In Japan, beer originated from Hokkaido and Sapporo is Japan’s oldest beer brand, founded and brewed in 1876. Located in a beautiful old red brick brewery from the early Meiji period, the Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Biergarten are two must-see places in Sapporo. Officially opened in July 1987 by the Sapporo House, the Sapporo Beer Museum is an interesting museum about the history of beer in Japan and the production process over the years, and admission is free. It was, for many years, the only beer museum in Japan.

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If you are thinking about making a trip to Japan, as seasoned Japan experts we can help you create your perfect Japan tour. We can include destinations such as the Sapporo Beer Museum. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Area Map

Hokkaido Ski Resort

Niseko is located a two-hour drive away from Hokkaido’s main airport New Chitose. The annual average temperature is only 6.3 degrees Celsius, making it a great destination for winter sports from late November until early May. Mid-December to mid-March is the area’s winter sports high season. The deepest snow can reach around 2 meters in depth. The snow is of great light power quality. This is why it is no surprise that not only Japanese winter sports lovers. Also, many Australians and other foreigners come to Niseko each year.

But what about the summer? The warmer months also bring plenty of outdoor activities. During that time you can go rafting, canoeing, hiking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, and more. Between spring and summer, you can see many beautiful flowers in the area. No matter when you come to Niseko, it is natural beauty is always stunning!

Because the area is so popular it is well-developed with large resorts, many hot springs, and other amenities close at hand. It is not the cheapest place to go for winter sports in Japan, which is why the locals usually opt for cheaper areas like Nagano and Gunma. And it is mainly the foreign tourists who keep Niseko busy. This also means that you can easily get by just speaking English, making it easy to plan your trip to Niseko.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Niseko Area Map

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most well-known hot spring resort areas. It offers over 10 different kinds of natural spring water containing minerals. For example, hydrogen sulfide, salt, and iron are all beneficial to our health. Most people stay overnight in one of the onsen hotels but day guests can also enter many of the onsen if they pay a fee.

Noboribetsu is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The most magnificent scene at the hot spring is the Jigoku Valley (hell valley), where yellowy gray volcanic gas seeps from the surface of the rocks. This makes the whole place smell strongly of sulfur and makes it look and feel like hell. The valley is a 450-meter-diameter mouth of a volcano, which produces 3,000 liters of hot water every day.

There are some great hiking trails in the area, and you can take a rest on the side of a warm river footbath. Autumn is by far the best time to go as the area will be decked out in wonderful colors.

Shiraoi

Shiraoi is a small town with a population of around 20,000 with part of the town within the borders of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The town is best-known for U-popo-y, the Ainu museum that reopened in July 2020. Here you can learn more about Ainu culture and lifestyle, as the exhibition shows an outdoor reproduction of a small Ainu village. Several performances, such as traditional Ainu dances, are held throughout the day and there are hands-on activities.

Please note that for many activities you need to make a reservation that can currently only be done in Japanese on this website. If you book at least one tour or service through us we are happy to assist you with your preparation for your visit to U-popo-y.

Lake Toya & Toya Onsen

Around Lake Toya, you can find Toya Onsen. This is a hot spring village that is popular with Japanese tourists from the city looking for a relaxing escape. The area is known for its many outdoor activities like hiking, several water sports, fishing, and outdoor bathing. There are also camping sites including facilities at the lakeside.

Lake Toya is the 3rd largest crater lake in the country, and it was formed over 100.000 years ago after a large eruption. Four small islands in the middle of the lake were formed by volcanic activity on the bottom of the lake 50.000 years ago. These islands can be seen from nearby if you take a sightseeing cruise. Lake Toya is seen as one of the 3 great landscapes in Hokkaido because of the ever-changing nice views. The hot spring is also one of the best on the island.

The Volcano Science Museum is also worth a visit, especially the images of the 1977 eruption are fascinating to watch. Toya came to the attention of the world in 2008, which is when Japan hosted the G8 Summit. Japan’s natural beauty was showcased to the world, which boosted tourism to the area.

Mount Showa

Mt. Showa (Showa Shin-Zan) is one of the latest mountains that was formed in Japan in 1944-1945. And it is aptly named after the era during which it appeared. There were a number of large earthquakes in the area and farmland was very suddenly and quickly raised. Then lava flowed from the surface, and this is how what is now the peak was created. Currently, the peak is still smoking and nearly 400 meters high. From the Usuzan Ropeway, you can get a nice view of the active young volcano.

Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu, or Shikotsu-ko, is located in southwestern Hokkaido. This crater lake does not freeze over most of the time because it is very deep with a maximum depth of more than 350 meters, making it the most northern lake in Japan that doesn’t freeze over. Because the lake is very clean you can see the bottom down to around 25 meters.
During summertime, you will see many boats on the lake, and people will also fish for trout or scuba dive here. In the winter, the Ice Waterfall festival brings the area ice sculptures that are lit up at night to create a beautiful wintry scene.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Noboribetsu Area Map

Asahikawa Overview

There are many rivers and bridges in Ashikawa, and its climate is continental with relatively warm but short summers and long, cold winters. The lowest temperature that has ever been measured in Japan, has actually been measured in Ashikawa. It was in January 1902, and it became -41 degrees Celcius.

Early February each year the Ashikawa Winter Festival is held, which is the second biggest festival after the Sapporo Snow Festival. During this festival, you can see amazing snow sculptures and fireworks, and there are several snow-based activities organized such as snow sliding, sleigh riding, and snowmobile riding.

Ashikawa’s gastronomical claim to fame is its Ashikawa Ramen, a noodle dish featuring thin and al-dente noodles, kelp, pork, and chicken meat and anchovies. What makes this style of ramen stand apart from Japan’s other ramen varieties is the layer of lard on top of the soup, which helps the dish retain its heat for longer.

Asahiyama Zoo

The Asahiyama Zoo is a must-see if you go to Asahikawa, it is one of the most popular zoos in Japan mainly because of its unique facilities. After the number of visitors declined in the 1990s, the new director decided to build some unique, interactive animal viewing facilities which have greatly contributed to the zoo’s current popularity.

You can see animals like seals, wolves, and leopards from up close because of the way the cages are designed, and the most popular attraction is the penguins. Not only can you see them swim above you in the see-through walking tunnels, but the zoo also organizes penguin walks in the winter which are very interesting to observe.

Hokkaido Ice Pavillion

Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, tasty dairy, wild nature, and for its ice-cold winters. It is not surprising that the coldest temperature ever measured in Japan, -41 degrees Celcius, was measured in Hokkaido in 1902. Thankfully the mercury doesn’t usually go down to that point, but if you would still like to experience what minus 41 degrees Celcius feels like, Hokkaido Ice Pavillion is the place to go.

Located between Ashikawa and the Sounkyo area, Hokkaido Ice Pavillion has two icy cold rooms. One where the temperature goes down to minus 20 degrees Celcius, and one where the temperature reaches minus 41 degrees Celcius. You will first walk through a sort of maze with mirrors and light all around you before you reach the -20 room. In here, the wet towel you get before you go in will stand up straight.

If you then dare to continue on to the -14 room, you will be able to blow soap bubbles and catch them again without them breaking because of the low temperature. You will also see ‘diamond dust’ in the air, tiny ice crystals that form from moisture in the air on extremely cold days in Hokkaido. If you are a real tough guy (m/f), you can strip down and have your picture taken for the wall of fame. But this is obviously very optional.

Asahidake

Mount Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido at 2290 meters, and it is a part of Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a hikers’ paradise with trails for beginners and advanced hikers. A good place to stay during your exploration of the area is Asahidake Onsen, which is a small hot spring resort with only a few lodges and hotels.

The ropeway station in the hamlet will take you up to the point from where it is a 2-hour strenuous hike to the summit of the mountain. Beginners can stick to the courses around the ropeway station. And advanced hikers can take a 1-2 day tour that takes them to Sounkyu Onsen.2

Sounkyo

The name Sounkyo comes from the Ainu language, and it means ‘the river with many waterfalls’. It is an appropriate name as the area is especially known for its many impressive waterfalls and cliffs. In the middle of the area is Sounkyu Onsen, a small resort village with comfortable hotels.

Noteworthy spots in Sounkyo include the Obako and Kobako rock formations and the Ryusei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki waterfalls. The Ginga-no-taki or Milkyway-falls is the female waterfall that looks milky-white because it runs like layers of fine, white thread. And the Ryusei-no-taki or Shooting Star-falls is the male waterfall that runs like one thick thread. The best time to travel here is in September when the entire area erupts in beautiful fall foliage. But it is also worth a visit for the rest of the year. The summer brings the fire festival, while in the winter the ice water festival is held.

