Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Bihoro Pass, located in the middle of National Route 243, connects Bihoro and Teshikaga in Eastern Hokkaido. Visitors that stop along the route can see a marvelous panoramic view that has been dubbed the Tenka no Zekkei, or “most beautiful view under the heavens.”  Those that stop by the 525 meter-high observation deck can get a clear, aerial view of Lake Kussharo and the Shiretoko Mountains. On cloudless nights, the star-filled sky is bright all the way until dawn. Travelers that get up early (or stay out late) might be lucky enough to see the white sea of clouds that descends to completely cover Lake Kussharo at dawn.

Kaminoko Pond is a small pond located in a forest northeast of Lake Mashu which is made from underground water that runs from the large lake. The pond itself is named after Lake Mashu as well. In the Ainu language, Lake Mashu is called Kamuy To, which means “god’s lake,” while Kami no ko means “child of God” in Japanese. Kaminoko Pond is surrounded by trees, but thanks to the water’s low temperatures, fallen trees submerged in the pond do not rot and instead remain intact, contributing to the scene’s magical aura. Come and visit this mysterious spot, keeping a keen eye on the seasonal color changes in the natural waters. The pond’s clarity and distinctive color make it a popular spot despite its remote location. In Summer, the pond turns stunning cobalt and emerald blue while in Winter it darkens to deep indigo.

The observatory, located on the border between Kiyosato Town and Nakashibetsu Town, is called the 'Ura-Mashu Observatory' because it is on the opposite side of the first and third observatories in Teshikaga Town. Due to its lower altitude compared to the observatories on the Teshikaga Town side, fog is less likely to occur, allowing for a clear view of the mystical Lake Mashu. The route to this observatory is different from the routes to the first and third observatories, making it a relatively quiet and serene hidden spot with fewer tourists. You can see a different aspect of Lake Mashu, including the clear blue lake surface and the rich nature of Mashu-dake, compared to other observatories.

Kawayu Onsen, located in Akan-Mashu National Park, is one of the representative hot spring resorts in East Hokkaido. Kawayu Onsen is one of the representative hot spring resorts in East Hokkaido, and boasts an abundance of hot spring water from its source, the still active Mt. The town of Kawayu Onsen is filled with the aroma of sulfur and has footbaths with free-flowing hot spring water, making it an easy place to enjoy the hot spring. The highly acidic water has been loved by many people since long ago for its excellent sterilizing and skin beautifying properties. During the harsh winter season, you may be able to observe the fantastic diamond dust phenomenon in the area. After observing the phenomenon, the hot springs will warm your cold body from the inside out.

Kawayu Visitor Center is a hub of information about the natural world and plentiful outdoor activities in the Kawayu Onsen, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Mount Io areas. Warm-up by the log fire with a delicious coffee from the National Park Style Cafe as you find out how to best explore this scenic region, created by the unique intersection of forests, lakes, and volcanoes. If you’re up for it, rent snowshoes or long boots for a wintery walk through the vast Sakhalin spruce forests that surround the Center. Trekking enthusiasts should also be sure to check out the many nature and hiking trails in this region profiled by the Kawayu Visitor Center.

The observation deck, located about 2 km from the hot spring town on the shores of Lake Akan and at an altitude of about 530 meters, is situated within the National Akan Lakeside Ski Resort. You can drive partway up the slope and then climb the rest to reach the observation deck. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Akan below and Mt. Oakan directly in front, as well as the magnificent Akan Caldera. The observation deck is open from mid-May to October. In winter, it is bustling with skiers.

Hikers should not miss out on a 1.5-kilometer hiking route around the Akan Lake Eco-Museum Center. The highlight of this trek is the “Bokke,” a mud volcano where underground gases and water vapor push hot mud to the surface. Walkers will be treated to the Bokke about 15 minutes from the entrance. Also noteworthy are the various plants of Akan, including the particularly beautiful skunk cabbage that blooms during Golden Week.

