ITINERARY
Experience the Earth's Dynamism Shaped by Volcanic Energy and the Water Cycle
Tags
Akan-Mashu National Park, the oldest national park in Japan, is an area with high volcanic activity. Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes created by active volcanoes and caldera lakes to experience the Earth's dynamism, shaped by volcanic energy and the water cycle. The park also offers the unique opportunity to gain insights into living in harmony with nature by learning about the culture of the Indigenous Ainu people, who believe that gods and spirits dwell in all natural phenomena and living creatures.
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy the scenery of Lake Kussharo, formed by volcanic activity.
- Visit volcanoes that emit plumes of steam.
- See the rugged crater landscape of Mount Meakan from the summit.
Explore Japan's largest caldera lake and the remote headwaters of the Kushiro River by kayak
Catch an early flight to Memanbetsu Airport, which provides convenient access to Akan-Mashu National Park, and Shiretoko National Park. Lake Kussharo is located about one hour south of the airport by car. Drive to the Kawayu Visitor Center to learn about the area and the park's flora and fauna, and then set out to explore the Kushiro River.
Drive from the visitor center to River & Field, a facility near Lake Kussharo offering meals and tours. After lunch, join a Kushiro River headwaters canoe tour to explore the headwaters of the Kushiro River, which stretches 154 kilometers from Lake Kussharo (Japan's largest caldera lake) to the Pacific Ocean. While gazing at the outer rim mountains encircling the lake, you will visit a truly remote area inaccessible on foot. A guide will steer the canoe, allowing you to enjoy the flowing river and feel at one with nature. You can also enjoy tea time on the river.
Drive back to Kawayu Onsen and check in to your accommodation for the night.
Join a guided hike on an active volcano and an immersive night walk based on Ainu folklore
Start your day at Kawayu Visitor Center for a guided hike of an active volcano. The slopes of Atosa-Nupuri (Mount Io), once a thriving sulfur mining site, are a restricted area only accessible with a guide. Discover the mountain's distinctive features, including its over 1,500 fumaroles with billowing plumes of steam and electric-yellow sulfur crystals. Note that the Mount Io guided hike is only available from June to November.
In the afternoon, drive to Lake Mashu Observatory 1 for views over the lake, before continuing on to Akanko Onsen. This lakeside hot spring town has a variety of accommodations. After checking in, relax for a few hours until sunset. As dusk falls, join the Kamuy Lumina night walk, an interactive experience based on Ainu folklore. You'll enter the world of Kamuy spiritual beings through projection mapping in the nighttime forest. Experience a story centered on sustainable coexistence with nature.
Guided hike on Mount Meakan with panoramic views unique to Hokkaido
Start early for a guided climb to the top of Mount Meakan. Take a taxi to Meakan Onsen parking lot to meet your guide. Mount Meakan, the highest peak in the region, is a volcano formed by the unification of ten mountains through volcanic activity. Near the summit, you will see steaming craters and distinctive volcanic landforms, and enjoy sweeping 360-degree views unobstructed by trees. Experience the dynamic power of volcanic activity and the natural landscapes unique to Hokkaido through this hike.
Return to your accommodation in the afternoon for a well-earned rest and dinner.
Enjoy easy connections from Kushiro
After a good sleep and leisurely breakfast, check out of your accommodation and take a bus to Kushiro Airport. Enjoy shopping for local souvenirs and trying local dishes at the airport before your flight. Kushiro Airport has daily flights to Sapporo and Tokyo, and some less frequent flights to Osaka.