In Eastern Hokkaido, known as the Doto area, you’ll find untouched natural landscapes and mysterious lakes spread across the region. Many of these locations can be challenging to access on your own, but the guided sightseeing bus “Pirika-go” makes it easy to explore efficiently and in depth. Pirika-go is a popular one-day sightseeing bus tour departing from and returning to Kushiro, allowing you to visit the three great lakes of Eastern Hokkaido—Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Akan—all in a single day. The tour also covers some of the region’s most iconic scenic and experiential spots, such as Mt. Iou and Sunayu, so you can fully enjoy Eastern Hokkaido while listening to informative commentary from the bus guide.

The Pirika-go bus tour departs at 8:00 am from central Kushiro, with convenient pick-up points near major hotels and landmarks—perfect for travelers staying overnight in the city:
① In front of Kushiro Station Bus Terminal [Departs at 8:00]
② Fisherman’s Wharf MOO [Departs at 8:05]
③ Kushiro Prince Hotel [Departs at 8:08]

On board, seating is open and arranged four across in each row, allowing you to enjoy not only your destinations but also the stunning scenery that unfolds outside your window. In particular, as you pass near the Hokuto Observatory, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the wetlands from the bus. On a clear morning, you may even witness the Kushiro Wetlands wrapped in a magical layer of mist. While traveling between sightseeing spots, you can enjoy live commentary from the experienced bus guide. The guide will not only point out the flora and fauna visible from the window, but will also share fascinating insights into the history of each town and the culture of the Ainu people. As a unique experience only available on this tour, you may get to hear traditional folk songs that have been passed down through generations. And when Ezo deer or Hokkaido red foxes are spotted along the way, the bus will slow down to ensure you get the perfect photo opportunity!

The first destination is the Lake Mashu First Observatory, which offers sweeping views of the breathtaking lake. Known as “Kamuy” (Lake of the Gods) in the Ainu language, Lake Mashu is a volcanic caldera lake renowned for being one of the clearest lakes in the world. From the observatory at about 350 meters above sea level, you’ll be mesmerized by the panoramic view of the lake and the majestic mountains beyond—a scene straight out of a painting. On clear days, you may even see all the way to Mt. Shari on the opposite shore. The color and mood of the lake often change depending on the season and time of day, adding to its allure. Lake Mashu is also famously known as “the foggy lake,” so if you happen to visit on a clear day, consider yourself very lucky! On those rare occasions, the vivid, mystical “Mashu Blue” of the lake’s surface will truly captivate you. On this particular day, even the bus guide was amazed by the calm winds and the dreamlike reflection of clouds on the lake’s surface. At the Mashu Lake Kamuy Terrace, which was renovated and reopened in 2022, you can relax on a bench and soak in the grandeur of nature at your leisure. As the first major stop, it’s a place where you can genuinely experience the overwhelming scale and beauty of Eastern Hokkaido’s landscape. There’s a 30-minute stop here, allowing you time to explore freely. At the shop on the first floor, you can find exclusive souvenirs and try local treats such as the Mashu Blue Soft Serve or Mashu Mist Soft Serve—refreshing ramune-flavored ice cream inspired by the lake’s signature color, a hit among visitors. Another recommended snack is the Hokkaido classic, sweet-and-salty “imo dango” (potato dumplings), perfect for a taste of the local flavor!

The next stop is Mt. Iou, an active volcano known in the Ainu language as “Atosanupuri,” meaning “naked mountain.” As you approach, you’ll see the mountainside billowing with white steam and hear a powerful roaring sound. Upon arrival, the air is filled with the distinct scent of sulfur, and jets of steam rise from the ground all around—offering a rare, up-close experience of the earth’s energy. Walking across the stony gravel from the parking area toward the base of the mountain, you can observe the steam vents at close range. Hot springs gushing from the rocky surface and vivid yellow sulfur crystals create a truly dynamic scene. The 30-minute stop here will fly by as you explore this otherworldly landscape.

At the “Iouzan Mokumoku Base,” a new tourism hub opened in 2023, you can relax at the café and shop for sweets and souvenirs made with local ingredients. A must-try item is the hot spring eggs, steamed right in the natural spring—every year, some 200,000 visitors pick up these popular treats. The flavor is subtly infused with the aroma of sulfur and has a wonderfully warm, comforting taste. Another local favorite is the “Iouzan On-Tama Soft,” a unique dessert that tops a cup of rich soft-serve ice cream and hot spring egg with a drizzle of caramel sauce. This limited-menu item, exclusive to Mt. Iou, tastes just like caramel pudding and is not to be missed.