Boarding the boat from Lake Akan Onsen, you will visit the Marimo Exhibition Center, where you can observe the Marimo, a special natural treasure, and the mouth of a waterfall, the most scenic spot in Lake Akan. The scenery on the lake can only be seen from a boat, and the beauty of Mount Ouakan and Mount Hyoakan is exceptional. You can also enjoy sightseeing by motorboat or houseboat passenger boat.

This is a valuable exhibition facility where you can observe over 150 special natural monument Marimo in a tank that recreates the bottom of Lake Akan. You can also view research efforts aimed at protecting and increasing the population of Marimo, which are in decline. Visitors can board a sightseeing boat from the lakeside of Lake Akan and stop by during the lake tour. There is an observation space where you can enjoy views of the lake and forest, making it a popular spot for commemorative photos.

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, located in the Lake Akan Onsen Hot Spring Resort area, is one of the largest kotans (villages) in Hokkaido. The Ainu Kotan is one of the largest villages in Hokkaido and is home to about 120 Ainu people who have inherited their traditional culture and lifestyle. The Ainu people have coexisted with nature for centuries, and the Ainu history and culture can be felt at the Ainu Theater Ikoro, a permanent theater where Ainu dance performances are held, and the art museum Onnechise, which houses beautiful artifacts. The Ainu history and culture that coexisted with nature can be felt at these facilities.

Ancient Dance / Lost Kamuy: held all year long

The ancient dance performances of the Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) are a designated National Important Intangible Folk Culture Property, and a tradition recognized as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. These dances were born of living in respect of and coexistence with nature and represent themes of nature and traditional ways of life. The Ainu dance is performed to express respect and gratitude towards their ancestors and the kamuy, the gods and spirits of the Ainu belief system. A modern performance called Lost Kamuy blends the ancient dances of the Ainu with both modern dance and digital art to offer a window into their mystical view of the world.

Lake Akan is famous for its marimo, a special natural treasure. On the southern shore of the lake is Lake Akan Onsen, which boasts a history of more than 100 years. The hot spring resort town stretches along the lakeside and is lined with inns overlooking the lake, as well as restaurants and souvenir stores. Many day-trip bathing facilities are available, making it easy to enjoy the hot springs. In addition to the hot springs, canoeing and other activities are popular, attracting many tourists from all over Japan. The lakeside area is full of attractions such as the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, where you can experience Ainu culture, the Ainu Theater Ikoro, and the Bokke Nature Trail, where hot mud and volcanic gases spout out from the ground. During the coldest months of the year, Lake Akan is also home to the rare natural phenomenon of frost flowers.

Located in the Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Onneto is a breathtaking sight that appears to change colors with the seasons, weather, and angle from which it is viewed. Known as one of Hokkaido’s top three “secret” lakes, this body of water, whose name means “the elderly marsh” in the Ainu language, offers a stunning backdrop to any photoshoot. Why not take a trip here in Autumn, when visitors can marvel at the lakeside foliage reflected on the surface of the blue lake? Surrounded by primeval forests, Lake Onneto also connects to a 3-kilometer-long footpath leading to an observation point with beautiful views. From this vantage point, look out onto the nearby Mount Meakan-dake and Mount Akan Fuji, as well as Lake Onneto which lies below.

The Akan International Crane Center is the only facility in Japan specializing in the research and protection of red-crown cranes (Tancho in Japanese). These culturally significant birds were saved from extinction in the 1950s by farmers in the Akan area who fed them crops through the harsh winters. In the facility itself, check out the exhibitions which explain the cranes’ ecosystem. On the adjacent wetlands, be sure to watch these majestic birds outdoors under close-to-natural conditions. Between November and March, over 300 red-crowned cranes gather in the feeding area in front of the neighboring Tancho Observation Center. Don’t miss the rare chance to see these stunning birds flying over the snow-covered landscape!

Kushiro Marsh offers a panoramic view of the magnificent scale of the endless expanse of Kushiro Marsh! Also known as "Daikanbou," this is the most popular of the several observatories overlooking Kushiro Marsh. If the weather is favorable, you can see Mt. Akan. There is a walking trail leading from the parking lot to the viewing plaza, up the hill in front of the Hosooka Visitor's Lounge. Further along the trail is Daikanbou, where you can enjoy the spectacular view.