On Day 3 of our journey, we leave the coastal port of Kushiro and ascend into Akan-Mashu National Park, a majestic realm of volcanoes, ancient crater lakes, and dense forests. This route combines national wildlife treasures, rare botanical miracles, and indigenous culture.
Public transportation in these remote mountain regions is sparse. Traveling in a legally licensed commercial vehicle with a professional driver provides maximum flexibility, letting you explore Eastern Hokkaido’s mystical charm at your own relaxing pace.
Day 3 Route: Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan (Overnight at Lake Akan / Kawayu Onsen)
| ⚪ Day 1 | ⚪ Day 2 | 🔴 Day 3 | ⚪ Day 4 |
| [Departure] Chitose ➔ Obihiro / Tokachigawa Onsen ♨️ Charcoal-grilled Butadon & Tokachigawa Plant-based Moor Hot Springs 👉 [Click here for Day 1 Details] | [Port City] Obihiro / Tokachigawa Onsen ➔ Kushiro 🍱 DIY Katsute-don & World-Class Sunset at Nusamai Bridge 👉 [Click here for Day 2 Details] | [Mythology] Kushiro ➔ Lake Akan 🌿 Red-Crowned Cranes, Lake Akan Marimo Algae & Ainu Village | [Hidden Gem] Lake Akan / Kawayu Onsen ➔ Teshikaga ➔ Shiretoko 🌋 Lake Mashu Crater Lake & UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko 👉 [Click here for Day 4 Details] |
| ⚪ Day 5 | ⚪ Day 6 | ⚪ Day 7 | ⚪ Day 8 |
| [Coastline] Shiretoko ➔ Shari ➔ Abashiri 🚢 Shiretoko Five Lakes Wooden Boardwalk & Abashiri Prison Legends 👉 [Click here for Day 5 Details] | [Cross-Country] Abashiri ➔ Kitami ➔ Biei ➔ Furano 🦊 Kitami Fox Farm & Biei Mystical Blue Pond 👉 [Click here for Day 6 Details] | [Sea of Flowers] Biei ➔ Furano ➔ Sapporo 🌸 Shikisai-no-Oka Rainbow Flower Carpet & Ningle Terrace 👉 [Click here for Day 7 Details] | [The Return] Sapporo ➔ Chitose 🛍️ Shiroi Koibito Park Shopping & Private Airport Transfer 👉 [Click here for Day 8 Details] |
Day 3 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule
09:00 – 10:30 (90 mins drive & stop) | Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve. Observe Japan’s designated Special Natural Monument, the ethereal Red-Crowned Crane.
10:30 – 12:00 (90 mins drive) | Scenic mountain drive ascending north into Akan-Mashu National Park.
12:00 – 13:15 (75 mins stop & lunch) | Lake Akan Onsen Street. Savor local kokanee salmon (Himemasu) set meals or rich Hokkaido soup curry.
13:15 – 15:30 (135 mins stop) | Lake Akan Cruise & Churui Island. Cruise the volcanic lake to observe rare, fluffy green Marimo algae balls.
15:30 – 18:00 (150 mins stop) | Ainu Kotan Village. Stroll Hokkaido’s largest indigenous village and browse handmade wooden crafts.
Note: Driving times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.
Morning Encounter: Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve
Departing Kushiro, a short 30-minute drive brings your private charter to the Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve.
In the indigenous Ainu language, the Red-Crowned Crane is known as Sarurun Kamuy (God of the Marsh). Recognized as a Special Natural Monument, these majestic birds are protected in this sanctuary. Visitors can observe their elegant white feathers and graceful dances up close in a natural environment.
Afternoon Wonders: Lake Akan Marimo & Ancient Ainu Village
After leaving the crane reserve, your driver navigates north up into the mountains, arriving at Lake Akan Onsen in about 1.5 hours.
Board the Lake Akan Sightseeing Cruise to glide across crater waters surrounded by Mt. Mt. O-Akan. The boat stops at Churui Island’s Marimo Exhibition Center. Marimo are extremely rare green algae that naturally aggregate into velvety, perfect spheres—a true biological miracle.
Discover Indigenous Heritage at Ainu Kotan
After the cruise, take a short walk to Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido’s largest indigenous Ainu settlement. The streets are lined with artisan workshops selling intricate hand-carved woodwork.
In the evening, check into your lakeside hot spring resort to unwind in soothing volcanic outdoor baths.
Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide & Travel Tips
Lake Akan sits in a high-altitude mountain basin surrounded by dense forests. Weather conditions can feel significantly colder and windier than coastal Kushiro. Plan ahead with our seasonal packing chart:
| Season & Months | What to Wear | Travel Insider Tips |
| Spring (Apr – May) | Warm windbreakers, fleece jackets, and long trousers. | Mountain lake breezes remain crisp and frosty in spring. Keep a warm outer layer handy during boat tours. |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | Short sleeves, light UV jackets, sun hats, and insect repellent. | Summer is pleasantly cool around Lake Akan. Evening temperatures drop rapidly near the water; carry a light jacket. |
| Autumn (Sep – Nov) | Thermal innerwear (Heattech), thick sweaters, and windproof warm coats. | Gorgeous mountain foliage peaks in October. Morning and evening walks around Ainu Kotan require heavy layering. |
| Winter (Dec – