Breathtaking scenery, the harmony between humans and nature, and abundant mountain-and-sea ingredients are all hallmarks of Eastern Hokkaido. This region encompasses well-known tourist areas such as the Furano area, Tokachigawa Onsen area, Shiretoko area, and Kushiro area, making it a treasure trove of nature.
Japan has a total of 32 national parks, six of which are in Hokkaido. Eastern Hokkaido alone has four, and it is particularly rich in onsen resources, ranking among Japan’s top hot spring destinations. If you’re starting from Sapporo, I’d like to recommend a new bus route to you. This is the southern line of the “Eastern Hokkaido Sightseeing Bus,” which departs from Sapporo and stops at JR Nae Station in Minami-Furano, Lake Shikaribetsu, Lake Shikaribetsu KOTAN Ice Hotel, and finally reaches Tokachigawa Onsen, designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site and known as the “Onsen of Beautiful Women.” The route also takes you to the annual Otofuke–Tokachigawa Swan Festival, featuring the elegant ShirarinKa.
Located within Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Shikaribetsu sits at an altitude of 810 meters, making it the highest lake in Hokkaido. With its surrounding primeval forests of fir, spruce, and birch, along with precious wildlife, the lake boasts high ecological and scenic value, making it a must-visit destination in Hokkaido.
Tokachigawa Onsen is quite different from typical hot springs because its waters are not born from volcanic activity. Instead, they originate from seawater that retreated to form a wetland, which then accumulated peat. The hot spring water that emerges from the strata is rich in plant-based organic matter and has a history of millions of years—truly unique.
Want to visit both of these hot spring destinations in one trip? It’s simple—just take this sightseeing bus route to fulfill both wishes.
More information about the route
http://tw.visit-eastern-hokkaido.jp/plan-your-trip-all/toursightseeingbus_wi
Other useful information
Lake Shikaribetsu KOTAN (Lake Shikaribetu Kotan)
http://www.nature-center.jp/kotan/event.html
■ Sahoro Resort in Obihiro
http://www.sahoro.co.jp/
■ Tokachigawa Onsen
http://www.tokachigawa.net/