Eastern Hokkaido is a land of stunning natural beauty, embraced by vast wilderness and dramatic landscapes. Among its highlights are the “Three Great Eastern Hokkaido Lakes” — Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Akan — known for their crystal-clear waters and mystical scenery wrapped in deep forest. These enchanting sights have long captivated travelers. The area, centered around Kushiro City, is also rich in local flavors. Robatayaki (charcoal-grilled cuisine) and fresh seafood are just a few of the regional delicacies that await. What makes this journey truly special is the chance to savor both the beauty of nature and the richness of Hokkaido’s food culture.In this article, we introduce a 3-day model course designed to help you explore recommended local spots efficiently and comfortably. The route is accessible via public transportation, making travel easy — even with large luggage. It's a convenient and reassuring plan for international visitors. Unwind in the serenity of lakes and hot springs, and indulge in the tastes of Kushiro. This is a journey where the essence of Eastern Hokkaido is beautifully condensed.

Your journey begins at Tancho Kushiro Airport, the gateway to Eastern Hokkaido with direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda) and Osaka (Itami). To reach Kushiro city center from the airport, the Akan Bus “Airport Shuttle Bus” is very convenient. In about 55 minutes, you can travel to Kushiro Station and major hotels in the city. The bus route passes by scenic spots such as Kushiro Marsh, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent landscapes unique to Eastern Hokkaido during your ride. One important note: cashless payments are not yet widely available in some parts of Eastern Hokkaido. For this reason, we highly recommend purchasing your ticket online. You can avoid having to use the ticket machines or pay in cash on the day of your trip, making your travels more smooth and stress-free. Online ticket purchases are possible even after boarding the bus. If you do not purchase tickets online, please remember to prepare cash in advance, as cash payment will be required.

Located on the eastern side of Hokkaido and facing the Pacific Ocean, Kushiro City serves as the central hub of eastern Hokkaido. This port city is surrounded by grand natural scenery, including the Kushiro Wetlands and Akan-Mashu National Park. At Kushiro Port, which boasted the highest catch volume in Japan in 2023, fresh seafood arrives every day. In addition, Kushiro is famous as a city that is "refreshingly cool"—from July to September, the average daytime high is around 20°C (68°F), and it rarely exceeds 30°C (86°F) even at the peak of summer. One sight you absolutely should not miss in Kushiro is the mesmerizing sunset that paints Kushiro Port orange. Sailors who have traveled across the seas have named Kushiro’s sunset as one of the “Three Great Sunsets of the World,” alongside Bali in Indonesia and Manila Bay in the Philippines. Among the many viewing spots, Nusamai Bridge—known as one of Hokkaido’s three great bridges—is especially popular. Watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean behind the stunning silhouette of Nusamai Bridge is truly breathtaking.

An essential activity for sunset lovers is the “Sunset Cruise” departing from Kushiro Port. While listening to explanations from a guide, you can enjoy the emotional experience of watching the sun sink into the Pacific from the open deck. During the cruise, there’s even a feeding time for seabirds along the route. Especially in summer, the clear skies make the silhouettes of fishing boats against the glowing sunset a spectacular sight. With all-you-can-drink alcoholic and soft beverages included, the cruise is the perfect way to kick off your trip in eastern Hokkaido. The photo opportunities are outstanding, so don’t forget your camera to capture unforgettable travel memories!

One culinary experience you must try when visiting Kushiro is “Robatayaki” (Japanese-style fireside barbecue). Originating in Kushiro, this style of dining features a grill set in the center of the restaurant, surrounded by seats. Skilled staff members, known as grill masters, cook a variety of seafood and vegetables over charcoal right before your eyes. This unique setting, where guests enjoy their meal beside the fireside, is where the name “Robatayaki” comes from. Among the local specialties, we recommend pairing freshly caught seafood with Kushiro’s local sake, “Fukutsukasa,” gently warmed beside the hearth for “dara-kan”—a perfect match! The city boasts dozens of Robatayaki restaurants, and here are a few top picks that are ideal for first-time visitors to Kushiro.

The “Kushiro Robatayaki Society,” established by 12 local robata grill restaurants, is now selling meal vouchers online so you can enjoy robatayaki casually! This is a great-value way to experience Kushiro’s unique “robatayaki” cuisine. Purchase your vouchers here!

