The Regional Guide
EASTERN HOKKAIDO, TOKACHI & KUSHIRO Sample Book
WITH USEFUL MAPS
ATTRACTIONS · ACTIVITIES · TOURS · SLEEP EAT · DRINK · FESTIVALS · ENTERTAINMENT
INTRODUCTION
1
Majestic and beautiful, Eastern Hokkaido (simply called Do-to) boasts no fewer than wilderness national parks ideal for climbing, trekking, wildlife watching, getting into the smoothing onsen and learning about Ainu culture. This area has Japan’s largest wetland, plateau, lagoon and sandbank as well. During midwinter fantastic sea ice covers from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Nemuro Strait. It is a land of sprawling fields and dairy farms, particularly the Tokachi Plain and the Konsen Plateau. Easygoing Obihiro and Kushiro are strongholds of the region’s rich food culture, there are plenty of reputable restaurants and bars in the attractive nightlife districts. 1
LEGIONS AT A GLANCE N
0
50km
Omu Etorofu-to
Okhotsk Line
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Okoppe
Nayoro
OKHOTSK
NORTHERN HOKKAIDO
Yubetsu
Takinoue
Saroma-ko
Utoro Onsen
Notoro-ko
Engaru
KAMIKAWA
Abashiri
Rausu
Abashiri-ko Ozora Tofutsu-ko OKHOTSK Bihoro
Asahikawa
Kamikawa
Kawayu OKHOTSK & Onsen ABASHIRI Kussharo-ko
Biei
Daisetsuzan National Park (Nutapukaushipe)
Akan-Mashu National Park
Rikubetsu
Shikaribetsu-ko Kamishihoro HigashiShikagoe
Akanko Onsen
Ashoro
Shintoku
Tomamu
Shiranuka TOKACHI
Hidaka-cho
Plateau
Shibecha NEMURO
KUSHIRO & NEMURO Akkeshi
Nemuro Bay Nemuro Furen-ko
Attoko
Shikotan-to Habomai Islands Nosappumisaki
Nemuro Peninsula
KiritappuAkkeshi-ko misaki
Obihiro
Tokachi Plain
HID AK
Urahoro
Nakasatsunai
AM OU AIN NT
HIDAKA
Notsuke Peninsula
Kushiro
Ikeda
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
Shibetsu
KUSHIRO
Kunashiri-to
Nemuro Strait
Mashu-ko
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Shihoro
SHIRETOKO
Teshikaga Nakashibetsu Konsen Betsukai
Akan-ko
Nukabira-ko
Nukabira Gensenkyo
Furano
Shari Kiyosato
Kitami
Sounkyo Onsen
Shiretoko-misaki
Shiretoko National Park
Monbetsu
TOKACHI & OBIHIRO
Tokachi Coast
PACIFIC OCEAN
S Hiroo
Urakawa Samani
Erimo-misaki
2
TOKACHI & OBIHIRO
2
‘Crossing the Karikachi Pass, there is real Hokkaido.’ Hokkaido’s breadbasket heartland, the magnificent Tokachi is Japan’s ‘Agricultural Kingdom’, with endress picturesque countryside and beautifully mountain ridges. Friendly chefs making delicious sweets, buta-don (pork bowl), curry and handmade soba from local produces. The nature-rich mountains offers soothing onsen, serene lakes, hiking trails and civil engineering heritages. The vague and marshy Tokachi Coast lies on the Pacific Ocean, the mecca of sea fishing and the ‘jewelry ice’. The lively city of Obihiro is a good base of explore throughout Tokachi.
