Day 2 of our Eastern Hokkaido 5-Day Charter Tour ventures from the coastal port city directly into mysterious forests and volcanic lakes.
Today’s highlights include Japan’s largest wetland wilderness and Lake Akan, world-famous for its spherical Marimo green algae and ancient indigenous legends. Because direct public transportation between these two iconic spots is practically non-existent, booking a Hokkaido private car tour lets you seamlessly balance peaceful wetland walks with lakeside gourmet dining.
Hop into our comfortable Hokkaido private charter to unlock the most untamed side of Eastern Hokkaido!
Day 2 Route: Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan (Overnight at Lake Akan / Kawayu Onsen)
| ⚪Day 1 | 🔴 Day 2 | ⚪ Day 3 | ⚪ Day 4 | ⚪ Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo to Kushiro 👉 【Click here for Day 1 Guide】 | Lakes & Mist Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan 🚗 (You are here!) | Hidden Gems Lake Akan ➔ Shiretoko 👉 【Click here for Day 3 Guide】 | Coastal Wonders Shiretoko ➔ Abashiri 👉 【Click here for Day 4 Guide】 | The Return Abashiri ➔ Sapporo 👉 【Click here for Day 5 Guide】 |
Day 2 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule
09:00 – 10:15 (75 mins drive & stop) | Kushiro Marshland Observatory & Hokuto Boardwalk. Marvel at Japan’s vastest prehistoric wetland and search for Red-crowned Cranes.
10:15 – 11:45 (90 mins drive) | Leave the marshland ➔ Head north via scenic highways to Akan-Mashu National Park.
11:45 – 13:00 (75 mins stop & lunch) | Lunch at Lake Akan Onsen. Enjoy local Himemasu (Kokanee salmon) or Hokkaido Wagyu bento.
13:00 – 15:30 (150 mins stop) | Lake Akan Sightseeing Cruise & Churui Island. Cruise volcanic waters to observe rare, velvety Marimo algae.
15:30 – 18:00 (150 mins stop) | Akanko Ainu Kotan Walk. Stroll Hokkaido’s largest indigenous village, browse woodcarvings, and check into your hot spring resort.
Note: Travel times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.
Morning Prehistoric Wilderness: Kushiro Marshland Exploration
After breakfast, your private driver waits at your hotel entrance. Our first destination is Kushiro Marshland National Park, Japan’s largest wetland. Preserving untouched primeval natural scenery since the ice age, this vast sanctuary is a true green miracle.
Arriving at the elevated Kushiro Marshland Observatory, an endless sea of green stretches to the distant horizon. The winding Kushiro River flows across the landscape like a silver ribbon. Standing here, the immense scale of nature leaves every traveler in awe.
Boardwalk Strolls & Red-Crowned Crane Spotting
Next, take a gentle walk along the well-paved Hokuto Boardwalk through lush forests. Listen closely to the melodic calls of wild birds echoing through the trees.
Eastern Hokkaido serves as the primary habitat for Japan’s national treasure—the graceful Red-crowned Crane, a timeless symbol of longevity and elegance. Keep your eyes open as you walk through the marshland; you might just spot these magnificent birds dancing gracefully among the reeds.
Afternoon Miracles: Mysterious Marimo & Indigenous Ainu Village
After your morning wilderness walk, your private car heads north into the mountains. As the air turns pleasantly crisp, you enter the heart of Akan-Mashu National Park.
Upon arriving at Lake Akan, board a spacious sightseeing cruise to glide across this volcanic caldera lake surrounded by Mount Oakandake and dense ancient forests. The cruise docks at Churui Island to visit the Marimo Exhibition Center. Here, you can observe Marimo, extraordinarily rare green algae that naturally form smooth, velvety spheres—a cherished national treasure of Japan.
Akanko Ainu Kotan: Handcrafted Woodcarvings & Ancient Folklore
Disembarking from the cruise, spend your late afternoon at Akanko Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido’s largest indigenous Ainu village. A massive owl totem pole greets you at the village entrance.
Strolling down the mystical streets, you will find artisan shops filled with hand-carved wooden crafts. As dusk falls and village lanterns glow, check into a luxury lakeside hot spring resort. Unwind in an outdoor open-air bath while gazing across the dark waters of Lake Akan, perfectly soothing your body and mind.
Eastern Hokkaido Day 2: Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide
Lake Akan is situated in a high-elevation mountain basin, featuring a continental mountain climate with severe temperature shifts between day and night. Prepare for your trip with our seasonal packing guide:
| Season & Months | What to Wear | Travel Insider Tips |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Light down jackets, windproof coats, and warm trousers. | Mountain snow melts late around Lake Akan. Spring winds off the lake can be biting; windproof outerwear is essential. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Short sleeves, light UV jackets (mandatory), and bug spray. | High altitude keeps summer pleasantly cool, but evening temperatures near the lake drop quickly. Bring a light coat for night walks. |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Thermal innerwear (Heattech), thick sweaters, and windproof warm overcoats. | Autumn foliage around Lake Akan peaks in October. Temperatures plunge after dark; dress in warm layers. |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Ultra-thick down coats, non-slip snow boots, beanies, thermal gloves, and scarves. | Sub-zero temperatures freeze Lake Akan solid for ice activity. Winding mountain roads get heavily icy; booking a private charter with an experienced local driver is strongly recommended. |
Book Your Eastern Hokkaido Private Charter Today
Day 2’s wilderness adventure from Kushiro to Lake Akan concludes perfectly with hot spring relaxation. Tomorrow, our private chauffeured vehicle continues north through Teshikaga toward the rugged wilderness of the Shiretoko Peninsula—a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Ready to experience Hokkaido without public transit stress? Contact our friendly customer service team today to book your Hokkaido private car tour and unlock an unforgettable vacation!
✨ Exclusive Bonus for Your Private Tour:
The beauty of Hokkaido goes beyond the famous landmarks. To make your journey more heartfelt, we’ve prepared a list of “Hidden Gems” tucked away within our classic itineraries.
🔒 How to Unlock Your Secret Map?
Simply complete your booking to instantly unlock these hidden spots. We will send you a personalized custom itinerary, ensuring your Hokkaido memories are truly one-of-a-kind.