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A Curated Experience of Nature’s Finest Moments

Majestic Wilderness of Eastern Hokkaido

Meeting Point: Haneda airport

Finish Point: Haneda airport

Recommended Season: June through October

Duration: 5 days

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Tour Highlights

Enjoy Kirakotan Cape Nature Trail: Where Wilderness Wandering Meets Panoramic Marshland Views

Discover Lake Onneto: A Journey Through Nature’s Ever-changing Palette

Witness the Sea of Clouds at Lake Mashu: Dawn’s Celestial Theatre

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Embark upon an extraordinary journey through Eastern Hokkaido’s pristine wilderness, where each day unveils nature’s masterpiece in its most magnificent form. This carefully curated five-day expedition invites you to discover the untamed beauty of Japan’s northern frontier, with stays in Tsurui Village and Lake Akan.

Your adventure begins at the mystical Kushiro Marshland, Japan’s largest wetland and a sanctuary for the iconic red-crowned crane. In Tsurui Village, embrace the serenity of rural Hokkaido amidst its natural surroundings. The gentle drift along crystal-clear waters during your private canoe experience offers an intimate perspective of this unspoiled landscape, while the panoramic views from Kirakotan Cape reveal the magnificent sweep of the meandering Kushiro River as it winds through the vast wetland below.

The journey continues to the ethereal Lake Akan region, where you’ll witness some of Japan’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Marvel at the mysterious Lake Onneto, whose waters change colour throughout the seasons, and experience the breathtaking sea of clouds at Lake Mashu, often referred to as the ‘foggy lake’ for its mysterious allure. The magnificent views from Mount Bihoro pass and the serene Lake Akan cruise provide a fitting finale to this remarkable sojourn through Eastern Hokkaido’s natural wonders.

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Recommended Program

Enjoy Kirakotan Cape Nature Trail: Where Wilderness Wandering Meets Panoramic Marshland Views

Venture into one of Japan’s most exclusive natural sanctuaries at Kirakotan Cape, an extraordinary promontory within the protected Kushiro Marshland National Park. As you traverse the thoughtfully maintained 2-kilometre path, you’ll find yourself immersed in an enchanting tableau of pristine nature, culminating in a breathtaking panorama of Japan’s largest wetland ecosystem.

The cape’s strategic position provides an unparalleled perspective of the vast marshland, where you might glimpse the majestic Red-crowned Crane in their natural habitat. Each season transforms this remarkable landscape: summer brings vibrant wildflowers, autumn gilds the grasses in golden light, and winter presents a crystalline wonderland. Our exclusive guided experience ensures both your comfort and safety whilst providing enlightening commentary on this carefully preserved natural treasure.

Dramatic views of Kushiro wetlands from Kirakotan Cape
The gentle flow of Kushiro River paints patterns through the wetlands of Kirakotan Cape

Discover Lake Onneto: A Journey Through Nature’s Ever-changing Palette

Nestled within Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Onneto beckons as one of Hokkaido’s most enigmatic natural treasures. This remarkable body of water, known as the “Lake of Five Colours”, presents an ever-shifting spectrum of blues and greens that transform with the changing light and seasons.

From the thoughtfully positioned lakeside observation deck, marvel at the pristine waters set against the magnificent backdrop of Mt. Meakan and Mt. Akanfuji. In autumn, the surrounding virgin forest bursts into brilliant crimson and gold, creating a perfect reflection upon the lake’s surface—a masterpiece that has captivated photographers and nature enthusiasts for generations. Our exclusive guided tours ensure you experience this natural phenomenon at its most spectacular moments.

The enchanting five-colored waters of Lake Onneto
Scenic trails wind around the color-changing waters of Lake Onneto

Witness the Sea of Clouds at Lake Mashu: Dawn’s Celestial Theatre

At Lake Mashu, nature orchestrates a magnificent dawn performance that transforms this ancient caldera into a celestial amphitheatre. From our privileged vantage point high above, witness one of Japan’s most sublime natural phenomena—a mesmerising sea of clouds that blankets the crystalline waters of what is renowned as the world’s second-clearest lake.