3
Tomuraushi Onsen
Horoka Onsen
★
★
Daisetsuzan National Park Kanno Onsen
Shikaribetsu-ko
KAMIKAWA 38
Ochiai
Nemuro Line Sekisho Line
Shintoku
★
Shihoro Kogen
274
Maruyama Farm
Shin-Arashiyama Sky Park Kami-Bisei Shimizu-Taiki Line
HIDAKA
Poroshiri-dake (2052m)
273
274
Honbetsu
Akan-cho KUSHIRO
TOKACHI Doto Expwy
Kushiro Airport
Rushin Onsen
Shiranuka
Tokachigawa Onsen
Ikeda
Nemuro Line
Wine Castle
★
Memuro
Obihiro Makubetsu
Urahoro
Atsunai Konbukariishi
Taisho TokachiObihiro Airport
DA HI
Nakasatsunai
KA
Satsunaigawa
Onbetsu
38
Toyokoro
Aikoku
Kofuku
Otsu
Tokachi-gawa
Choboshi-ko
Sarabetsu
MO
11–5 X
X 12–4 ★
Tokachi Coast
Yudo-ko Oikamanai-numa
UN
Churui
NS
I TA
PACIFIC OCEAN
Bansei Onsen
Petegari-dake (1736m)
Hidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo Quasi-National Park
240
Ashoro
Shihoro
Otofuke
Mikage
Meto
Kamishihoro
274
Shikaoi
Shimizu
Akan-Mashu National Park
242
Naitai Kogen Farm
Tomamu Nissho Pass
Nukabira Gensenkyo 241
Urimaku
Karikachi Pass
Akanko Onsen
Nukabira-ko
★
Sahoro Ski Area
Minamifurano (Ikutora)
Meto Onsen
Otofuk e-gaw a
Tomuraushi
Akan-ko
Rikubetsu
Mikuni Pass (17km)
Taiki
Horokayan-to
336 236
236
Hiroo (14km)
N
0
20km
Tokachi & Obihiro Top Destinations ★
Obihiro
Discovering Tokachi’s cosmopolitan capital with its numerous reputable restaurants, sweet shops and onsen sento (bathhouses). ★
Shikaribetsu-ko
Chill out this placed natural lake and hiking into the lakeside mountain range. ★
Tomuraushi Onsen
One of Hokkaido’s most inland and isolated onsen at the foot of Tomuraushi-yama.
★
Nukabira Gensenkyo
This tranquil onsen village is a perfect base for explore around the serene artificial lake Nukabira-ko and old concrete arch bridges. ★
Mikuni Pass
Hokkaido’s highest pass makes a wonderful drive and rewards with spectacle views. ★
Tokachi Coast
Wandering the vague and marshy coastline or admiring the clear ‘jewelry ice’ in winter. 4
Obihiro
DIALING CODE 0155 POPULATION 166,000
帯広
Tokachi Region’s capital and transport hub, the modern and lively city of Obihiro boasts numerous reputable restaurants, sweet shops and public onsen. Obihiro was founded in 1883 by the Banseisha’s setters led by Yoda Benzo (1853-1925), the tasks of cultivate the wilderness took a lot of effort. A well-laid-out city center was modeled on Washington DC, which makes an ideal for strolling. It is hot in summer and cold in winter, plus there are many sunny days.