Next, you’ll visit Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake. Formed by volcanic activity, this beautiful lake is surrounded by numerous natural hot springs along its shores. On this rare windless day, the surface of the water reflected the surrounding mountains like a perfect mirror, creating a breathtaking scene. One of the most popular attractions by the lakeshore is Sunayu, a unique spot where you can dig into the sandy beach to find warm hot spring water bubbling up just below the surface. Creating your own private footbath or sand bath is a truly memorable experience. The lakeside is also equipped with walking paths and benches, making it a perfect place for a relaxing stroll or simply to sit and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. During the winter months, you may even spot graceful swans up close as they fly in and rest on the lake. At the local shop, you’ll find a variety of light meals, regional sweets, and souvenirs. Take some time to enjoy the local delicacies or search for a special memento of your trip. For those seeking a little adventure, you can also rent a boat and explore the vastness of Lake Kussharo from the water, surrounded by majestic mountains reflected on the lake’s surface—a spectacular sight! This is a true healing spot where you can connect with nature and refresh your spirit. On the way back to the bus, you might even encounter a wild Ezo red fox. Although their fluffy and adorable appearance might tempt you to feed them, it’s very important not to do so. Feeding wild animals can disrupt their natural habits and upset the ecosystem balance. When observing wildlife in Eastern Hokkaido, always keep a respectful distance.

The final destination of the tour is Lake Akan Onsen, located at the heart of Akan-Mashu National Park. Here, you’ll have a generous 120 minutes of free time to explore at your own pace. Lake Akan Onsen is a lively area where Ainu culture, hot springs, and pristine nature coexist, offering plenty of attractions for every visitor. Lake Akan itself stretches across the center of the area and was formed by volcanic activity roughly 150,000 years ago, creating a dramatic caldera lake. Surrounded by deep forests, the lake’s surface beautifully mirrors the trees on calm days. Lake Akan is also famous as the natural habitat of “marimo”—rare, spherical green algae designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. These charming, rolling “moss balls” are a true wonder of nature and can only be found in a handful of places worldwide.

Be sure to visit “Akan Ainu Kotan,” just a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. Meaning “village” in the Ainu language, this unique settlement is home to around 120 Ainu people and offers visitors a chance to experience the rich traditions of their culture. The streets are lined with shops specializing in traditional wood carvings and Ainu crafts—perfect for those looking for a distinctive Hokkaido souvenir. At the “Akan Lake Ainu Theater Ikoro,” Japan’s first theater dedicated to Ainu dance, you can watch performances of traditional Ainu dances, which are listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This remarkable area lets you experience the harmony of indigenous culture and natural beauty, making Lake Akan Onsen a memorable highlight of your Eastern Hokkaido journey.

The onsen town is home to a variety of restaurants featuring local ingredients, as well as eateries where you can savor authentic Ainu cuisine. Treat yourself to a leisurely late lunch at your favorite spot—you’re sure to find something special. On this day, we sampled the unique “lake lobster” (a type of edible crayfish farmed in Lake Akan) carbonara and venison meat sauce pasta. Both are rare delicacies you can only taste here.

Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying the hot springs. There are several day-use onsen facilities, as well as hand and foot baths—perfect for relaxing and soothing away travel fatigue. Another highlight is the ever-popular Lake Akan sightseeing cruise. Board the boat and visit Churui Island, located in the middle of the lake, where you can explore the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center dedicated to these fascinating algae. Don’t miss out on “marimo yokan,” a local specialty sweet inspired by the marimo, which has become a classic Lake Akan souvenir. A word of caution: if you board the sightseeing boat during the Pirika-go tour, you may not make it back in time for the bus departure. But here’s a helpful tip for those who absolutely don’t want to miss the cruise! Before arriving at Lake Akan Onsen, the bus guide will make an announcement—simply let them know if you wish to disembark at Lake Akan Onsen. By presenting your Pirika-go ticket (Kushiro departure—Kushiro or Kushiro Airport arrival), you can take the local bus heading back to Kushiro City at 16:15 free of charge.
With its perfect blend of sightseeing, hands-on experiences, and gourmet delights, Lake Akan Onsen is the ideal spot to end your journey on a high note!

After your free time at Lake Akan Onsen, the bus departs once again for Kushiro. On the return journey, your guide will share highlights from the day as well as additional sightseeing information, letting you savor the memories of your trip right up to the end. Enjoy a relaxed ride back to Kushiro as you reflect on all the breathtaking scenery you’ve witnessed throughout the day. Just like on the outbound trip, there are three convenient drop-off locations in central Kushiro, and you can also choose to get off at Tancho Kushiro Airport—ideal for those heading straight to their next destination.

① Tancho Kushiro Airport【Arrive at 16:10】
② Kushiro Station Bus Terminal【Arrive at 16:50】
③ MOO Bus Terminal【Arrive at 16:54】
④ Kushiro Prince Hotel【Arrive at 16:55】

If you’re catching a flight, simply get off at the airport for a smooth and timely transfer. Those returning to the city may be able to catch Kushiro’s legendary sunset—considered one of the “Three Great Sunsets of the World”—if your timing is right. Especially from Nusamai Bridge, the view is breathtaking and attracts visitors from all over. Don’t forget to pick up some local souvenirs at Kushiro Station or Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO, which are also drop-off points. If you’re staying overnight in Kushiro, be sure to end your trip with the city’s famous robatayaki (charcoal grill) or fresh seafood dishes. Check out our top picks for great-value robatayaki experiences here!

Experience the vast and mystical landscapes of Eastern Hokkaido on this unforgettable journey. For this article, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Koyama, a veteran bus guide from Akan Bus who accompanied us on our tour. Remarkably, Ms. Koyama has over 20 years of experience as a bus guide. We asked her to share what makes the Pirika-go tour special, as well as her recommendations for must-see spots and local gourmet delights in Eastern Hokkaido.

“The Pirika-go has been a popular sightseeing bus tour for nearly 30 years. While the route has been updated several times to highlight the best destinations of each era, every stop along the way is full of highlights. If I had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be Lake Mashu. Most of the time, the lake is shrouded in fog, which makes it all the more special when the skies are clear—it feels like a stroke of good luck! This is also the spot where our guests are most impressed; many people are amazed by the vibrant blue color of the lake, as if someone has added bath salts to the water. I’m always moved myself by the thought that such colors were created by nature. Lake Akan Onsen is also a favorite among our guests. With a 120-minute stop here, everyone can enjoy the area in their own way—whether it’s having lunch, shopping, or relaxing in a day-use hot spring. People seem to really appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace.”

The awe-inspiring landscapes shaped by nature are truly unique to Eastern Hokkaido. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, one of the real pleasures of travel here is the chance to enjoy a wide variety of local gourmet specialties. Ms. Koyama has a particular recommendation for lunch:

“For lunch, I highly suggest ‘Ryogoku Sohonten’ in the Lake Akan Onsen area. Their venison rice bowl is truly extraordinary—even local residents are amazed by how delicious it is. There’s absolutely no gaminess, so I hope everyone will try it at least once. The restaurant is even listed in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection.”

Eastern Hokkaido is famous for its wild game cuisine, and you’ll find many restaurants serving venison dishes. While riding the Pirika-go, we asked Ms. Koyama about what she values most in her role:

“Sightseeing bus tours with a guide on board are actually becoming quite rare across Japan. That’s why I place great importance on communication with guests. In Eastern Hokkaido, public transportation options are limited, and many visitors struggle with getting around. So, I make sure I’m familiar with all the transportation options related to our tour, as well as possible plans for after the tour ends. Many travelers rely on the bus guide for advice, so I want to support them as much as possible to ensure they have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.”

In winter, the limited-time White Pirika-go also operates, so visiting at different times of the year offers a fresh experience. Another great option is the "Kushiro Shiretoko-go," a sightseeing bus that travels from Kushiro through Lake Mashu, Mt. Iou, and Abashiri, all the way to the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko. Like the Pirika-go, it visits many popular sightseeing spots, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing while you travel. Reservations for each tour can be made on the official websites below. Please note that fares may vary depending on your departure and arrival points, so be sure to check when booking. Reservations can be made up to the day before your departure.