A great way to enjoy the gorgeous views in the area is from the mile-long Kurodake Ropeway and the Kurodake mountain itself. After taking the ropeway from the Sounkyo hot spring area, it will bring you to the 5th station on Mt. Kurodake. From there, you can either take a chair lift to the 7th station at a height of 1520 meters or walk there. And from the 7th station, it is another 1.5-hour hike for hikers in a good condition to reach Mt. Kurodake’s summit at 1984 meters.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Asahikawa Area Map

Hokkaido’s Capital

Hokkaido used to be populated by its aboriginal inhabitants, the Ainu. In the early 19th century, the Shogunate made a small trading post here, the capital city of Hokkaido was still in Hakodate at that time. When the Meiji Restoration started, Hokkaido started developing at a rapid tempo and Sapporo became the administrative center of the island.

Because it was the Americans who advised on how to build the new city, Sapporo has a block street system like New York and many other American cities. The main street that stretches from east to west, Odori Avenue Park is one of the symbols of the city and it is rich with flowers, plants, fountains, and art.

During summer the city boasts plenty of beer gardens which is no surprise as one of the nation’s most beloved beer brands comes from Sapporo. In the winter the city becomes the backdrop for a large, world-famous snow and ice festival. At this time of year, you can find some impressive snow statues and ice sculptures.

The north of the city is its financial district with many company headquarters and government offices located here. In the south, there is an enormous underground shopping complex that is comfortably warm and dry during winters. This maze of shopping streets is connected to Sapporo station which is where you will arrive if you take the shinkansen to Hokkaido.

The city boasts a large entertainment district called Susukino where you can find a great variety of restaurants, bars, karaoke spots, and even a small lane crammed with ramen shops. Tasting Sapporo-style ramen with miso-flavored soup is a must-do when you are in Hokkaido.

Landmarks in Sapporo

Famous sights in Sapporo include the century-old City Clock, the old government building, and the tree-lined street near Hokkaido University. Sapporo became known all over the world in 1972, which is when the first Winter Olympics were held in Japan.

The City Clock is the symbol of the city that was built in 1878 as the military training hall of the ancestor of Hokkaido University. Its Clock Tower, which crowns the building, has been striking the hours without interruption since 1881. It is listed as an important cultural property.

Moerenuma Park

The Moerenuma Park was designed by the world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. I’ve been longing to visit here since I was really moved by a book about his life last year. And my wish came true last weekend. Noguchi was born to a Japanese father and an American mother in 1904. He became a successful great artist but his private life was not easy. As he was often struggling with loneliness and bullying in his childhood because of his mixed parentage. So to create a natural park with a play mountain for kids and families was a long-cherished wish for Noguchi who had few happy memories in his childhood.

After many twists and turns, he finally got a chance to realize his dream when he was 83 years old. But he suddenly passed away before he could see the completion of his project in 1988, just leaving the design of the park. Thankfully his dream place was accomplished by the people who took over his will in 2005.

The park became just wonderful! I enjoyed cycling here, feeling the gentle breeze in the sunshine. I walked around the dandelion’s field barefoot and crazily tumbled down the grassy slopes of the play mountain. It felt like going back to my lost childhood in the park feeling Noguchi’s spirit! Admission to the park is free, and I recommend anyone visiting Sapporo to stop by this wonderful park.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Sapporo Area Map

Small Onsen Town

Kawayu Onsen is only a small town, so people who are looking for extensive amenities and modern facilities had better look elsewhere. Are you looking for a great base to explore Akan National Park and a hot spring that can give you a great energy boost? Kawayu Onsen is a great place to stay. You can find highly acidic and metallic onsen here, and the water is of high quality and 100% free-flowing. Near the station, you can use the footbath for free.

In February and August events are held in the small town. Moreover, you can enjoy activities like horse riding and canoeing year-round and cycling in summer, and snowshoe walking in winter.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Kawayu Onsen Area Map

Nemuro, Hokkaido – Japan’s Easternmost Escape into Untouched Nature

Nemuro in Hokkaido is a quiet coastal city of about 31,000 residents and is known as the easternmost city in Japan. Located on a narrow peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean, Nemuro is where the country sees Japan’s first sunrise each day. This remote city may not be large or famous like Sapporo, but it offers something more valuable: raw, untouched nature and a sense of peaceful isolation that many travelers seek.

Coastal Beauty and Natural Wonders

Nemuro is surrounded by forests, wetlands, lakes, and rugged coastline that make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and slow travel. One of its highlights is Cape Nosappu, the easternmost point of mainland Japan, offering dramatic ocean views and—on clear days—distant glimpses of the disputed Northern Territories. Sunrise here is a deeply spiritual experience for many visitors.

