Eastern Hokkaido is home to one of Japan’s largest
fishing fleets, the huge Kushiro Marshland, the WorldHeritage
Listed Shiretoko National Park
and the beautiful Akan National Park area. This area is not only
known for it’s incredible scenery and well preserved forests,
but is also home to two of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring areas
called Akan and Kawayu. The area
is also characterized by huge 2000 plus meter mountains and wide open
plains for farming. This area produces huge amounts of farmed goods
including vegetables, dairy products, flowers and flower related
products. It is home to Hokkaido’s second largest city of Asahikawa
as well as the famous Sounkyo Hot Spring area.
In use from 1890 up until about 1984 and located on Mt Tento, this ex-prison which was moved from it’s previous location and reconstructed here, has been preserved in almost it’s original form. It has been converted into a museum, the only one of it’s kind in Japan. It is possible to see how the prisoners lived and worked in the prison confines. The actual detainee housing areas are also still intact and can be seen. The museum has various displays to show aspects of daily prison life, has wax dummies to give a better picture of the prisoners themselves and also displays some of the shackles and chains that were used. Top
Admission
Adults ¥ 1050
University & H.S. Students ¥ 730
Children ¥ 520
Opening Hours
9 am to 6 pm daily April to October
9 am to 5 pm daily November to March
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 10 min from JR Abashiri Station
by the Mt.Tento bus.
During the cold winter, fresh water from the China-Russia border area freezes when it hits the chilly ocean. This ice then moves south toward Japan eventually reaching Hokkaido. There are various boats to take when wanting to view the ice floes but two of the more well known boats are the “Garinko” in Monbetsu and “Aurora” in Abashiri. The Garinko is fully equipped with an ice crusher on the bow and thus can make trips through the whole ice season the Aurora however sometimes cannot break the ice during the peak season but operates most of the time. There are also sea eagles and seals that follow the ice and they can sometimes be spotted from the boat. Cruises usually last for about an hour. These cruises are very popular and thus it is usually essential to make bookings in advance. Top
Information for ship “Aurora”
Admission
Adults ¥ 3000
Children ¥ 1500
Opening Hours
January 20th to first Sunday
of April
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
0152-43-6000 for Reservations & Information
Boat Departs
January 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm,
3 pm
February & March 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm (Special
Sunset Cruise - Can be irregular)
Taking up most of Shiretoko Peninsula, Shiretoko National Park was World Heritage Listed in July 2005. The area is comprised of pristine, almost untouched, wilderness with steep mountains, small lakes and a wide variety of animals, including bears, foxes and other mammals and many birds including sea eagles. The area is also well known for its beautiful waterfalls, some of which flow directly into the sea of Okhotsk and can be viewed from sightseeing boat which departs from the port of Utoro. One of the famous waterfalls is called “Maiden’s Tears”. This waterfall is produced from warm water and thus steams as it falls. The lake area has a walking track and can be finished in about one (1) to two (2) hours. There is also cave Makkausu which was formed by seawater erosion. Inside the cave is a special type of luminous moss. The winter also often sees the area surrounded by floating ice. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Akan National Park
Located in Eastern Hokkaido, almost in the center between Kushiro City and Abashiri City, Akan National Park
is an amazingly beautiful mountainous area typified
by plentiful forest, crystal clear lakes and relaxing onsen areas. Akan
is an extremely popular tourist area and is a stepping stone to the World
Heritage Listed Shiretoko National Park. The Akan National Park is some
90 481 hectares in area and has a huge range of wildlife and also a Japanese
Special National Natural Monument listed algae called “Marimo”. This
very unusual type of algae forms itself into almost perfect balls and
if left undisturbed long enough will grow to be the size of footballs.
Major areas of attraction in the Akan Park Area are: Iozan, Lake Akan & Lake
Akan Village (Akankohan), Lake Kussharo and Lake
Masshu.
Transportation By Car : Renting a car to travel around the Akan National Park area
can be a good option, especially in the summer when the roads are in
good condition. The Park itself has three highways running through
it which service the towns and observation points and give access to
Abashiri and Kushiro which are about one or two hours away. The winter
however, will see these roads covered in snow and ice and therefore
driving will be more hazardous. Also the national park has many wild
animals and especially deer can be a hazard when driving at night.
Take all caution and obey speed limits.
