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Between Abashiri and Shari along the Sea of Okhotsk, Koshimizu (小清水) makes a good stopover on the way to Shiretoko or Kushiro, such as Tofutsu-ko and Koshimizu Genseikaen. Main attractions are within walking distance from the train stations.
Sightseeing
Tofutsu-ko
濤沸湖
10min walk from Kitahama Station
Located between Abashiri and Shari along the Sea of Okhotsk, this pleasant lagoon is visited by many birds, including whooper swan (in winter), gadwall, white-tailed eagle and gray heron. Birdwatchers should head for the Tofutsu-ko Waterfowl and Wetland Center (濤沸湖水鳥・湿地センター) on the western shore of the lake.
Koshimizu Genseikaen
小清水原生花園
1min walk from Genseikaen Station
Hokkaido’s most easily accessible wildflower garden by public transport, Koshimizu Genseikaen on a 8km-long sandbank is sandwiched between the Sea of Okohotsk and Tofutsu-ko, with over 40 species of flowers bloom from June to July.
Furetoi Observatory
フレトイ展望台
5min walk from Hama-Koshimizu Station
This pyramid-shaped observatory on the coastal dunes feature scenic views of the sea, lake and the Shiretoko Peninsula. In winter you might be able to see drift ice. It is a short walk from JR Hama-Koshimizu Station.
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Hotels
Photo: じゃらんnet
Koshimizu Onsen Fureai Center ♨︎
小清水温泉ふれあいセンター
1min walk from Fureai Center bus stop
Central Koshimizu’s only place to stay, the Fureai Center is a reputable public onsen, with Japanese- and Western-style rooms. There are sports facilities around the onsen. Local buses from Abashiri via JR Hama-Koshimizu Station stop here.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Hanakotori
はなことり
2.2km southwest of Yamubetsu Station
This homely guesthouse has both dormitories and private rooms with shared facilities. It is a good place for birdwatchers. Organic meals are using local ingredients of the region. The owner offers activity tours. A free shuttle is available from Yamubetsu Station, if you request in advance.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae ♨︎
ルートイングランティア知床斜里駅前
1min walk from Shiretoko-Shari Station
Located directly across from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, this 8-story chain hotel is a good place to stay if you arrive here by train at night. There is a communal onsen with an open-air bath.
Map
Getting There
JR TRAIN
There are seven trains daily between Abashiri and Shiretoko-Shari on the JR Senmo Line, stopping at Kitahama (北浜), Hama-Koshimizu (浜小清水) and Yamubetsu (止別). Genseikaen Station (原生花園駅), between Kitahama and Hama-Koshimizu, is open from May to October each year.
During winter, the sightseeing train Ryuhyo Monogatari-go (流氷物語号) runs between Abashiri and Shiretoko-Shari, stopping at Kitahama (北浜) and Hama-Koshimizu (浜小清水).
BUS
Abashiri Bus (網走バス) runs from Abashiri bus terminal stop 5 to Koshimizu (小清水: 53min), stopping at Kitahama Station (北浜駅前), Hakucho-koen-iriguchi (白鳥公園入口) near Tofutsu-ko, Genseikaen Station (原生花園), Urashibetsu-iriguchi (浦士別), Hama-Koshimizu Station (浜小清水駅前) and Fureai Center (ふれあいセンター) at Koshimizu Onsen. About half of buses leave and arrive at JR Abashiri Station via Abashiri terminal.
During the high-seasons, Shari Bus (斜里バス) operates Shiretoko Airport Liner (知床エアポートライナー) between Utoro Onsen and Memanbetsu Airport via JR Abashiri Station and Shari bus terminal, stopping at Genseikaen (summer season) or Hakucho-koen-iriguchi (winter season).
Getting Around
BICYCLE
Rent-a-cycle is available at Koshimizu Tourist Center (小清水ツーリストセンター) next to JR Hama-Koshimizu Station. Insurance fee is extra.
Information
Koshimizu Tourist Center
小清水ツーリストセンター
Immediately to the left as you exit JR Hama-Koshimizu Station on Route 244, this new tourist center has English brochures, maps and postcards. The outdoor shop mont-bell sells a number of hiking and camping gear.
Hama-Koshimizu Station
浜小清水 | 하마코시미즈
Address：Hama-Koshimizu, Koshimizu-cho, Hokkaido
Distance：20km from Abashiri
Elevation：8m