port town of Kushiro.

The refreshing highland town of Shintoku (新得) is the main gateway of Tokachi Region and has grown into the railway town for crossing the dynamic Karikachi Pass.

About 25km east of Obihiro, Ikeda (池田) is best known for its winemaking and a handy stopping-off point between Tokachi and Okhotsk regions.

About 25 minutes by bus from Obihiro, this serene riverside onsen resort boasts the moor water that contains organic matter of vegetable origin.

Tokachi Region’s capital and transport hub, the modern and lively city of Obihiro (帯広) boasts numerous reputable restaurants, sweet shops and public onsen.

With its picture-book countryside and windproof forests, Kiyosato (清里) is one of the loveliest rural towns in Okhotsk Region. It is the main gateway for the majestic Shari-dake.

Kushiro (釧路) is Eastern Hokkaido’s largest port town and one of Japan’s premier fishing bases facing the Pacific Ocean. A wide variety of seafood and local cuisine fascinate many travelers.

This busy fishing town is well-worth visiting for marine life, onsen and seafood lovers. We recommend you to spend two days in the town and enjoy cruising, bathing or trekking.

Picturesque lakes, waterfalls, rugged cliffs and onsen, Shiretoko West Coast is accessible by public transport from Shari throughout the year.

Shari (斜里) is the main gateway for the Shiretoko West Coast and Utoro Onsen. There are picturesque rural landscape views against the mountains.

Hokkaido’s widest city of Kitami (北見) makes a convenient stopover point between Tokachi and Abashiri. The city has a few interesting sights and a large number of yakiniku restaurants.

Abashiri (網走) is the historical and cultural heart of Okhotsk Region. The town has varied museums, lakes and places to stay, which makes it an ideal place for explore.

Most travelers come Monbetsu (紋別) to take an ice breaker cruise and meet the seals in winter. The city’s main attractions are dotted around the center and the Gariya Zone waterfront district.

Halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate, this coastal town is a major rail junction on the JR Hakodate Line and the JR Muroran Line.

Onuma Park (大沼公園) is designated as a quasi-national park and Southern Hokkaido’s most popular resort.