Soya Region’s highest peak soars heavenward, the spectacular Rishiri-to (利尻島) looks like little Mt Fuji floating in the sea. Many…
Teuri-to Island
Although it is 4km west of Yagishiri-to, Teuri-to (天売島) plays host to a million seabirds around the scenic coastal cliffs.…
Shiretoko Rausu
On the east coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, the busy fishing town Rausu (羅臼町) is well-worth visiting for marine life,…
Kiritappu Wetland and Foggy Capes
Kiritappu (霧多布: official town name is Hamanaka) is a foggy town and spreads out the vague wetlands at the eastern…
Nature-rich Fishing Town Akkeshi
Halfway between Kushiro and Nemuro, the serenely coastal town of Akkeshi (厚岸町) is designated as a prefectural natural park. This…
Northern Otaru Nature and History
Northern Otaru is a historical fishing town with scenic coastlines. Frequent Chuo Bus 10 (via Takashima: 高島経由) and 11 (via…
Tomakomai’s Pleasant Landscapes
The coastal industrial city of Tomakomai (苫小牧市) has one of Japan’s vital commercial ports facing the Pacific Ocean. A number…
Haboro: Gateway to Teuri and Yagishiri
For most travelers, the main reason to visit Haboro (羽幌町) is to catch the ferry to Teuri and Yagishiri islands.…
Monbetsu Gakiya Zone
About 3km south of the city center, this waterfront district (ガリヤゾーン) has an ice breaker pier, a beach (mid Jul-mid…
Stopovers Abashiri to Shiretoko-Shari
There are several brackish lakes and lovely countrysides surrounding Abashiri, you could spend a few days making day trips out…
Western Shiretoko Highlights
Picturesque lakes, waterfalls, rugged cliffs and onsen, Shiretoko West Coast (知床西海岸) is accessible by public transport from Shari throughout the…
Nukabira Gensenkyo Onsen Village
Nukabira Gensenkyo (ぬかびら源泉郷) is a tranquil onsen village on the southeastern side of Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a good…
Bibai’s Nature and History
Sometimes called ‘Beautiful Songs Town’ or ‘Viva Bibai!’, Bibai (美唄市) was once Hokkaido’s second largest coal mining city sits halfway…
Nemuro Footpaths
Along JR Nemuro Line there are several trails known as Nemuro Footpaths (根室フットパス) with very well signposted. The tourist office…
Lake Akan and Akanko Onsen
In the western part of Akan-Mashu National Park, Akanko Onsen (阿寒湖温泉 area is Eastern Hokkaido’s classic tourist destination that has…
Lake Furen and Shunkunitai Sandbank
The 59-sq-km lagoon Furen-ko (風蓮湖) is the natural highlight of Nemuro, providing sanctuary for 330 species of birds, including sea…