Midorigaoka Park
ATTRACTIONS Midorigaoka Park 緑ヶ丘公園 A 15-minute walk south of JR Obihiro Station along Koen-odori, this 50-hectare sizable park (opened in 1929) was the site of Old Tokachi Prison founded in 1893. There are museums, sculptures, a zoo and a wildflower garden. You will find the 1900 red brick warehouse of the old prison. A well-landscaped lawn is a great place to break for a picnic. Obihiro Centennial Museum 帯広百年記念館 Built in 1982 to mark Obihiro’s centennial, this museum houses interesting exhibitions coverning the history of the city and Tokachi, archaeological finds and local Ainu culture. It is well worth visiting. ‣ MUSEUM: Obihiro Hyakunen Kinenkan; Midorigaoka Park; 9am-5pm; Closed Mon, day after a holiday, 29 Dec3 Jan; ¥190 ‣ www.octv.ne.jp/~hyakunen 5
Obihiro N
0
Tokachigawa Onsen & Kamishihro
NORTH 1
500m
SOUTH 1
38
Obihiro Jinja
38
Suiko-en (900m)
236
SOUTH 2
e Nemuro Lin
ome-dori
Minami-3ch
SOUTH 5
SOUTH 6
ori
o ihir SHIN-MACHI
Ob
Nishimachi Park
Sky Restaurant
Obihiro Race Course
Fujimaru
Tsuruhashi
Kita-no-Yatai
ori
Shirakaba-d
W11 W10 SOUTH 10
26
Seinan-odo
SOUTH 11 SOUTH 12
SOUTH 13 ri o -d Shinryoku SOUTH 14
Tokachi Plaza W7
W9 W8
Toskachina (500m) Tokiwa-dori
緑ヶ丘6丁目
Kyo
ei-d
ori
Wildflower Garden
SOUTH 20
SOUTH 22
od or i
Warehouse of Old Tokachi Prison
Obihiro Museum of Art
Obihiro Zoo
Odori E1 Park
E2
E3
SOUTH 21 236
Myojo-dori
SOUTH 23
ori Nishi-5jo-d
151
en Ko
KOEN HIGASHIMidorigaoka MACHI Obihiro Centennial Park Museum Red Brick Midorigaoka 6
Konan Onsen
Hokkaido Hotel W3 W2 W1 W6 W5 W4
Toteppo-dori
SHIRAKABA
SOUTH 19
ri Wakaba-do
MIDORIGAOKA
Odori
15jo-dori
16jo-dori
W16
SOUTH 17 W14 W13 W12 ri o Harukoma-d SOUTH 18
Obihiro Station Bus Terminal
W6
SOUTH 16 W15
e-dori
Asahi-yu
Tanukino-sato
SOUTH 15
hom Minami-11c
ori Tetsunan-d
Shirakaba Park
Obihiro Sta.
ri
Kyoei-dori
Obihiro-Kosei General Hospital
Shirakaba Onsen
Oyama Ryokuchi
ri Denshin-do SOUTH 7 ome-dori Minami-7ch SOUTH 8 koji Town 8 Hiro SOUTH 9 e m o -dori Minami-9ch
Chuo Park
City Hall
HAKURINDAI
Odori
a
ori
w -ga
E4
ori
Nishi-3jo-d
Nishi-5jo-d
SOUTH 4 Hakurindai Station (700m)
Nishi-2jo-d
SOUTH 3
SOUTH 24 SOUTH 25 SOUTH 26
do
hin
i-s
o Yay
SOUTH 27 Dobutsuenmae
SOUTH 28
動物園前
Yayoi-dori MINAMI-MACHI
151
SOUTH 29 SOUTH 30
Manabe Garden (1.5km)
6
Kamishihoro & Nukabira Gensenkyo 上士幌 · ぬかびら源泉郷 Extending from the Tokachi Plain in the south to Daisetsuzan National Park to the north, Kamishihoro offers majestic farms, wonderful views of the mountains, excellent onsen, rural villages, historic railway heritages and a variety of outdoor activities. Nukabira Gensenkyo can be visited on a day trip from Obihiro and it makes a perfect stopover point between Tokachi and Sounkyo Onsen.
Naitai Kogen Farm
DIALING CODE 01654 POPULATION 4900
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Kamishihoro 上士幌 Agricultural town Kamishihoro is beautifully sited on Northern Tokachi. It is a good base for cycling in the nearby picturesque countryside and highlands, as well as organic cafes. Naitai Kogen Farm ナイタイ高原牧場 Japan’s largest public farm (1700-hectare) on the highland grassy meadow, Naitai Kogen has a 7km-long road to the hilltop Terrace Cafe (10am-5pm, to 4pm Oct) with spectacular views of the Tokachi Plain. ‣ FARM: 85-2 Kami-Otofuke; Late Apr-late Oct; FREE Fureai Plaza ふれあいプラザ Opposite Kamishihoro transport terminal, this concrete building contains public indoor onsen for day-trippers. ‣ ONSEN: 3-236 Kamishihoro-higashi; 2-10pm, from 1pm Sat & Sun; Closed 1st & 3rd Mon of month; ¥300 7
KUSHIRO & NEMURO
3
Lakeside Ainu villages, beautiful lakes, foggy marshlands, active volcanos, wilderness peninsulas and attractive onsen, these two neighboring regions contains many of Eastern Hokkaido’s classic natural wonders. Especially Akan-Mashu and Kushiro Shitsugen national parks oer rewarding inland travel. During the winter elegant tancho (Japanese cranes) dance on the sanctuaries around Tsurui. Atmospheric fishing towns and rustic dairy farms exist side by side, where you can explore these destinations from the pleasant port town of Kushiro, de facto capital of Eastern Hokkaido.
