HOKKAIDO PLUS

Akkeshi (厚岸) is actually the oldest port in Eastern Hokkaido, the Matsumae clan established a trading post in the 1600s.

Japan’s most eastern mainland city, Nemuro (根室) is in the closest position to the 1150km-long Chishima Islands. The 60km-long Nemuro Peninsula is a knob of brackish lakes, dramatic capes and wildflower gardens.

Akan-ko is Eastern Hokkaido’s classic tourist destination that has picturesque lakes, coniferous forest, volcanic mountains, pleasant onsen and the lakeside Ainu kotan (village).

57km of shoreline and up to 117m deep, Kussharo-ko (屈斜路湖) is Japan’s largest caldera lake. Visitors can enjoy taking the onsen roten-buro, camping and fishing on the shore.

Mashu (摩周) is the station for the onsen town of Teshikaga (弟子屈) in the eastern part of Akan-Mashu National Park.

On the northeast of Kussharo-ko, Kawayu Onsen (川湯温泉) is one of Eastern Hokkaido’s most recommended places to soak and a good base for exploring the lake Kussharo-ko.

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.

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.

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.

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.