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.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
May to October offers ideal conditions, with June-September providing the most stable weather for spectacular scenery. Lake Mashu’s famous fog (September-October), Shiretoko Five Lakes’ fresh greenery (May-June) and autumn colors (September-October), Kushiro Marshland’s tancho crane viewing (winter December-February also possible), and Kaminoike Pond’s peak transparency (July-August). Drift ice season (January-March) requires cold weather gear but offers stunning Cape Notoro drift ice sunsets.
Lake Mashu: Lake Mashu Parking Lot #1 (24-hour access, elevation creates cool nights)
Shiretoko Five Lakes: Shiretoko Rausu Roadside Station (hot water showers, World Heritage tourism base)
Kaminoike Pond: Mashu Onsen Roadside Station (15-minute drive to pond, near hot springs)
Kushiro Marshland: Kushiro Tancho Crane Park Roadside Station (crane observation possible, early morning recommended)
Cape Notoro: Drift Ice Road Abashiri Roadside Station (Sea of Okhotsk views, drift ice information center)
Mashu Onsen: ¥600-1,000 adults, alkaline simple springs with skin-beautifying effects
Rausu Onsen (Shiretoko): ¥800-1,200 adults, ocean-view outdoor baths, salt-rich springs for warmth retention
Kawayu Onsen (near Kaminoike): ¥700-1,500 adults, strong acidic springs for fatigue recovery, foot baths available
Lake Akan Onsen (Kushiro area): ¥800-1,500 adults, sulfur springs with Ainu cultural experiences
Lake Abashiri Onsen (Cape Notoro): ¥700-1,200 adults, sodium-calcium chloride springs, lakeside panoramic views
Lake Mashu: Mashu soba, Mashu melons (summer limited), Mashu Onsen Roadside Station restaurant
Shiretoko: Shiretoko salmon, Rausu kelp, Shiretoko Rausu Roadside Station seafood dining
Kaminoike Pond: Lake Akan marimo confections, Hokkaido dairy products (cheese, butter)
Kushiro Marshland: Hanasaki crab, saury, ikura, Kushiro ramen, charcoal-roasted coffee
Cape Notoro: Abashiri scallops, king crab, Okhotsk beer (drift ice draft), Abashiri zangi fried chicken
Recommended Route (4 nights/5 days): ①Kushiro Marshland → ②Lake Mashu & Kaminoike Pond → ③Shiretoko Five Lakes → ④Cape Notoro & Lake Abashiri
Total Distance: Approximately 550km
Travel Times: Kushiro→Mashu (1.5 hours), Mashu→Kaminoike (30 minutes), Mashu→Shiretoko (2 hours), Shiretoko→Abashiri (1.5 hours)
This inland-to-coastal route efficiently covers lakes, wetlands, and ocean scenery. Lake Mashu and Kaminoike Pond pair well for same-day touring.
Essential Items: Warm clothing (high-altitude Lake Mashu stays cool even in summer), binoculars (wildlife/bird watching), camera moisture protection (wetland humidity)
Important Notes: Brown bear habitat – strict food management required. Shiretoko prohibits wildlife feeding. Lake Mashu fog can limit visibility. Kushiro Marshland requires staying on designated paths. Limited cell coverage in remote areas – ensure emergency communication plans.
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.