In the gentle stillness of early morning, when darkness yields to dawn’s first light, watch as ethereal mists dance across the surface of the legendary ‘Mashu Blue’ waters. This extraordinary spectacle, best observed between June and October, creates an otherworldly tableau where heaven and earth appear to merge. Our exclusive early-morning guided experience ensures you capture this ephemeral display at its most magnificent moment.

Lake Mashu: Nature’s perfect mirror, hidden in sacred mists
Dawn breaks over Lake Mashu as clouds paint a celestial canvas
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Itinerary

5 Days

City

Schedule

Meal
Included

Day 1

Haneda airport

Kushiro airport

Kushiro City Marshland Observation Deck

Onneuchi Visitor Center

Tsurui Village

■Begin your journey from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Kushiro. Your private vehicle and expert guide will escort you to the acclaimed Kushiro Marshland Observatory, showcasing panoramic views of Japan’s largest wetland.

■At the Onnenai Visitor Centre, embark on an hour-long wooden boardwalk journey through pristine marshland. This intimate trail reveals the sanctuary’s remarkable ecosystem, where nature unfolds in its purest form.

■Your journey culminates in Tsurui Village, a distinguished member of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan’ association. Here, experience the authentic charm of Japan’s timeless countryside, where tradition and nature exist in perfect harmony.

(Accommodation: Tsurui Village)

   

   

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Day 2

Tsurui Village (Cape Kirakotan)

■At dawn, embark on a privileged journey to Cape Kirakotan, a protected Natural Monument accessible only with special permission from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Follow your expert nature guide along a forest trail for an hour, leading to extraordinary vistas of the Kushiro Marshland rarely witnessed by visitors. Return to your hotel for a refreshing break.

■In the afternoon, experience a serene two-hour canoe descent through the gentle curves of pristine waterways, where the untamed beauty of Kushiro’s wilderness unfolds before you (Note 1).

(Accommodation: Tsurui Village)

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Day 3

Tsurui Village

Lake Onneto

Lake Akan Observation Deck

Lake Akan Onsen

■In the morning, travel by coach to Lake Onneto, a hidden gem of Hokkaido renowned for its mystical waters that transform through five distinct colors.

■Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely nature walk around the enchanting shores of Lake Onneto.

■In the afternoon, visit the Lake Akan Observation Deck for panoramic vistas.

■Check in to the hotel at Lake Akan Onsen.

(Accommodation: Luxury Ryokan in Lake Akan Onsen)

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Day 4

Lake Akan Onsen

Lake Mashu

Bihoro Pass Observatory (Lake Kussharo)

Lake Akan Onsen

■In the early morning, visit the Lake Mashu to witness the mystical sunrise and sea of clouds floating over one of Japan’s clearest lakes.

■Afterward, travel by coach to the Bihoro Pass Observatory, where you can take in the spectacular views of Lake Kussharo.

■In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Akan.

(Accommodation: Luxury Ryokan in Lake Akan Onsen)

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Day 5

Lake Akan Onsen

Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum

Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

Memanbetsu Airport

Haneda Airport

■In the morning, travel by private vehicle to Abashiri. Visit the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum, where you can experience the unique phenomenon of drift ice through interactive exhibits and a below-freezing chamber showcasing the majestic ice formations of the Okhotsk Sea.

■Afterward, visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, featuring extensive exhibits on the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples from the Arctic region, including the Ainu culture and their traditional way of life.

■In the afternoon, depart from Memanbetsu Airport for your flight to Haneda Airport.

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What’s Included

■Professional English-speaking guide

■Chartered coach

■Admission fees as listed in the itinerary

■Meals included: Breakfast (4), Lunch (4), Dinner (4)

What’s NOT Included

■Travel and Medical Insurance

■Gratuities for guides and drivers

■Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.)

Explanation of marks in the itinerary and approximate times

Explanation of marks in the itinerary:

Move

Plane:

Bus:

Car:

Train:

Ship:

Ropeway:

Walking:

Helicopter:

Meal

Breakfast:

B

Lunch:

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Dinner:

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Red Text:

Places to see and visit that day

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Travel Conditions

Minimum Number of guests

1 people

Meeting point

Haneda airport

Meals

Breakfast (4), Lunch (4), Dinner (4)

Guide

Included

Important Notes

Note 1: In the event of inclement weather preventing the canoe activity, the canoe experience fee will be fully refunded.

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