Eastern Hokkaido Wilderness & Shiretoko Loop

In via Kushiro and out via Memanbetsu, linking the Kushiro Marsh, the Akan Three Lakes, whale watching in Rausu, and the Shiretoko Five Lakes.

An open-jaw self-drive itinerary with daily drives of 2–3 hours, avoiding backtracking. Start with the wetlands and volcanic lakes, then cross the Shiretoko Pass to the World Heritage peninsula, leaving two nights for whale watching, boat cruises, and the Five Lakes. Public transport is difficult to cover here, so renting a car is essential. Omitting Nemuro and Tokachi, this route is ideal for repeat visitors and nature lovers.

The Shiretoko Pass is closed from early November to late April, and boat cruises operate until around mid-October.

Day by day

Day 1 · Land in Kushiro & Explore the Marsh

Kushiro & Akan（Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve、Kushiro Marsh Observatory、Nusamai Bridge、Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO）

Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to Kushiro city center via Kushiro Crane Park and the Kushiro Marsh Observatory (approx. 1 hour).

Stay: Kushiro City Center

Day 2 · Eastern Edge of the Marsh to Lake Akan

Kushiro & Akan（Washo Market、Kushiro Wetland Hosooka Observatory、Lake Toro & Kushiro River Canoeing、Akanko Ainu Kotan）

Drive from the city center to Hosooka and Lake Toro (approx. 1 hour), then head north to Lake Akan (approx. 1.5 hours).

Canoeing on the Kushiro River must be booked in advance.

Stay: Akanko Onsen

Day 3 · Lake Akan Cruise to Lake Kussharo

Kushiro & Akan（Lake Akan、Bokke Mud Volcano、Sokodai Observatory、Bihoro Pass、Sunayu, Lake Kussharo、Mount Io (Atosanupuri)）

Drive from Lake Akan via Lake Onneto (Sokodai), Bihoro Pass to Sunayu, then visit Mount Io (approx. 2 hours drive in total).

Stay: Kawayu Onsen

Day 4 · Lake Mashu to Rausu

Kushiro & Akan（Lake Mashu (First Observatory)、Kaminoko Pond） → Nemuro & Notsuke Peninsula（Kaiyodai Observatory） → Shiretoko（Rausu Kunashiri Observatory、Kuma no Yu Hot Spring）

Drive from Lake Mashu via Kiyosato and Kaiyodai to Rausu (approx. 3 hours in total).

Stay: Rausu

Day 5 · Whale Watching in Rausu & Crossing Shiretoko Pass

Shiretoko（Rausu Whale & Eagle Watching Cruise、Shiretoko Pass、Oronko Rock、Yuhidai Sunset Point）

Take a whale watching boat in the morning (approx. 2.5 hours), then drive over the Shiretoko Pass to Utoro in the afternoon (approx. 40 minutes).

Whale watching boats require reservations during peak season and may be canceled due to rough seas.

Stay: Utoro

Day 6 · Shiretoko Five Lakes & Coastal Cruise

Shiretoko（Shiretoko Five Lakes、Furepe Falls (Shiretoko Nature Center)、Shiretoko Sightseeing Cruise (Utoro Port)）

Drive from Utoro to the Five Lakes (approx. 30 minutes), then return to the port for a boat cruise, traveling back and forth along the west coast of the peninsula.

From May to July, ground trails at the Five Lakes must be accompanied by a guide; bear safety regulations are subject to on-site conditions.