For a list of rental car agencies and contact info - Click
Here. By Bus : The Akan Bus Service provides a variety of sightseeing buses that
tour around the Akan area and make stops at various tourist destinations. There
are also regularly scheduled buses running between the towns of Akankohan,
Kawayu, Abashiri and Kushiro with stops at Lake Masshu. These buses however
are relatively infrequent with only between 2 to 5 buses per day. Be sure to
book ahead. By Train : The only train line through the Akan National Park is the JR Senmo
Line which runs from Kushiro to Abashiri. The stop in the park is the Kawayu
Train Station just outside the small onsen town of Kawayu. The ride from
Kushiro takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs ¥1 790. From Abashiri it takes approximately
2 hours and costs ¥1600. There are about 4 to 6 trains per day running
from these locations. Top
Iozan
Iozan is an active volcanic mountain located just outside
of the small onsen town of Kawayu. This area vents large amounts of sulphur
and gasses and can be viewed up close. There are also several walking
tracks in the area of differing lengths and difficulty. Around the mountain
area it is also possible to buy eggs cooked by the natural steam of the
volcano. There is also a rest house with bathrooms, small restaurant
and souvenir store.
*Please remember that this area is an active volcanic
area. If using the walking trails do not enter areas which have been fenced
off as they will be unsafe. Top
Admission
Parking Fee is ¥410
(Keep your ticket and you can also use it at the Lake Masshu
parking area)
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 5 min drive from Kawayu Onsen Station
Phone
-
Lake Akan & Lake Akan Village (Akankohan)
Situated in the south-east area of Akan National Park, lake Akan is
home to the Special Natural National Monument algae called “Marimo”.
This highly unusual and highly endangered species of algae forms itself into
green balls and can grow to the size of a soccer ball. The largest confirmed
example was about 30 cm in diameter. While the algae appears in several
lakes in Japan, Lake Akan is the only lake with the right combination
of environmental factors for the algae to form itself into balls.
The only town situated around the lake is the small onsen town of Akankohan.
This pretty town has a variety of hotels, many of which have natural onsen
baths. The hotels range in price from approximately ¥4000 pp/pn to ¥30000
+ pp/pn. More expensive hotels are usually located on the lake shore with beautiful
views of the lake and the surrounding area. If you choose stay at a hotel which
does not have an onsen, it is usually possible to use the onsens in other hotels
for a charge of about ¥500 to ¥1000 pp. Within the town is also a small Ainu
(Native Hokkaido People) Village. The village consists of a small street lined with craft shops of Ainu products. At the end of the street
is also a small Museum exhibiting various Ainu artifacts and there is also
a hall where some traditional Ainu performances are held.
Other activities of interest are the ferries which do regular tours around
the lake and stop off at some of the smaller islands and the Marimo Exhibition
center and walking trails that wind there way through the lush forest to mud
pools and observation spots. Trails start near the Akankohan Eco Museum a lovely
and informative information center for the Akan National Park area. Admission
is free and they have some English pamphlets and maps. Top
Admission
Observation Deck One Parking ¥410
(Keep your ticket and you can also use it at the Iozan
parking area)
Akankohan Eco Museum :
Free of Charge.
Onsen use for non-staying guests :
Approx. ¥500 to ¥1 000
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Lake Kussharo & Lake Masshu
Lake Kussharo
With an area of approximately 80 square km, Lake Kussharo is the largest
lake in the Akan National Park Area . Many outdoor enthusiasts come
here during the summer months to enjoy camping, cycling, fishing, hiking
and kayaking / canoeing on the lake. The lake is also well known for
the natural hot springs that are dotted around the lake. These springs
are outdoor and free to use. Also unlike most Japanese hot spring it
is fine to enter these while wearing swim suits. There is also a sand
beach near the small town of Kawayu which has natural hot spring water.
It is possible to dig a little into the beach and create your very
own “Feet Hot Spring” called ‘Ashi-yu’ in Japanese. (Be careful the
water is quite hot.) There are also several walking trails around the
lake and many camping spots in the area. Top
Lake Masshu Considered to one of the most beautiful
lakes in Japan this lake can also one of the most elusive. Known for
its crystal clear and stunning blue water, the lake is often hidden
by thick fog. The summer period especially often sees a lot of fog
in the area. Those lucky enough to get a glimpse of this beautiful
area can do so from two different observation areas overlooking the
lake. Deck one has a large parking area and tourist facilities. Deck
two is smaller, with a smaller parking area and no facilities but the
parking is free. Lake Masshu is about one hour drive from Akankohan
Village or about 15 minutes from Kawayu Village. Top
Asahiyama Zoo is the most northern in Japan and houses a huge number
of animals across a wide range of species. Some of the most popular
exhibits are the polar bear house where it is possible to see the animals
very close up through glass walls (This exhibit is particularly good
at feeding time, but be sure to arrive early!). The penguin pool contains
a 360° see through walk-way running through the middle of the pool.
