Four National Parks and Wildlife in Late Spring East Hokkaido

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

1. DAY

   01

   Tancho Kushiro Airport - Kushiro

   Welcome to Hokkaido: Your Spring Adventure Begins!

   Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island! On this first day of your incredible spring hokkaido adventure, you and your family can focus on getting to know your personal driver and curing your jet lag. This meticulously planned hokkaido tour ensures a smooth and comfortable start to your journey.

   Your destination for tonight is Kushiro, a charming port city in Eastern Hokkaido, known for its vast wetlands and fresh seafood. As you settle in, you’ll begin to feel the unique atmosphere of this region, a truly authentic part of your japan tour.

   For your first dinner, step back in time and have a little venture around Hokkaido’s oldest market street, “Akachochin Yokocho,” literally “Red Lantern Back Alley,” in Kushiro city. This atmospheric alley, with its warm glow and inviting aromas, offers a glimpse into local life and serves up incredibly fresh seafood and regional delicacies. It’s a perfect introduction to the culinary delights of spring hokkaido and a memorable start to your hokkaido tour. This unique evening experience sets the tone for the authentic discoveries awaiting you on this japan tour.

   Discover Kushiro's Culinary Heart: Akachochin Yokocho & Robatayaki

   

   Step back in time and immerse yourself in the warm glow of Akachochin Yokocho (Red Lantern Back Alley), Kushiro’s oldest market street. This atmospheric alley offers a truly authentic glimpse into local life, making it a unique highlight on any japan tour. Here, you’ll find charming eateries specializing in Robatayaki, a traditional grilling style where fresh seafood and local produce are expertly cooked over an open charcoal hearth, right before your eyes. Savor the smoky flavors of grilled scallops, tender fish, and seasonal vegetables, paired with local sake or beer, an experience that truly defines a hokkaido tour.

   It’s more than just a meal; it’s an interactive culinary experience, promising a delicious and memorable taste of Hokkaido’s rich food culture, a key part of your hokkaido tour. This unforgettable dining adventure adds a special flavor to your overall japan tour.

2. DAY

   02

   Kushiro - Akan

   The origin story of Hokkaido nature at Kushiro Marshland

   

   As you awaken, your Hokkaido journey truly begins! Your morning will kick off with a unique culinary experience: joining a local chef at Washo Market, one of Hokkaido’s three great markets. Here, you’ll select the freshest ingredients, especially seafood, and then participate in a hands-on cooking class. This immersive activity offers a deep dive into Hokkaido’s renowned food culture, promising a delicious and memorable start to your day.

   After enjoying the cooking experience, it’s time to head for Kushiro-shitsugen National Park with a local nature guide for your Hokkaido wildlife adventure. The experienced guide will take you on a stroll on a wooden boardwalk to traverse the surprisingly deep swamp area. These invaluable, mysterious wetlands remain remarkably similar to how they were 3000 years ago. They have been designated as a national natural monument and protected under The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as waterfowl bird habitat. The story and background of these ancient, deep wetlands will help you to understand the evolution and variety of Hokkaido nature and wildlife on a deeper level as our journey continues.

   Experience Kushiro's Culinary Heart: Washo Market（Washo Ichiba）

   

   Dive into the vibrant local culture of Kushiro at Washo Market, one of Hokkaido’s three great markets. Known as a “kitchen of the people,” this bustling market is a sensory delight where you can discover the freshest seafood caught daily, alongside an array of local produce and unique Hokkaido delicacies. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s where local life unfolds, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich food heritage. Explore the lively stalls, interact with friendly vendors, and soak in the authentic atmosphere.

   For your trip, you’ll visit Washo Market with a local chef to buy fresh ingredients, then enjoy a hands-on seafood cooking experience! Diverse culinary experiences are available depending on the season.

3. DAY

   03

   Akan - Shiretoko

   Relaxing at gorgeous Lake Kussharo in Akan Mashu National Park

   
   

   Today there is an opportunity to try out some calming private canoeing in Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan. You will disembark at the tip of the Wakoto Peninsula, where a local guide will prepare you a healthy, handmade lunch with charming details, making full use of tasty, local ingredients such as fresh oyster. There you may spot some wildlife, such as Ezo-shika deer.

   At the tip of the peninsula there is water so steaming hot, that you can boil an egg for your lunch there! Today it’s okay to just be yourself and relax  in the still quietness of the Akan Mashu National Park before heading further to the east.

    

   Hokkaido nature: volcanic activity

   

   – Japan is a country with plenty of volcanic activity, which is also the reason for its many natural hot springs.
   – “Volcanic activity” doesn’t only mean hot orange lava or dangerous eruptions; besides hot springs you can see beautiful steam that rises to the surface and you can even try dipping your feet into a warm, soothing foot bath.
   – The top of the Wakoto Peninsula is perhaps the best place within Akan Mashu National park for appreciating volcanic activity. Here at the lake you can find the steaming hot “Oyakotsu Hell”.