On the second day, depart from Kushiro City and take a grand tour of the three famous lakes of Eastern Hokkaido. We recommend the Akan Bus “Pirika,” a guided sightseeing bus that efficiently visits Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Akan all in one day. While traveling between attractions, experienced bus guides provide informative and engaging commentary, ensuring the journey is never dull. The bus makes stops at shops where you can purchase local delicacies and souvenirs. Another highlight is the chance to experience Ainu culture, deeply rooted in Eastern Hokkaido, at selected stops along the route. When wildlife—such as Ezo deer or red foxes—is spotted, the bus driver will slow down (), giving you excellent photo opportunities!
() Please note that for safety reasons, the bus may not always be able to slow down.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more private and personalized sightseeing experience, hiring a private car for the day is also recommended. Enjoy a flexible tour of the three lakes at your own pace, allowing you to adjust your schedule and destinations according to your interests. This is the perfect option for those who want to take their time capturing photos or soaking in the beautiful scenery without worrying about other passengers.

The Pirika sightseeing bus tour departs from Kushiro City at 8:00 a.m. You can board at several major locations in the city, making it easily accessible from your accommodation.

Book your tour here!

Lake Mashu, known in Ainu as the “Lake of the Kamuy (God),” is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity and boasts some of the clearest waters in the world. From the Lake Mashu First Observatory, about 350 meters above sea level, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. This is the best spot to enjoy a perfectly balanced view of the entire lake and its central island, Nakajima. The surrounding mountains complete a majestic panorama that looks as if it were painted by nature itself. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Shari across the lake. When the skies are blue, the lake’s surface reveals its signature color—Mashu Blue—deep, crystal-clear, and full of quiet mystery. The lake’s hues and atmosphere shift subtly with the seasons and time of day, making each visit feel unique. Often wrapped in mist throughout the year, Lake Mashu is also known as “Foggy Lake Mashu,” a name that adds to its ethereal charm. At the Mashu Kamuy Terrace, renovated in 2022, visitors can sit back on benches and enjoy the stunning landscape at a relaxed pace. It’s an ideal first stop to feel the vastness and beauty of eastern Hokkaido’s natural scenery. When visiting by the Pirika sightseeing bus, you’ll have 30 minutes to walk around freely. On the first floor, the shop offers exclusive souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere, along with Mashu Blue Soft and Mashu Mist Soft—ice creams inspired by the lake’s unique blue tones. Their refreshing ramune (soda) flavor and gentle sweetness make them a hit with visitors. Also worth trying is the local favorite imo-dango—chewy potato dumplings topped with sweet-savory sauce. A variety of regional specialties are also available to take home as memorable gifts from your journey.

The next stop, Lake Kussharo, is known as Japan’s largest caldera lake. Formed by volcanic activity, the lakeshore is dotted with natural hot springs bubbling up from the ground. On calm days, you can witness the stunning sight of the surrounding mountains perfectly reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake. One of the most popular attractions by the lakeside is "Sunayu" (sand bath), a unique spot where warm spring water emerges just by digging into the sandy beach. Small shovels are available to borrow, so anyone can easily enjoy a foot bath experience right on the shore. You can also unwind on lakeside benches, take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. In winter, swans and whooper swans migrate to the area, allowing you to observe these elegant birds up close. The nearby shops offer light meals, local sweets, and souvenirs—perfect for taking a break, enjoying a snack, or finding the perfect gift. Additionally, you can rent a rowboat or paddle boat to experience the vastness of the lake from the water, surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains mirrored on the lake’s surface. Lake Kussharo is a healing destination where you can connect with nature and refresh your mind and body. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter wild Ezo deer or red foxes! When observing wildlife in eastern Hokkaido, please remember to keep a respectful distance. Lake Kussharo is a wonderful spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the harmony of hot springs and unspoiled natural beauty.

On your final day, take the Akan Bus “Akan Airport Liner” to Kushiro Airport. This convenient bus service is scheduled to match flight times, making transfers easy for travelers flying out of the region. The bus stops at each hotel in the Lake Akan Onsen area, so even if you have a lot of luggage or souvenirs, it’s easy and comfortable to board. You can also choose to get off at “Tancho-no-Sato,” where you can observe the special natural monument—the red-crowned crane. Even better, you can re-board a later bus (including regular buses) at no extra charge, making sightseeing flexible. At “Akai Beret” in Tancho-no-Sato, luggage storage is available, so you can enjoy your last sightseeing excursion hands-free.

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Eastern Hokkaido is vast, making it challenging to visit multiple sightseeing spots while carrying large luggage. In such cases, we recommend using convenient and economical sightseeing or shuttle buses to travel efficiently, or enjoying a custom journey with a private taxi tour. Marvel at the mysterious scenery of Hokkaido’s three beautiful eastern lakes, savor the region’s fresh seafood and seasonal delicacies, and finish your trip by relaxing in a hot spring to soothe away any fatigue. This three-day model course is packed with the very best of eastern Hokkaido, allowing you to fully experience its healing nature and incredible abundance. Visit in different seasons or at various times, and discover your own “unforgettable landscapes” and “unforgettable experiences” in this enchanting region.