8
Abashiri
SEA OF OKHOTSK Ozora (Memanbetsu)
Sekihoku Line
Memanbetsu Airport
Bihoro
OKHOTSK
Kiyosato
Mokoto-yama (1000m) Bihoro Pass
Kawayu Onsen Biruwa
Akan-Mashu National Park ★ 241
244
Kawakita
Yoroushi Mashu-dake Onsen
(857m)
Konsen Plateau
Mashu-ko
Shibetsu
NemuroNakashibetsu Airport Odaito
★
Nakashibetsu
Notsuke-Furen Prefectural Natural Park
244
NEMURO 243
Betsukai
Senmo Line KUSHIRO
Nemuro Bay Furen-ko
274
Akesato
Tsurui
★
Akkeshi
ine ro L
Kushiro Airport 38
Bekanbeushi Shitsugen
shitsugen u Nem
★
Shiranuka Kushiro
Habomai
Hanasakiminato
Attoko
Kayanuma
Kushiro Toro-ko AkanShitsugen cho National Toro Kushiro City Park KushiroZoo
Nemuro Nosappumisaki Peninsula
Nemuro ★
Okuyuki
272
Shibecha
240
Notsuke Peninsula Todowara
★
Kenebstsu
Teshikaga (Mashu)
Akanko Onsen
Konpoku Pass
Nemuro Strait
335
Shari-dake (1547m)
391
Kussharo-ko
Akan-ko
Shari
Koshimizu
Kunashiri-to
Shiretoko Peninsula
Ochiishi
Hamanaka Chanai
Porotonuma Kiritappu-misaki
Kiritappu Shitsugen Kiritappu Akkeshi-ko
44
Kushiro-cho (Beppo)
Ayamegahara
Akkeshi Prefectural Natural Park N
Ochiishimisaki
PACIFIC OCEAN
0
30km
Kushiro & Nemuro Top Destinations ★
Kushiro
Wandering the foggy port town and taste the local fresh seafood of the region in the robata (fireside-cooking places) or markets. ★
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Canoeing the marshy river routes or see elegant cranes dance on the sanctuaries. ★
Akan-Mashu National Park
Hop between picturesque lakes, mountains, Ainu villages and a variety of onsen in Eastern Hokkaido’s first national park.
★
Nemuro
Spending a day exploring around this naturerich peninsula by boats or scenic footpaths, then sample Hanasaki-gani (spiny crab). ★
Notsuke Peninsula
Wandering Japan’s longest sandbank and see the lovely seals from a cruise ship. ★
Konsen Plateau
Hiking on Kita-Nemuro Ranch Way between Nakashibetsu and Mashu-ko across Japan’s largest plateau dotted with dairy farms. 9
Kushiro 釧路
Kushiro is Eastern Hokkaido’s largest port town and one of Japan’s premier fishing bases facing the Pacific Ocean. Summer is often cool and grey, but a foggy night on the river bank is fantastic. A wide variety of tasty seafood and sushi fascinates travelers. Expanding on the back of a tourism boom in recent years. For travelers Kushiro is predominantly transit point for the national parks in Eastern Hokkaido, such as Kushiro Shitsugen, Shiretoko and Akan-Mashu.