The region is also home to scenic spots like Lake Furen, Shunkunitai Marshland, and the Nemuro Strait, where migratory birds gather, and the changing seasons create spectacular displays of color and wildlife activity.

Paradise for Birdwatchers and Wildlife Enthusiasts

Nemuro is considered Japan’s birdwatching capital, with over 360 species of birds spotted in the area. From Steller’s sea eagles soaring over frozen coasts in winter to the elegant Japanese red-crowned cranes seen nearby in Kushiro, the diversity is stunning. Spring and autumn are especially popular for bird migration, attracting ornithologists from around the world.

You may also spot Ezo deer, red foxes, and seals in their natural habitats. Wildlife in Nemuro is not confined to zoos—it’s alive and all around you.

Fresh Seafood and Local Delicacies

Nemuro’s economy is built around fishing, and the local port consistently ranks among the top in Japan for seafood volume. Visitors can enjoy incredibly fresh uni (sea urchin), kani (crab), saba (mackerel), and sushi that rivals anything in Tokyo. The city is especially proud of its Sanma (Pacific saury), which is celebrated each year during the Nemuro Sanma Festival in autumn. Nothing beats the taste of charcoal-grilled Sanma enjoyed by the sea.

Local restaurants and market stalls also serve kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) featuring the catch of the day—simple, satisfying, and unforgettable.

A Remote Gem for Adventurous Travelers

Nemuro may be far from Japan’s major tourist circuits, but that’s exactly its charm. With fewer crowds, genuine hospitality, and dramatic seasonal contrasts, this city invites you to experience Japan in its purest form. Whether you’re exploring scenic drives along the Nemuro Peninsula, hiking in nature reserves, or photographing icy coastlines and migratory birds, Nemuro delivers something special.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Akan-Mashu National Park: Volcanic Beauty and Spiritual Tranquility in Eastern Hokkaido

Located in eastern Hokkaido, Akan-Mashu National Park is one of Japan’s most stunning and spiritually rich natural areas. Shaped by powerful volcanic activity over 6,000 years ago, the park is home to some of the clearest lakes in the country, active geothermal sites, lush forests, and rare wildlife.

Whether you’re visiting in summer for hiking and canoeing, or in winter for snowshoeing and hot spring soaking, Akan-Mashu offers unforgettable experiences year-round.

The Three Jewel Lakes of the Park

The park is most famous for its three pristine caldera lakes—each with its own personality and charm.

Lake Kussharo is the largest of the three and features a unique combination of lake beaches, hot springs, and volcanic features. In winter, parts of the lake freeze over, but warm geothermal spots remain open, attracting whooper swans that overwinter in the region. Feeding the swans by the lake is a serene and moving experience.

Lake Akan is perhaps the most iconic, not only for its scenery but for being the only natural habitat of marimo, rare green algae that form into velvety spheres. Some marimo grow as large as soccer balls and are considered national treasures of Japan. You can visit the Marimo Exhibition Center by boat, or spot smaller marimo in the lake’s crystal-clear water.

Lake Mashu, often called the “Lake of the Gods,” is one of the clearest lakes in the world. Shrouded in mist for much of the year, it has an ethereal, mysterious beauty. When the clouds do part, the deep blue color of the lake is stunning. The view from the Mashu Observatory is unforgettable—especially at sunrise.

Volcanic Landscapes and Onsen Healing

The park’s volcanic nature is ever-present. A highlight is Mount Iozan, a sulfurous volcano whose steaming vents fill the air with the scent of minerals and the sight of yellow-streaked rock faces. Walking among the bubbling fumaroles feels like stepping into another world.

Nearby is Kawayu Onsen, where the hot spring water is so acidic that it can dissolve coins. Despite this, the onsen is gentle on the skin and perfect after a day of hiking or snowshoeing. Many local inns offer outdoor baths (rotenburo) with views of the forest or steaming mountain slopes.

Winter in Akan: Silence, Snow, and Spiritual Connection

I visited Akan in mid-January, when snow blanketed everything and the lake looked like a frozen desert. One of the most memorable experiences was a guided snowshoe hike through a primeval forest near Lake Akan. We walked silently under tall, snow-covered trees, listening to the crunch of snow underfoot and spotting tracks of Ezo deer and red foxes. At one point, we paused at a clearing with views of Mount Oakan—its shape perfectly symmetrical and glowing in the soft winter light.

