Eastern Hokkaido

Wild, vast and UNESCO-listed: Shiretoko, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Kushiro and Abashiri.

Shiretoko · Akan · Kushiro · Abashiri

At a glance

Best season: June–October for lakes and wildlife, late Jan–March for drift ice
From New Chitose Airport: About 2.5–3 hrs to Obihiro, 4–4.5 hrs to Kushiro, 7+ hrs to Shiretoko (Utoro) by road (approx., depending on route and weather); many visitors fly into Memanbetsu or Kushiro
Suggested stay: 3–5 nights
Good for: Nature, wildlife, photography, travelers who like space

About the region

The untamed frontier. UNESCO Shiretoko wildlife, winter drift ice at Abashiri, Kushiro wetlands with red-crowned cranes, and the caldera lakes of Akan and Mashū.

Eastern Hokkaido is the least developed and most dramatic part of the island: the Shiretoko peninsula, caldera lakes such as Akan, Mashu and Kussharo, the Kushiro wetlands and, in winter, drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. Distances are large, so it is best seen on a multi-day trip with a private driver.

Places to go

Shiretoko
UNESCO-listed peninsula with the Five Lakes, Kamuiwakka and wildlife cruises.
City guide
Lake Akan
Ainu culture by the lakeshore and the rare round marimo algae.
Lake Mashu & Lake Kussharo
A deep-blue crater lake, often veiled in mist, and a broad lake with natural hot springs.
Kushiro Marsh
Japan's largest wetland, home to red-crowned cranes.
Abashiri
The base for drift-ice cruises on the Sea of Okhotsk in winter.
Obihiro & Tokachi
Wide farmland known for dairy, sweets and simple local dishes.

Season guide

Spring: Late snow melt; some roads and lakes open later in the season.
Summer: The best time for hiking and cruises: cool and green.
Autumn: Foliage and salmon season, with shorter days.
Winter: Drift ice, cold and very quiet; some Shiretoko areas are closed.

Getting there & getting around

By road from New Chitose Airport: about 2.5–3 hours to Obihiro, about 4–4.5 hours to Kushiro and 7 hours or more to Shiretoko (Utoro) (approx., depending on route and weather). Many visitors fly into Memanbetsu or Kushiro airports and begin the private drive there, which saves most of a day.

A private transfer or charter is the easiest way to see the region: one vehicle, your luggage stays on board, and the day follows your pace. Our drivers speak English and Japanese, and our team supports you in Chinese.

Airport transfer Private charter Day tours Car rental

Sample routes

1Kushiro → Lake Akan → Lake Mashu and Kussharo → Abashiri → Shiretoko (4 nights).
2Shiretoko only: 2–3 nights from Memanbetsu Airport.
3A winter drift-ice trip based in Abashiri.

See all itineraries

Pricing guide

Private charter: From ¥65,000 / 10 hours
One-day Hokkaido tour: From ¥55,000 / 8–10 hours (depends on itinerary and date)
Airport transfer: From ¥25,000 (New Chitose → Sapporo city hotels)
Self-drive rental: From ¥6,000 / day

All prices include tax.

Because distances in this region are long, multi-day and point-to-point trips are quoted individually (custom quote). Send us your dates and we will reply with a plan and price.