3-Days Winter Journey Across Eastern Hokkaido from Kushiro to the Crane Village of Tsurui, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko Stay in Lake Akan | Shiretoko

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!

Tsurumidai

Located on the Northern Side of the Kushiro Wetland, Tsurui Village is a premier Crane-Watching destination. As one of the two major feeding spots for the Red-Crowned Cranes in their homeland, Tsurui Village sees large numbers of these majestic birds flocking here from December to March to search foods.

Kushiro Station

Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga

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.

Lake Mashu First Observatory (Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace) (30 minutes)

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.

Bihoro Pass (60 minutes)

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.

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.

Rest Stop Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri - Board The Aurora Icebreaker Ship (90 minutes)

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.

KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort

Join the early morning Drift Ice Walk at Shiretoko Utoro

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.

Abashiri Station or Memanbetsu Airport