Later that evening, I soaked in a lakeside onsen as snow fell around me. The contrast between the freezing air and the steaming water was exhilarating. That moment, surrounded by nature, warmth, and silence, felt deeply healing.

A Journey to the Nearby Kushiro Marsh

Many visitors to Akan-Mashu also combine their trip with a visit to Kushiro Marsh, located just a short drive south. This is the best place in Japan to see the red-crowned Japanese cranes (tancho), which are symbols of longevity and love in Japanese culture. Seeing these elegant birds dance in the snow during mating season is nothing short of magical.

The area is also ideal for photographers and birdwatchers, especially during early morning when the cranes gather near the rivers and create striking silhouettes against the mist and sunrise.

Why Visit Akan-Mashu National Park?

• To witness the marimo—a unique natural wonder found only in Lake Akan
• To soak in volcanic hot springs under open skies
• To walk through ancient forests and discover the silence of winter
• To view some of Japan’s clearest lakes and spiritual landscapes
• To connect with nature in its purest, most peaceful form

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. So check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

The eastern side of Hokkaido is sparsely-populated, but that doesn’t mean that you should not visit here. In fact, it is a paradise for nature-lovers. You can see the famed Japanese cranes in this area as well. Let us introduce Kushiro, Tsurui, and Tokachi to you!

Kushiro

Kushiro is the largest city on the eastern side of Hokkaido. Because its sea is saltier than in other port cities in the area, Kushiro’s port is ice-free. This fact gave it a huge advantage over other ports and made the city prosper. Its climate is mildly warm during a short summer, and cold in the long winter. Because of its weather pattern, the city is often misty which gave it its nickname of ‘the town of mist’.

Kushiro cuisine centers on great seafood like in many harbor cities in Japan. Lively complex Fishermen’s Wharf MOO is a great place to satisfy your craving for fresh seafood and other culinary treats as it houses several fish markets and many restaurants.

The mud volcano (Bokke) is also worth a visit, as there are not many places in the world where you can see mud bubbling from the ground. Akan Lake is 50 kilometers away from Kushiro and a must-see because of its marimo, a rare type of algae that forms large green balls.

Tsurui Village

Tsurui is a small village near Kushiro city, which is especially famous for being the breeding ground for Tancho Cranes. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is located here, which is a must-see if you come to Hokkaido in winter.
The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park has marshlands that are populated by Japanese Tancho Cranes that makes it one of the most famous places to visit in this area. If you want to see the cranes in their natural habitat, winter is the best time to come here. If you are here in summer, you had best visit Kushiro Tancho Nature Park where they successfully bred cranes, and where you can see about 20 resident cranes year-round.

Spring starts in Tsurui in May, which is when the cherry blossoms start blooming. Nature comes back to life in this season after a long winter. During this time, the view from the Shitsugen Tsurui Viewpoint looks a bit like a savanna with the marsh covered with fog during the sunrise. The marsh quickly becomes freshly green again. During the summer this green becomes a bit deeper, which makes for a great contrast with the blue rivers. In September the marsh colors red and yellow with fall foliage and winter follows soon.

It is between November and March that around 200 cranes migrate to Tsurumidai, which is one of the sites where they feed. It is the time when birding enthusiasts flock to the area to take incredible pictures of these beautiful birds.

Tokachi Area

The Tokachi area covers around 10 percent of Hokkaido but its population is small because of the climate and landscape that make it difficult to build cities here. The area is surrounded by mountains with a lot of snow, and a river flows through the center.

The area’s main city is Obihiro, whose economy mainly thrives on agriculture. The main crops are potatoes, grains, beets, and dairy. The city is also known for its unique form of horse racing called Ban’ei and its Olympic-sized indoor skating rink.

South-west of Obihiro you can find the Shichiku Garden, a passion-project from an elderly local woman who wanted to make Hokkaido the island of flowers. Her garden became a popular, colorful place with 2500 different kinds of flowers. There are always multiple types of flowers blooming, no matter what season you are going.

The Japanese tend to have a sweet tooth, which means that you can find some of the most delicious sweets in the world here. Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden in Obihiro produces some of the best crepes, Baumkuchen, and other sweet delicacies in Japan, and your visit here becomes extra interesting because you can take a small tour in the factory to see where and how the magic happens.

Onsen Resort

The area also boasts the Tokachi-onsen resort with a good quality of hot spring water that especially beneficial to your skin. The onsen is right in between the Taisetsu Mountain Range and the Akan area which makes it an ideal spot to overnight if you want to visit these areas.

