A Summer Getaway in Hokkaido: A 5-Day, 4-Night Nature Adventure in Eastern Hokkaido

Text by Chi Binghui | Compiled & Reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

Who says Hokkaido is only great in winter? With its ever-changing scenic beauty across the four seasons, Hokkaido is also perfect for a slow-paced eco-travel experience. The eastern region of Hokkaido, known as Eastern Hokkaido, boasts incredibly rich ecological resources. Its coastline is dotted with numerous fishing grounds, offering a taste of the ocean’s bounty all year round. The area is also home to three famous caldera lakes — Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo — as well as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Shiretoko Peninsula, and the vast Kushiro Marshland, making it an ideal destination for a nature-filled journey of lake exploration and hot spring relaxation.

Recommended Attraction: Robatayaki (Grill Dining)

Description: Robatayaki is famous for grilling fresh fish and shellfish over charcoal, a cooking style that originated in Kushiro and preserves the original flavors of the ingredients. As the largest fishing port in Eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro has many robatayaki restaurants throughout the city. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, there's no need to worry — most restaurants offer Chinese menus. When in Kushiro, it's a must-try.

Recommended Attraction: Kushiro Marshland

Description: Spanning 26,861 hectares — about 5,635 times the size of Tokyo Dome — Kushiro Marshland National Park is crisscrossed by the Kushiro River. The park is home to approximately 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including the red-crowned crane, a specially designated natural monument, and several other rare animals, making it an excellent natural classroom for observing local ecosystems. The Kushiro City Marshland Observatory, located on the western side of the marshland, features a wealth of materials and photos on the formation of the marsh. Aside from enjoying the view from the observatory, you can also observe various wildlife species up close.

Recommended Attraction: Ainu Village

Description: The Ainu village by Lake Akan is the largest Ainu settlement in Hokkaido, with around 40 households and over 200 Ainu people residing here. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, with a lineage distinct from the Japanese, and they have their own mythology and beliefs. Here, you can enjoy traditional Ainu dances, purchase uniquely Ainu-style wooden crafts, sample Ainu cuisine, and even dress in traditional Ainu clothing for commemorative photos.

Recommended Attraction: Lake Mashu

Description: Lake Mashu once recorded a water transparency of 41.6 meters in 1930 (Showa 5), earning it the title of the clearest lake in the world. With a circumference of 21 kilometers and a maximum depth of 212 meters, the lake is surrounded by steep cliffs, making it an “untouchable mysterious lake.” Often shrouded in dense fog blowing in from the Kushiro Marshland, it enhances the lake’s enigmatic allure.