4. DAY

   04

   Shiretoko - Shiretoko

   Orca spotting in UNESCO World Heritage Site Shiretoko National Park

   

   The fourth day of your hokkaido tour is dedicated to the ocean, a truly unforgettable part of your hokkaido itinerary. Now it is finally time to take in the breathtaking wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Shiretoko National Park. This is going to be an experience of a lifetime: an Orca (“Killer Whale”) Watching Tour!

   The orcas in Hokkaido are quite energetic and playful. Therefore, visitors on this hokkaido tour have a relatively good chance of seeing these impressive wildlife animals, especially in late spring and early summer, when they are the most active. Imagine what it will feel like to see these magnificent and social marine mammals swim right beside your boat to greet you! This incredible encounter will undoubtedly be a highlight of your hokkaido itinerary.

   Hokkaido nature: UNESCO World Heritage Site Shiretoko National Park

   

   – This national park, located in a peninsula at the far east of Hokkaido island, has one of the richest ecosystems in the world, combining both marine and terrestrial life.
   – The national park is a crucially important habitat for rare wildlife species such as the world’s largest owl, Blackiston’s fish owl.
   – The unique nature here is strongly shaped by the massive amounts of drift ice that arrives annually all the way from Amur River at the border of Russia and China. Hokkaido is the southernmost place on this side of the planet where drift ice phenomena can be witnessed.

   Hokkaido wildlife: orca

   – The black and white wild orca (also known as “killer whale”) can be witnessed around Shiretoko Peninsula in East Hokkaido especially in late spring and early summer.
   – These giant animals gather in Hokkaido because of the minerals brought in by massive amounts of drift ice and local sea currents.
   – In Ainu culture, orca is known as “Repun Kamuy,” the God of the Sea.

5. DAY

   05

   Shiretoko - Abashiri

   Explore the stunning Shiretoko National Park on foot

   

   Today let’s explore the National Park on foot. During a three-hour nature trek with an expert guide, you can take in the outstanding scenery and learn about the precious fauna and flora protected here.

   Besides the famous five lakes, Shiretoko National Park also has some rather beautiful waterfalls, such as Furepe Waterfall right at the edge of the ocean. You can also join a bear watching cruise all the way to the tip of the peninsula.

   Hokkaido wildlife: brown bear

   

   – Shiretoko National Park has the highest density of brown bears in the whole world.
   – One can join a bear spotting cruise in the area. Staying on a boat is a safe way to appreciate these giant wildlife animals. Depending on the year, the possibility of seeing bears is over 90 %.
   – Bears are of significant cultural importance for the Ainu culture. The bear is known as the “Kimun Kamuy,” God of the Mountains, in traditional Ainu beliefs.

6. DAY

   06

   Abashiri - Sounkyo

   Colorful tulips and bright pink moss phlox flowers

   

   Before proceeding to the next national park, we will start this day by appreciating some more man-made natural sights: fields full of vibrantly colorful tulips is a scene that can only be enjoyed in late spring. But why are there tulips here in Eastern Hokkaido? There is a truly interesting story behind this, just wait and see.

   Another seasonal flower of East Hokkaido is the pink moss phlox, also known as “shibazakura”, literally cherry blossoms on grass. The vibrant pink field of flowers is a very spectacular view that looks great in photos.

7. DAY

   07

   Sounkyo - Asahikawa

   Mountainous Daisetsuzan National Park

   

   Today you get to ride the northernmost aerial lift in Japan to appreciate the fresh, bright green spring scenery high up in the air! After taking your time enjoying the views, let’s steer towards wonderful views of a different kind. One of the highlights of the area is the cluster of clear gushing waterfalls nestled in the Soun Gorge.

   Two of these are especially well-known. These charming natural spots have their own character and are almost like living creatures. Ginga Waterfall (lit.”Galaxy Waterfalls”) is the more delicate and sensitive of the two. This thin, sparkling waterfall with a height of around 90 meters falls gently down a mountainside. Ryusei Waterfall, (lit. “Shooting Star Waterfalls”) is the bolder and more lively one out of two. It appears as if this impressive 120-meter-high water force bursts out of nothing.

   In the afternoon, let’s head to a charming fishing pond where you can catch stream fish nurtured by the pure meltwater of Daisetsuzan! Fishing rods are available even for children, so the little ones can join in the fun. The best part? You can have your freshly caught fish cooked right there on the spot. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Hokkaido outdoors and create some delicious memories with everyone!

8. DAY

   08

   Asahikawa - Asahikawa airport

   A Perfect Farewell: Savoring Hokkaido's Pure Sake

   

   As your incredible journey reaches its final day, you might choose to enjoy some free time, but since you’re in a region blessed with exceptionally pure water, why not dedicate this time to enjoying Japan’s renowned sake? We recommend an immersive sake brewery experience, where you can learn about the fascinating brewing process using pristine local water and high-quality rice. You’ll discover the traditions behind this iconic Japanese beverage, perhaps even enjoying a tasting session. Taking a bottle of local sake home as a souvenir is highly recommended, allowing you to reminisce about your wonderful Hokkaido memories long after your trip concludes.