The seal house has a similar see through area. The large cat house
allows visitors to see the animals close up through glass walls. Monkey
mountain and the orangutan tower are also popular. There is a farm
animal petting area for kids and also a small roller coaster. The zoo
is open all year however many animals may be hibernating or closed
indoors during the winter season. Top
Admission
General ¥580 Summer period
General ¥290 Winter period
Opening Hours
9:30 am to 5:15 pm daily April 28th to October
20th
11 am to 2 pm November 3rd to March 30th
Closed
Winter period : closed Wednesdays and Thursdays
and December 30 to January 5th.
Located in the south west corner of Tokiwa
Park, the museum has a permanent exhibition of woodwork created
in the Asahikawa area. Other regularly changing exhibitions are
also on display at various times of the year. Exhibitions included
Japanese and foreign art works and various exhibitions of famous
writers from the central Hokkaido region. Top
Admission
General admission is ¥100 however prices may
vary for special exhibitions
Opening Hours
10 am to 5 pm daily
Closed
Mondays, new year holidays and periodically for
rearrangement of exhibitions
Getting There
-
Phone
0166-25-2577
Address
In Asahikawa City Tokiwa Park (7 Jo Dori)
Asahikawa - International
Dyeing & Weaving Art Museum
Displaying works from more than 80 countries around the world this
museum was the first of it’s kind in Japan. The majority of
exhibits are from the 18th and 19th centuries and include a variety
of famous tapestries and textiles. Examples of such works include
the “Gobelin Tapestry” which was commissioned by Louis
XV as a gift to the French Royal family and red dyed textiles from
the Tang Dynasty in China. Top
Much like Sapporo’s Susukino entertainment
area, this area is conveniently located next to the main down town
area, less than 5 min. walk in a north-west direction from JR Asahikawa
Station. Covering about 12 blocks and containing more than 1,300
bars, restaurants, clubs and cocktail bars Sanroku is definitely
the center for nightlife in Asahikawa. Restaurants and entertainment
facilities cater to any kind of budget ranging from the cheap to
the extremely expensive. Specialties in this area are the sushi and
crab shops however many other kinds of food can be found. There is
a summer festival held in this area each year which brings out the
Asahikawa residents for fun times and street parties. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Address
6-chome, 3-jyo (And nearby area), Asahikawa
Biei
Biei is a small town located south-west of Asahikawa. The town
is mainly famous for it’s beautiful scenery. Surrounded by
slowly rolling hills, the landscape lends itself well to farming
and has been divided up and put to this use. Some areas are used
to produce various types of flowers in the summer months and thus
a large colorful carpet can be seen in the mid summer. While the
winter sees few crops the area is still particularly beautiful and
well worth viewing for some postcard winter Hokkaido shots. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Furano
Located approximately 30 min. drive south / south-west from Asahikawa
Furano is well known for two main reasons, in winter skiing and in
summer flowers. To find-out information about the Furano ski areas
please visit our Winter Sports & Resorts page.
While the winter offers large amounts of fresh snow and good ski
areas the summer offers a colorful patchwork of beautiful flowers
and scenery. There are several farm areas where beautiful flowers
and plants can be viewed however the most famous of these flower
farms is perhaps Tomita Farm. The farm consists of various fields
planted with a variety of flowers in eye pleasing rows. The farm
area is completely free of charge to look at. The farm earns it’s
money by selling a variety of products directly to the consumer.
Lavender is the main flower grown and many lavender products can
be purchased including soap, perfumes and even lavender soda. There
are several restaurant areas and lookouts. The flowers are at their
peak from the end of July to the beginning of August. This area becomes
particularly crowded on the weekend so if driving be aware it may
take longer than usual and it is recommended to park your car before
the farm area and walk as the car parking area often has up to 1
hour waits. Top
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Best times for flowers are mid / late July to
early / mid August.
