A
East Hokkaido Summer/Fall Tour
(Half-Circuit Route)
4 days, 3 nights
Sapporo Station
　 ⇒Kushiro Station Abashiri Station
　 ⇒Sapporo Station
This course is recommended to those seeking a balanced tour of East Hokkaido!
This four day course is packed with content that will allow you to really enjoy the area's summer/fall sightseeing spots. East Hokkaido is home to bountiful nature and delicious cuisine. The tour departs from Kushiro Airport, before heading into the great land of the north to tour Kushiro, Abashiri, and Shiretoko aboard a tour bus guided by local experts.
East Hokkaido Summer/Fall Tour (Half-Circuit Route)
DAY1
Depart from Sapporo Station by train and arrive at Kushiro Station around noon.
Kushiro Station
*It takes approximately 4 and a half hours by train from Sapporo Station to Kushiro Station.
Around 13:50 (time varies by season)
Explore Kushiro city
After leaving your luggage at the hotel where you are staying in Kushiro, it's time for sightseeing!You can choose souvenirs from Eastern Hokkaido at the complex shopping and tourist facility "Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO", located at the foot of Nusamai Bridge, and taking a commemorative photo in front of the "Cool KUSHIRO" monument is also recommended!You might want to grab an early bite at "Azumaya," known for its green soba noodles originating from the long-established soba shop more than 100 years old "Takeroen Tokiya Sohonten," or enjoy Kushiro's soul food, "Spa-Katsu," at "Restaurant Izumiya."
Cool KUSHIRO monument
Kushiro's sunset
Departure times vary by season
Sunset Cruise
Reserve
An absolute must-see in Kushiro tourism is the "sunset." Kushiro is home to one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets, alongside Bali and Manila. On the Kushiro Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Ship SEA CRANE, you can enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise as you listen to guides about the setting sun over Kushiro Port. Additionally, a local guide leads a sunset guide tour, introducing photo spots centered around the town's symbol, Nusamai Bridge.
*Please note that departure times vary by month. For detailed times, please verify with the cruise and guide operators when making a reservation. (Approximate times) July around 17:00, August around 16:00, September around 15:00, October to November around 14:00.
Around 18:00 (time varies by season)
Robata
Reserve
Reservation One of the famous Kushiro gourmet experiences is "robatayaki" (Japanese grill). There are numerous places in the city that offer robatayaki, many of which have an inviting atmosphere with a hearth inside. It pairs perfectly with Kushiro's local sake, "Fukutsukasa," and enjoying "darakan," sake warmed at the hearth, is highly recommended.
After savoring a delicious robatayaki meal to your heart's content, prepare for tomorrow with a good night's sleep at your hotel.
Robata Barbecue
Hotel stay in Kushiro city
DAY2
Take the Akan Bus "Akan Line" to Akanko Onsen
10:10 or 12:00 (Schedule may vary by season)
*12:00 departure is only available from July 1st to October 31st
Board at Kushiro Station Front
12:10 or 14:10 (Schedule may vary by season)
Disembark at Akan Lake Bus Cente
Time varies by season
Lake Akan Sightseeing Boat
Reserve
Stroll around the Lake Akan Onsen area
Board the Akan Bus "Akan Line" departing from in front of Kushiro Station and head to Lake Akan Onsen, one of the region's most popular tourist destinations, where the indigenous Ainu village "Akan Ainu Kotan" is located. At Lake Akan, a caldera lake within Akan-Mashu National Park, enjoy a scenic cruise around the lake or try traditional Ainu wood carvings and cuisine. You can also visit a theater showcasing seasonal traditional Ainu dances or join an immersive nighttime walking experience. Wash away your travel fatigue by relaxing in a hot spring.
Lake Akan
Stay overnight in the Lake Akan Onsen area
DAY3
Board the Akan Bus “Kushiro–Shiretoko Guided Sightseeing Bus”
Reserve
9:45–9:55
Board the bus at any of the following locations: Akan Bus Center / Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga / Hotel Gozensui / New Akan Hotel / Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza / Akan no Mori Tsuruga Resort Hanayuuka
10:45
Arrive at Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen (Roadside Rest Area)
11:20
Mashu Lake First Observatory
Depart from Lake Akan on a guided sightseeing bus and head to the First Observatory of Lake Mashu, a lake also registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site. Known as the “Misty Lake Mashu,” it is often covered in thick fog. However, when the skies clear, its mystical beauty is breathtaking. With the highest water transparency in Japan, the deep blue color—known as “Mashu Blue”—is mesmerizing. On a lucky day, you may even witness a sea of clouds spreading across the landscape.
Lake Mashu
Mt. Iou (Sulfur Mountain)
12:15
Mt. Iou (Sulfur Mountain)
Next, visit Mt. Iou, the source of Kawayu Onsen’s hot springs. The volcano is still active today, and you can see sulfurous gas rising from the mountain's surface right in front of you. The billowing steam emerging from all over the mountainside creates a rare and powerful scene. Don’t miss the local delicacy—onsen-steamed eggs—cooked using the natural heat from the volcanic vents. The gentle sulfur aroma and subtle salty flavor make it a perfect snack you can only enjoy here.
