4-Days Journey Through the Golden Route of Eastern Hokkaido from Obihiro and Tokachi Stay in Tokachigawa, Lake Akan and Shiretoko Utoro
- # Moor Hot Spring
- # Frost Flowers
- # Drift Ice Walk
- # The Aurora Icebreaker Ship
Highlights
This is a tour starting from Obihiro in the centre of Hokkaido, passing Lake Akan and Lake Mashu on the way to Shiretoko. This is a great way to enjoy Eastern Hokkaido's unique and natural winter scenery with hot springs, delicious cuisine and other attractions!
Recommended Points of This Tour!
✔︎ On the first day, you will visit Obihiro where you can enjoy the famous sweets shop "Rokkatei" and the precious "mall onsen", a Hokkaido Heritage Site.
✔︎ On the second day, you will visit Lake Akan Onsen, a hot spring resort located in a national park. Enjoy the open-air baths with a spectacular view of the frozen lake, as well as delicious cuisine and the Ainu Kotan (Ainu Village Hokkaido).
✔︎ On the third day, the efficient loop bus will take you to Shiretoko, where you can enjoy sightseeing at Lake Mashu, a drift ice cruise and more. You will be staying at the "Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort", which is popular for its close proximity to the drift ice.
Schedule
DAY1
Obihiro Station or Obihiro Airport
Explore Obihiro City
Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen
DAY2
Hotel
Obihiro Station
Kushiro Station
Kushiro Washo Market
Kushiro Station
Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga
DAY3
Lake Akan Onsen
Lake Mashu First Observatory
Bihoro Pass
View Meruhen no Oka
Abashiri Rest Stop - Board The Aurora Icebreaker Ship
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
DAY4
Shiretoko Utoro
Abashiri Station or Memanbetsu Airport
Course Details
DAY1
Obihiro Station or Obihiro Airport
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Explore Obihiro City
Obihiro, the center of the Tokachi Region, is a Paradise for Sweets Lovers. Home to renowned Hokkaido confectioners like "Rokkatei" and "Ryugetsu", Obihiro offers a delightful selection of sweets made with fresh local milk and red beans from the Tokachi area. Take the time to explore the many sweets shops and indulge in the delicious treats this charming city has to offer.
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Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen
Tokachigawa Onsen, one of Hokkaido’s Premier Hot Spring destinations, is home to the rare and precious Moor Onsen, designated as a Hokkaido Heritage. Many Ryokan in the area offer these unique springs, and at the Michi-no-Eki Tokachigawa Onsen, visitors can enjoy a mixed-gender bath while wearing swimsuits.
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Tokachigawa Onsen
DAY2
Tokachigawa Onsen
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Obihiro Station
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JR Limited Express "Ozora"
Kushiro Station
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Kushiro Washo Market
Just a 3-minute walk from Kushiro Station, "Kushiro Washo Market" is famous for its signature dish, Katte Don. This must-try local specialty lets you create your own seafood bowl by choosing your favorite toppings and arranging them just the way you like. While you're there, don’t forget to explore the market for fresh seafood and other great souvenirs to take home!
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Kushiro Station
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(Departure: Kushiro Station 14:50 / Arrival: Lake Akan 16:50) Local bus
Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga
Lake Akan Onsen, located along the shores of Lake Akan within the deep forests of Kushiro-Mashu National Park, is home to numerous Ryokan and Hotels. Some Ryokan offer outdoor baths and large communal baths with breathtaking views of Lake Akan, allowing you to enjoy both the soothing Hot Springs and the stunning scenery. This popular Hot Spring destination promises a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty.
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Lake Akan Onsen
DAY3
Lake Akan Onsen
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Lake Akan Onsen - Join the Morning Café Tour and encounter the mystical Frost Flowers
Morning Café Tour by "Tsuruga Adventure Base SIRI", located on the first floor of "Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga," this unique tour lets you walk and play on the frozen Lake Akan in the early morning. The experience concludes with a warm cup of Coffee as you watch the Sunrise—an unforgettable way to start your day in the heart of nature.
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(Departure: Lake Akan 9:50 | Arrival: Shiretoko Utoro 18:00) Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus No.4
Lake Mashu First Observatory (Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace) (30minutes)
Lake Mashu, a Caldera Lake with a maximum depth of 211.4 meters and World-Class Clarity, occasionally freezes over in winter, offering a rare and breathtaking sight. At the adjacent Mashu Lake Kamui Terrace, you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake from the comfort of indoors in the coldest months. The terrace also offers light meals, soft- ice cream, and coffee.
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Bihoro Pass (60minutes)
Bihoro Pass, located on the main road connecting Teshikaga Town and Bihoro Pass, is one of Hokkaido's most stunning viewpoints. At an elevation of 525 meters, the pass offers a panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, with the small island of Nakajima floating in its center. This stunning landscape attracts many visitors and is a must-see destination for travelers seeking Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
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View Meruhen no Oka (Hill of Fairy) from the bus
Set among rolling fields, the Seven Larch Trees of "Meruhen-no-Oka (Hill of Fairy)" stand like a scene from a storybook. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, where the bright blue sky, pristine white land, and the seven iconic trees create a quintessentially Hokkaido view—an unforgettable sight on clear days.
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Abashiri Rest Stop – Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri - Board The Aurora Icebreaker Ship (90-minute tour)
Board the Aurora Icebreaker Cruise at the Ticket Counter Inside Roadside Station Abashiri, and embark on an unforgettable journey! This large ship, with a capacity of 450 passengers, allows you to witness drift ice up close from both the deck and inside. Experience the thrill as the ship powers through the ice, breaking it under its weight for a truly exhilarating cruise.
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Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
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Shiretoko Utoro
DAY4
Shiretoko Utoro
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Join the early morning Drift Ice Walk
Dress in a special dry suit and take a walk on the drift ice covering the sea in Utoro. Feel the ice beneath your feet, and even float in the icy waters if you wish! This is a unique experience only Shiretoko can offer during this season.
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Shiretoko Airport Liner or Eastern Hokkaido Express Bus No.2
Abashiri Station or Memanbetsu Airport
Various locations