Hanabito house, Dried flower house, Potpourri house, Perfume workshop are open
until 4 / 5 pm.
This center was recently opened to help in the study and conservation
of the Japanese crane which is still an endangered species. The center
provides visitors
with useful information about the cranes as well as close up views
of the cranes. The farming area around the town of Akan has been an
artificial feeding ground for many years and large numbers of cranes
will come for the winter season. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
9 am to 5 pm daily
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 1 hour, 30 min from Kushiro JR Station
by Akan bus.
The Kushiro marshland is home to more than 2000 species of precious
plants and wildlife. It is a breeding ground for some of Japan’s
endangered and rare species. The
National Park Marshland area designated in 1987 covers some 26
861 ha. which accounts for approximately 60% of Japanese marsh
area. The park was also the first in Japan to be designated under
the special convention known as the Ramsar Convention for wetland
protection. Types of animals living here include Hokkaido deer,
Japan’s largest freshwater fish known as Hunchen, Siberian
salamanders, white-tailed sea eagles and Japanese
cranes. There have also been artifacts and items from the prehistoric
age discovered here. There are several options for viewing the
park including canoe rides, hot air balloon rides and even Japan’s
slowest train which takes visitors for a ride around the park.
For the more active there are also several wooden walkways which
allow visitors to get close up views of many parts of the park. * Strong
recommendation : These walkways are through the marsh area
so there are huge numbers of bugs and insects. YOU
WILL NEED INSECT REPELANT TO ENJOY THE WALK. Also,
although rare, bears do sometimes wander into this area.
Stay alert and at times make a little noise by talking
loudly to prevent problems.
Along the walkways there are several observation points :
Hokuto Viewpoint -
Hokuto view point is located along Route 53 and offers an unobstructed
view of the expanse of the park. This view point is also about
5 min walk from Kushiro City Marsh Observatory. Top
Hosooka Viewpoint -
For
a view of Kushiro river winding its way through the marshland
head to Hosooka Viewpoint. There is also a nice view toward Mt.
Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the background. If a little rest time
is needed there is also a visitor’s lounge with a coffee
shop and wetland display. Top
Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints -
The Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints consist of three points relatively
close together. They offer views of different aspects of the
marsh. The first has a 270°view of the Kottaro River and
some nearby ponds. The second offers an overall view of the marsh
and area. While the third is best known for beautiful sunrise
views of the marshland. Top
Sarubo Viewpoint -
This view point is located near Route 391 and is approximately
72 m above sea level. It gives a 360° view of the marshland
below and is bound by Lake Toro on one side and Lake Shirarutoro
on the other. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Board a Sennmo Line train at JR Kushiro Station.
Get off at Kushiro Shitsugen Station. It takes about 20 min
Located not far from Fisherman's Wharf (MOO),
the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in
1976. The current bridge is the
fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age.
The bridge has sculptures representing the four
seasons adorning it’s handrails along the way and is considered
one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The sculptures were
produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato.
It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic
European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise
and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most
romantic feel. Top
The Japanese cranes survival is nothing short incredible. During
the Meiji Era the birds were hunted to the point of extinction by
farmers and hunters for their
meat and feathers. In the late 19th century it was thought that the
birds, once quite common in Japan, were in fact extinct. However,
about 70 years ago 10 cranes were discovered to be living deep in
the Kushiro Marshland. During the harsh Hokkaido winter the birds
could not find enough food to eat, so farmers began giving them corn.
Since then the winter feedings have continued and conservation centers
have been set up. The birds now number more than 600 and are slowly
making a recovery. These elegant birds stand about 140 cm tall and
have a wingspan of some 240 cm. They build large mounds for nests
in the spring and lay only two eggs. Young birds can fly after about
3 months and become adults after 4 years. During the summer it is
usually difficult to see the birds as they remain deep in the marshland
raising their young. During the winter however they rely on the food
from people to survive. There are several areas where the cranes
can be observed during these feeding times. Birds gather at the Tsurumidai
Plain, Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary and the Japanese Crane
Observation Center. Top
This sanctuary was established by the Wild Bird Society of Japan
at what is known as the Itoh feeding station. In 1987 they built
a small Nature Center for observing and studying the Japanese crane
and this area then became known as the Ito Japanese Crane Sanctuary.
