7-Day East Hokkaido Private Tour: Lakes, Markets, Volcanoes

Why East Hokkaido for a Week

East Hokkaido offers a quieter alternative to the island's western regions. A seven-day itinerary allows enough time to cover the distinct areas of Kushiro, Akan-Mashu National Park, and the Okhotsk coast near Abashiri. The region is defined by large caldera lakes, active volcanoes, and a coastline facing the Sea of Okhotsk. This scale requires a private vehicle or a combination of rail and bus to navigate effectively within a week.

The Lakes of Akan-Mashu National Park

The core of the tour focuses on Akan-Mashu National Park. Lake Akan sits in a landscape of pristine nature, as does the nearby Lake Mashu. Lake Mashu is known for its deep blue glow and clean air, making it suitable for observing the stars. The surrounding area includes Lake Enuchi.

Nearby, Lake Kussharo presents a different scale. It is one of Japan's largest caldera lakes, with a circumference of 57 kilometers and a maximum depth of 125 meters. The lake is bordered by Mount Mashu and Mount Shari, offering terrain suitable for hiking. To the northeast of Lake Mashu lies Kaminoko Pond. Fed by underground water from the larger lake, the pond is surrounded by trees. The water temperature is low enough that fallen trees submerged beneath the surface do not rot, remaining intact over time.

Volcanic Landscapes and Nature

The itinerary includes Mt. Io, an active volcano standing at an altitude of 512 meters. Visitors can walk close to the fumaroles on the mountainsides, where white smoke containing sulfur rises from the ground. The smell of sulfur is a defining characteristic of this site.

In Otofuke, the tour visits the White Birch Avenue at Tokachi Ranch. This road features a 1.3-kilometer stretch lined with dozens of white birch trees. The landscape changes noticeably with the seasons, and the location has been used as a backdrop for film and television.

Kushiro: Markets and Sunsets

Kushiro serves as the hub for the coastal part of the tour. The Washo Market is one of the city's key stops, historically serving as a civic kitchen in the early post-war period. It is considered one of Hokkaido's top three markets, alongside Hakodate's Morning Market and Sapporo's Nijo Market, offering a range of seafood and processed marine products.

For sunset viewing, the route moves to the Nusamai Bridge. Located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station along Kita-Odori Street, the bridge is 124 meters long. Four female statues, the Shiki no Zo, stand on the guardrails. This spot has been voted as one of the "Top Three Sunsets in the World" alongside locations in Bali and Manila.

Abashiri and the Okhotsk Coast

The northern section of the tour covers Abashiri and Cape Notoro. The Abashiri Prison Museum is an outdoor site where the original buildings of the prison are conserved. These structures have a history tied to the city since the Meiji era (1868-1912).

Near Memanbetsu in Ozora, the route includes Märchen Hill along National Highway 39. The hill features sprawling fields and larch trees at the summit. Cape Notoro, located north of Abashiri, features cliffs extending from the mouth of the Abashiri River toward the Sea of Okhotsk.

Historical Railway Stops

The tour also includes the former JNR Hiroo Line stations, Aikoku Station and Kofuku Station. Historically, buying tickets here was believed to bring love and happiness, resulting in 13 million tickets sold during a nationwide boom. Today, Kofuku Station operates as a railway park, while Aikoku Station serves as a transportation museum.

Practical notes

• Seven days is the minimum timeframe required to cover the spread between Kushiro, the Akan-Mashu lakes, and Abashiri without rushing.
• The region is large; travel between the eastern coast and the national park usually involves driving or specific rail connections rather than walking.
• Attractions like Kaminoko Pond and White Birch Avenue are highly dependent on weather and season for the best visual conditions.

Planning a private tour

A private tour allows for a custom schedule that adjusts to the weather and your preferred walking pace. It is possible to combine these sites into a single coherent week. Contact us to discuss how this itinerary can be adapted.

See the full itinerary: 7 DAYS EAST HOKKADIO PRIVATE TOUR

Frequently asked questions

What makes Lake Kussharo a notable spot to visit in East Hokkaido?

Lake Kussharo is one of Japan's largest caldera lakes, with a circumference of 57 kilometers and a maximum depth of 125 meters. It is bordered by Mount Mashu and Mount Shari, providing terrain suitable for hiking.

Can you get close to the volcanic activity at Mt. Io?

Yes, Mt. Io is an active volcano standing at an altitude of 512 meters. Visitors can walk close to the fumaroles on the mountainsides to observe white smoke containing sulfur rising from the ground.

Why is Kaminoko Pond unique compared to other bodies of water in the region?

Kaminoko Pond is fed by underground water from the nearby Lake Mashu. Its water temperature is low enough that fallen trees submerged beneath the surface do not rot and remain intact over time.

What is the significance of the White Birch Avenue in Otofuke?

The White Birch Avenue is located at Tokachi Ranch and features a 1.3-kilometer stretch lined with dozens of white birch trees. It is a specific scenic stop included on the private tour itinerary.

Plan your trip

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