Tokachi is also an area that is famous for its many gourmet delights; because of its long summer days and ground that is rich in volcanic nutrients crops do well here, Tokachi beef is considered one of Japan’s premium brands of wagyu, and dairy becomes fatty and thus great for making cheese. That cheese goes exceptionally well with wine, and even that is produced locally.

One of the most famous wineries is Ikeda Wine Castle located east of Obihiro. There are free wine tastings, there is a garden where you can see the Ikeda-original grapes grow, and you can visit the wine aging room. Of course, there is a restaurant on the premises and as a bonus, the sunset you can see from Ikeda Wine Castle is one of the best in the country. The opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, and they are open year-round except for the New Year holidays.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Shiretoko-hanto is a peninsula in the north-east of Hokkaido. It is a little-explored region by most tourists because of its very remote location. But those who make it there will be rewarded with special experiences like drift ice walking, birding, and wild nature.

Shiretoko National Park

The word ‘shiretoko’ literally means ‘end of the earth’ in Ainu language, which was well-chosen. The part of the peninsula that is furthest into the east doesn’t even have roads which means that that part of the peninsula can either only be viewed from a boat departing from Utoro, or if you are a real lover of rugged areas by a multiple day trekking. There are steep mountain ranges and untouched forests, and it is a paradise for those who truly like to veer off the beaten paths. You can enjoy walking, hiking, trekking, camping, sea-kayaking, and star-watching in raw nature.

The peninsula has been designated as a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site. If you make it all the way there, you will be treated to a large variety of wild animals like deer, foxes, brown bears, and sea eagles. You can also see many waterfalls, two of which are a warm waterfall that gives off steam and a waterfall that is split into two parts.

Drift Ice Experience

In winter, adventurous tourists come to the area to see and feel one of the northern hemisphere’s southernmost regions that has drift ice. There are tour operators that organize a drift-ice walk or even dive where you can see under the drift-ice.

These tours are available only between February 1st and March 23rd, and availability depends on temperature and weather circumstances. The tours happen 3 times per day, last for 3 hours and cost around 6000 yen per person. If you stay in a hotel in Shari, the hotel can recommend you a tour operator, and you will be picked up at your hotel.

Rausu Bird Paradise

Rausu is located on the east end of Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula. It is situated on the southeast corner of the peninsula facing the Nemuro Strait. The town lies along a small strip of land, extending 64 km from southwest to northeast. The Shiretoko mountain range, formed by past volcanic activity, is the source for multiple rivers. Because of the harsh topography and climate, a large part of the peninsula is accessible only by sea.

The area is covered in a primeval forest. Half of the region has been designated a special preservation district, so you need permission for access. Village communities are found mostly on the coastline at the ends of the rivers. The “downtown” of Rausu is at the mouth of the Rausu River. The primary industry in Rausu is fishing. Rausu attracts people for many reasons. Visitors come during the summer in the hopes of seeing whales, bears, and foxes.

Winter brings snow, drift ice on the sea, and the chance to take an ice-breaking cruise to see dolphins and the Stellar’s Sea Eagle. If you don’t mind the freezing temperatures, bird watching from a boat in winter is an amazing experience.

Abashiri

The Aurora ship is available from January 20 to April 3. You can take this boat from Abashiri city and enjoy Ryuhyo. A ride costs 3,500 yen per person.

Abashiri is a small city located on the Okhotsuku Coast of northeastern Hokkaido. You could say that Abashiri is the Japanese version of Alcatraz in San Fransisco. In addition to an abundance of seasonal seafood available throughout the year, it is also blessed with natural beauty, such as primeval flower gardens, lakes in summer, and ice floes in winter.

Winters here are harsh. During the winter months, ice flows from Russia clog the northeastern shore of Hokkaido, stretching out to sea for as far as the eye can see. The most popular way with the Japanese to view the ice flows up-close is to board an ice-breaking boat. Abashiri has lots of places to enjoy: Koshimizu Gensei-kaen (wildflower preserve), where about 40 kinds of flowers bloom in spring and summer.

Mt. Tento-zan in the suburbs is a great place from which to view Abashiri.In the Okhotsk Ryuhyo-kan (ice floe museum) you can see real ice floes even in the middle of summer, and experience a temperature of minus 15 degrees Celsius. Ice floes arrive in Abashiri every year in late January and you can walk on the frozen Ocean and even play ice hockey above it.

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