On the first floor is an observation room and the second houses a
study and information room. The winter season brings some 200 plus
birds to the sanctuary. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
9 am to 4:30 pm October 1st to March 31st
Closed
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding national holidays
Getting There
Approximately 1 hour from JR Kushiro Station,
then a 1 Km walk to the Sanctuary
Phone
-
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English
typified
by plentiful forest, crystal clear lakes and relaxing onsen areas. Akan
is an extremely popular tourist area and is a stepping stone to the World
Heritage Listed Shiretoko National Park. The Akan National Park is some
90 481 hectares in area and has a huge range of wildlife and also a Japanese
Special National Natural Monument listed algae called “Marimo”. This
very unusual type of algae forms itself into almost perfect balls and
if left undisturbed long enough will grow to be the size of footballs.
Iozan is an active volcanic mountain located just outside
of the small onsen town of Kawayu. This area vents large amounts of sulphur
and gasses and can be viewed up close. There are also several walking
tracks in the area of differing lengths and difficulty. Around the mountain
area it is also possible to buy eggs cooked by the natural steam of the
volcano. There is also a rest house with bathrooms, small restaurant
and souvenir store. 
endangered species of algae forms itself into
green balls and can grow to the size of a soccer ball. The largest confirmed
example was about 30 cm in diameter. While the algae appears in several
lakes in Japan, Lake Akan is the only lake with the right combination
of environmental factors for the algae to form itself into balls. 
street lined with craft shops of Ainu products. At the end of the street
is also a small Museum exhibiting various Ainu artifacts and there is also
a hall where some traditional Ainu performances are held.
the summer months to enjoy camping, cycling, fishing, hiking
and kayaking / canoeing on the lake. The lake is also well known for
the natural hot springs that are dotted around the lake. These springs
are outdoor and free to use. Also unlike most Japanese hot spring it
is fine to enter these while wearing swim suits. There is also a sand
beach near the small town of Kawayu which has natural hot spring water.
It is possible to dig a little into the beach and create your very
own “Feet Hot Spring” called ‘Ashi-yu’ in Japanese. (Be careful the
water is quite hot.) There are also several walking trails around the
lake and many camping spots in the area. 
visitors
with useful information about the cranes as well as close up views
of the cranes. The farming area around the town of Akan has been an
artificial feeding ground for many years and large numbers of cranes
will come for the winter season. 
The
National Park Marshland area designated in 1987 covers some 26
861 ha. which accounts for approximately 60% of Japanese marsh
area. The park was also the first in Japan to be designated under
the special convention known as the Ramsar Convention for wetland
protection. Types of animals living here include Hokkaido deer,
Japan’s largest freshwater fish known as Hunchen, Siberian
salamanders, white-tailed sea eagles and 
Japanese
cranes. There have also been artifacts and items from the prehistoric
age discovered here. There are several options for viewing the
park including canoe rides, hot air balloon rides and even Japan’s
slowest train which takes visitors for a ride around the park.
For the more active there are also several wooden walkways which
allow visitors to get close up views of many parts of the park. 
For
a view of Kushiro river winding its way through the marshland
head to Hosooka Viewpoint. There is also a nice view toward Mt.
Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the background. If a little rest time
is needed there is also a visitor’s lounge with a coffee
shop and wetland display. 
the
fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age.
The bridge has sculptures representing the 
four
seasons adorning it’s handrails along the way and is considered
one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The sculptures were
produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato.
It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic
European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise
and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most
romantic feel. 
their
meat and feathers. In the late 19th century it was thought that the
birds, once quite common in Japan, were in fact extinct. However,
about 70 years ago 10 cranes were discovered to be living deep in
the Kushiro Marshland. During the harsh Hokkaido winter the birds
could not find enough food to eat, so farmers began giving them corn.
Since then the winter feedings have continued and conservation centers
have been set up. The birds now number more than 600 and are slowly
making a recovery. These elegant birds stand about 140 cm tall and
have a wingspan of some 240 cm. They build large mounds for nests
in the spring and lay only two eggs. Young birds can fly after about
3 months and become adults after 4 years. During the summer it is
usually difficult to see the birds as they remain deep in the marshland
raising their young. During the winter however they rely on the food
from people to survive. There are several areas where the cranes
can be observed during these feeding times. Birds gather at the Tsurumidai
Plain, Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary and the Japanese Crane
Observation Center. 
