The East Hokkaido area is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its vast nature and beautiful scenery. Traveling by campervan, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery and local attractions at your leisure without being restricted by time. In this issue, we will introduce five recommended spots in the East Hokkaido area that you should definitely visit. Lakes, capes, marshlands, and a variety of other landscapes await you.
1. Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu boasts the highest transparency in Japan, and a visit early in the morning or in the evening when fog rolls in offers a fantastic view.
- Roadside Station: Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen Roadside Station. Local vegetables and specialties are available for purchase.
- Recommended Time: Early morning foggy hours and evening.
- Recommended spots to stay overnight: Lake Mashu Parking Lot No. 1 and Roadside Station Mashu Onsen (hot springs).
- Hot Springs: Relax at the Mashu Hot Springs.
- Local Products: Mashu soba noodles and Mashu melons.
2.Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes of Shiretoko)
The Shiretoko 5 lakes, registered as a World Natural Heritage site, are perfect for those who want to spend time in nature. There is also the possibility of encountering wild animals.
- Roadside Station: Shiretoko Rausu. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed.
- Recommended time of day: In the morning when the light is beautiful.
- Places to stay: “Roadside Station Shiretoko Rausu” and “Shiretoko Nature Center”.
- Hot springs nearby: “Rausu Onsen” is located nearby.
- Local Products: Shiretoko Salmon, Rausu Kelp.
3. Kaminoike Pond
The pond is highly transparent and has a mysterious blue color. It is said to be fed by underground water from Lake Mashu.
- Stop by: Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen (Road Station). A great place to buy local specialties.
- Recommended time to visit: Daytime, when the pond reflects the sun’s rays.
- Places to stay: “Roadside Station Mashu Onsen” and “Ura-Mashu Observation Deck Parking Lot”.
- Onsen (hot springs): Soothe your body at Kawayu Onsen.
- Local Products: Marimo from Lake Akan and dairy products from Hokkaido.
4. Kushiro Marshland (Kushiro Shitsugen)
The largest marshland in Japan, it is a spectacular landscape where nature remains intact. Exploring the marshlands by canoe is also recommended.
- Places to visit: Kushiro Tantouzuru Park (Roadside Station). You can enjoy watching tancho cranes.
- Recommended time: Early morning when the morning mist is fantastic.
- Places to stay: Kushiro Tantazuru Park (Roadside Station) and Lake Tangji Campground.
- Hot Springs: Lake Akan Onsen and Mashu Onsen.
- Local Products: Kushiro Seafood and Kushiro Ramen.
5. Cape Notoromisaki
This is a spectacular spot overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. The moment the sun sets is especially beautiful and impressive.
- Roadside Station: Drift Ice Road Abashiri. Abashiri Roadside Station, a roadside station, offers a wide variety of Okhotsk specialties.
- Recommended time: Sunset time in the evening.
- Places to stay: “Roadside Station Ryuhyo Kaido Abashiri” and “Lake Abashiri Campsite”.
- Onsen (hot springs) nearby: Enjoy the spectacular view while soaking in the hot springs at Lake Abashiri Onsen.
- Local Foods: Scallops from Abashiri, Okhotsk Beer.
You can enjoy the magnificent nature of the East Hokkaido area and travel freely in a campervan. Don’t forget to enjoy not only the spectacular scenery, but also the delicious local foods and hot springs.