Nusamai-bashi
DIALING CODE 0154 POPULATION 169,000
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Central Kushiro 釧路市街 Most sights in the city center are reachable on foot from the train station, or you can spend things up by hiring a bicycle. The city’s iconic architect Mozuna Kiko (1941-2001) designed avant-garde buildings in Kushiro such as the Fisherman’s Wharf and the City Museum. New modern buildings are greatly influenced by his design. Kita-Odori main street runs to Nusamai-bashi from JR Kushiro Station. Nusamai-bashi 幣舞橋 Hokkaido’s most well-known bridge across Kushiro-gawa, Nusamai-bashi offers dramatic views of both a gorgeous sunset and a foggy night with colorful city lights. The riverside promenade is a favourite for stroll. You can overlooking this landmark bridge from Nusamai Park, above a flower clock facing the traffic circle. 10
Teshikaga, Mashu-ko & Kawayu Onsen 弟子屈 · 摩周湖 · 川湯温泉 In the eastern part of Akan-Mashu National Park, Teshikaga includes two picturesque caldera lakes of Mashu-ko and Kussharo-ko, pleasant hiking trails and a variety of open-air hot springs pools. Kawayu Onsen is one of Eastern Hokkaido’s most recommended places to soak and a good base for exploring the town. Teshikaga is easy access by public transport from Kushiro, Shiretoko and Abashiri.
900 Glassy Meadow
DIALING CODE 015 POPULATION 7000
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES Teshikaga & Mashu Onsen 弟子屈 · 摩周温泉 Eastern Hokkaido’s first onsen town founded in 1883, Teshikaga is a convenient location for exploring both Mashu-ko and Kussharo-ko by public transport or taxi. JR Mashu Station is a gateway of the town center. Some onsen minshuku and hotels’ baths can be used during the day (¥300), ask for staff or the tourist information desk. 900 Glassy Meadow 900草原 Named after the 930-hectare glassy meadow on the scenic hills, the Q-maru-maru Sogen has a good rural view of the town. It is about 6km south of JR Mashu Station, there is a jumbo taxi for Teshikaga Eco-Passport holders from mid June to early October. ‣ FARM: Q-maru-maru Sogen; 418-66 Tobetsu; 24hrs May-Nov; Restaurant 10am-4pm May-Oct; FREE 11
SHIRETOKO
4
‘The end of the earth’ in Ainu, the finger-shaped Shiretoko Peninsula juts up into the Sea of Okhotsk is spectacularly scenic. Great mountain ridges, shimmering blue water and towering cliffs weave on the peninsula. Shiretoko was once Hokkaido’s ‘last true wilderness’, and today the core area is listed as a Unesco World Natural Heritage Site that provides a fantastic retreat for independent hikers. Perhaps you might encounter higuma (brown bear), but don’t approach them to avoid the risk. Utoro Onsen and Rausu are good bases for exploring the peninsula. Note: Shiretoko Pass on Route 334 is closed from late October to late April every year.
12
N
0
Shiretoko-misaki
25km
Shiretoko National Park Shiretoko-dake (1254m)
Shiretoko West Coast Kamuiwakka Yu-no-taki
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Shiretoko Go-ko ★
Furepe-no-taki
Utoro Onsen ★
Abashiri 244
Abashiri Quasi-National Park Kitahama
Tofutsu-ko
334
X 11–5
Koshimizu Higashi-Mokoto (Ozora)
★
OKHOTSK
Rausu-dake (1661m)
X 11–4
Shiretoko Pass
11–4 Rausu
Rausu-ko X Oshinkoshinno-taki Toomawari
Shari
Onsen ★
Rausu
Marumi
335
Minehama
Unabetsu-dake (1419m)
Uebetsu-bashi
Kiyosato
Sattsuru Senmo Line Midori
Io-zan (1563m)
Shiretoko Peninsula
334
391
Aidomari Onsen Rusa Field House Seseki Onsen
Iwaobetsu Onsen
Yagihama HamaKoshimizu Yamubetsu
★
Shari-dake Prefectural Natural Park
Konpoku Seigaku-so Pass ★
NEMURO
Nemuro Strait
244
Shari-dake (1547m)
Shiretoko Top Destinations ★
Shiretoko West Coast
Cruising along the rocky coasts to spot higuma (brown bears) and hidden waterfalls. ★
Shiretoko Go-ko
Easy trekking around the forested Five Lakes with great mountain views. ★
Utoro Onsen
This port-side onsen village is a good gateway to Shiretoko’s natural wonders. Drift ice often covers the ocean in winter.
