The Eastern Hokkaido area offers incredible experiences: the misty Kushiro Marshland, the mystical lakes Mashu and Kussharo, the drift ice of the Okhotsk Sea, and the dynamic wilderness of World Heritage-listed Shiretoko.
This model course is designed to be enjoyed by public transport (JR Senmo Line and buses). Each day starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM, allowing travelers to experience lakes, marshes, the sea, hot springs, and local food at a comfortable pace.
Overview (2 nights, 3 days)
- Transport: JR Senmo Line + Local Buses (main bases: Kushiro, Lake Akan Onsen, Abashiri, Shiretoko Utoro)
- Recommended overnight stays: Night 1 = Lake Akan Onsen or Kushiro City / Night 2 = Abashiri or Shiretoko Utoro
- Sightseeing hours: Depart 9:00 AM / Arrive accommodation 6:00 PM
- Budget estimate:
- Transport: approx. ¥6,000–9,000/day
- Meals: approx. ¥3,000–5,000/day
- Lodging: approx. ¥9,000–18,000/night
- Total (2 nights/3 days): approx. ¥45,000–80,000/person
- For lighter travel: stay 2 nights at one base (e.g., Abashiri) and make day trips to Shiretoko or Akan–Mashu
Itinerary
- Day 1: Kushiro Marshland → Lake Akan Onsen
- Morning (9:00–12:00): Kushiro Station → Kushiro Marsh (Hosooka Observatory / Kushiro Marsh Observatory). Canoeing experience available depending on season.
- Lunch: “Katte-don” seafood bowl at Kushiro Washo Market or robatayaki.
- Afternoon (13:00–17:00): Bus to Lake Akan. Explore Ainu Kotan village and relax in hot spring.
- 18:00: Stay overnight at Lake Akan Onsen.
- Day 2: Akan–Mashu (Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Mt. Iou) → Abashiri
- Morning (9:00–12:00): Lake Mashu Observatory, Mt. Iou, Lake Kussharo Sunayu.
- Lunch: Teshikaga ramen, local seafood and mountain specialties.
- Afternoon (13:00–17:00): JR Senmo Line to Abashiri. Visit Abashiri Prison Museum or Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum if time permits.
- 18:00: Stay overnight in Abashiri.
- Day 3 (Seasonal Options): Shiretoko or Drift Ice Experience
- A. Summer (May–Oct): Bus from Abashiri to Shiretoko Utoro. Trek Shiretoko Five Lakes (boardwalk) and take a Shiretoko nature cruise (chance to see bears and seabirds). 18:00: Arrive Utoro / return to Abashiri / Memanbetsu Airport.
- B. Winter (Jan–Mar): Abashiri Port: board icebreaker ship “Aurora.” Also visit Tentozan Observatory, Drift Ice Glass Studio. 18:00: Arrive Abashiri / transfer to Memanbetsu Airport.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (Apr–May): 10–15°C. Contrast of fresh greenery and lingering snow. Red-crowned cranes can be seen year-round.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): 15–23°C. Kushiro often foggy and cool. Best season for cruises & trekking.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): 5–15°C. Brilliant autumn leaves in Shiretoko & Akan–Mashu. Salmon spawning runs.
- Winter (Dec–Mar): −10–0°C. Okhotsk drift ice, smelt fishing, Lake Akan ice festivals.
- Main Events: Kushiro Port Festival (Aug), Abashiri Drift Ice Festival (Feb), Lake Akan Ice Festival (Jan–Mar).
Local Food & Souvenirs
- Food: Katte-don (Kushiro), robatayaki, Teshikaga ramen, Shiretoko salmon, Okhotsk scallops & crabs, summer sea urchin, Abashiri clams.
- Sweets & Souvenirs: Kitami mint products, drift ice glass, Ainu wood carvings, Abashiri Prison goods, drift ice-themed sweets & local beer.