12:50
Arrive at accommodations in Kawayu Onsen: Oyado Kinkiyu / Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Shintou / Kawayu Kanko Hotel
13:05
Lake Kussharo (Sunayu area)
13:40
Lake Kussharo Prince Hotel
Lake Kussharo (Sunayu area)
13:55
Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass Roadside Station
Arrive at the top of Bihoro Pass, offering a panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan. The Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass roadside station is famous for its incredible photo opportunities. The facility, renovated in 2022, includes food stalls serving local ingredients and a popular gift shop featuring exclusive local souvenirs.
15:40
Memanbetsu Airport
Marchen Hill
Scenic View from the Bus Window
Marchen Hill
A short ride from Memanbetsu Airport leads to Marchen Hill, a beloved photo spot in the Okhotsk region. Its seven rows of larch trees and picturesque scenery resemble a page from a picture book, representing the charm of Hokkaido. The view is beautiful year-round, regardless of the season or time.
16:05
Abashiri Station
16:10
Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri
Scenic View from the Bus Window
Kitahama Station
The Road to the Sky
17:25
The Road to the Sky
This 28.1-kilometer straight road was selected as one of the "100 Most Inspiring Views of Hokkaido." It appears to stretch endlessly toward the sky, making it a spectacular and symbolic photo spot. When the sun sets at the far end of the road, the breathtaking scene will leave you speechless.
Note: No stop after October 1 due to sunset timing.
18:00
Oshin Koshin Falls
Along National Route 334, on the way to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site, you’ll find one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls—Oshin Koshin Falls. In Ainu, “Oshin Koshin” means “a place where Ezo spruce trees grow.” As its name suggests, the powerful water cascades down a cliff in the forest. Since the flow splits into two midway, it is also called the “Twin Beauty Waterfall.” After a day of scenic wonders, unwind in the hot springs of Shiretoko.
Note: No stop after September 1 due to sunset timing.
Oshin Koshin Falls
18:25–18:45 (Time may vary by season)
Disembark at one of the following locations: Michi-no-Eki Utoro Shirietoku / Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort / KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort / Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel / Hotel Shiretoko
Stay overnight at a hotel in Shiretoko
DAY4
Board the Shari Bus “Shiretoko Roman Fureai-go B Course”
Reserve
10:18–10:30
Board at one of the following locations: Hotel Shiretoko / Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel / KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort / Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Scenic View from the Bus Window
Cape Puyuni
10:55
Shiretoko Pass
Start the morning by boarding the Shiretoko Roman Fureai-go B Course sightseeing bus to fully experience the Shiretoko World Heritage area. The first destination is Shiretoko Pass, located at the summit of the Shiretoko Crossing Road connecting Utoro and Rausu. Mt. Rausu rises directly in front, with a magnificent forested view stretching below. On clear days, you can even see the Nemuro Strait and Kunashiri Island of the Northern Territories.
Shiretoko Pass
11:20
Shiretoko Nature Center (Lunch Break)
13:05
Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Shiretoko Five Lakes)
Nestled deep within Shiretoko National Park, the Shiretoko Five Lakes are five mystical lakes surrounded by untouched primeval forest, with the Shiretoko mountain range rising in the background. This scenic spot allows you to enjoy views of the lakes, forest, and sea. Both elevated boardwalks and ground-level walking trails are available for free throughout the season.
Note: Ground trails have daily conditions and entry restrictions.
This area is also home to many wild animals such as Ezo squirrels, Ezo deer, and brown bears. Experience the untouched wilderness and take a refreshing break from everyday life.
Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Shiretoko Five Lakes)
14:20
Transfer to the Shari Bus “Shiretoko Roman Fureai-go C Course”
at Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal
Reserve
Scenic View from the Bus Window
Road to the Sky
15:20
Shari Bus Terminal
From Shiretoko-Shari Station, located near the terminal, take the JR Senmo Line to Abashiri Station.
Departs: 16:44 from Shiretoko-Shari Station Arrives: 17:36 at Abashiri Station
Around 18:30 Take a bus from Abashiri Station to Memanbetsu Airport
(Abashiri Bus – Memanbetsu Airport Line)
Return on an evening flight
Memanbetsu Airport
Eastern Hokkaido is a vast area still rich in unspoiled nature and home to three national parks. Here, you’ll enjoy dramatic landscapes, indigenous cultures, and encounters with wild animals—all unique to this region. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste exceptional local gourmet dishes made with seafood and mountain vegetables, unique to Hokkaido. Come experience a truly extraordinary journey in Eastern Hokkaido!
Included Activities and Bookings
DAY1
Sunset Cruise
Reserve
Robata Barbecue
Reserve
DAY2
Lake Akan Sightseeing Cruise
Reserve
DAY3
Board Akan Bus ["Guided Tour Bus" Kushiro Shiretoko]
Reserve
DAY4
Board Shari Bus [Shiretoko Roman Fureai B Course]
Reserve
Board Shari Bus [Shiretoko Roman Fureai C Course]
Reserve