★
Rausu
This lively fishing town is Hokkaido’s premier whale-watching destination, with its wild roten-buro (open-air baths) and fresh seafood. ★
Kiyosato
Admiring picture-book countryside and going to the shochu distillery in this lovely town. ★
Shari-dake (1547m)
Climbing up to the ‘Matterhorn of Eastern Hokkaido’ from Kiyosato. 13
OKHOTSK & ABASHIRI
5
As its name suggests, this idyllic northeastern region lies along the Sea of Okhotsk. The almost flat shoreline contains Japan’s biggest lagoon Saroma-ko, pleasant brackish lakes and wildflower gardens. Roughly around February, pure white ryuhyo (drift ice) from the mouth of Amur River occasionally covers the sea. Two of Okhotsk’s port cities serve as icebreakers and interesting museums. Further inland is splashed with forested landscapes, relaxed onsen, woodworking studios, phlox and tulip gardens. Kitami, the economic center of the region, is one of Hokkaido’s sunniest cities en route to Abashiri from Asahikawa or Obihiro.
14
N
Omu
0
40km
Hinode-misaki
Okoppe
238
Saruru
Omusaro Genseikaen Shokotsu
239
★
Nishiokoppe
SEA OF OKHOTSK
Monbetsu Okhotsk Sea Ice Park
Monbetsu Airport
Komuke-ko Yubetsu
Naka-Yubetsu
Takinoue
Kami-Yubetsu Tulip Park 242
273
★
238
★
Sakaeura
Kerochi
Setose Onsen
Shirataki
Maure Sanso
Kitami Pass
Shiobetsu Tsurutsuru Onsen
KAMIKAWA Sounkyo Onsen
Takiyu Onsen Sekihoku Pass
273
Mikuni Pass
Ikutahara
X
12–5
39
242
Jomon Pass
Ubaranai
Nikoro Mint Park
333
OKHOTSK
Notoro-misaki
Notoro -ko
Saroma
450 333
Tokoro
Engaru Horoiwa-yama (376m) Sekihoku Line
Maruseppu
Wakka Genseikaen
Saroma-ko
★
★
HigashiMokoto
Bihoro
Kitami
243
Tsubetsu
Kunneppu
Bihoro Pass
Oketo 242
TOKACHI
Chimikeppu-ko Shotoshibetsu
★
Airport
240
Onneyu Onsen
Tofutsu-ko
Ozora 244 (Memanbetsu) Memanbetsu Koshimizu
Tanno
Rubeshibe
Abashiri
Abashiriko Yobito
X
11–5
Aioi
OkuKussharo Onsen
11–5 X
Shari 334
Kiyosato
Mokoto-yama (1000m)
Senmo Line 391
Kawayu Onsen
Kussharoko
KUSHIRO
Mashu-ko
Okhotsk & Abashiri Top Destinations ★
Abashiri
Exploring the varies museums and take a drift icebreaker to the sea in Okhotsk Region’s tourist-friendly capital. ★
Kitami
Checking out the peppermint history and the yakiniku places in this region’s largest city. ★
Monbetsu
Admiring fantastic sea ice and lovely seals en route to Wakkanai on the Okhotsk Line.
★
Saroma-ko
Watching the impressive sun rise and set on the shore of Japan’s biggest lagoon, taste local kaki (oysters) and hotate (scallops). ★
Tofutsu-ko
This placid lagoon along the coastal wildflower garden is a good spot of many birds. ★
Engaru
Relaxing the mind at the rustic Setose Onsen or the placid Maure Sanso. 15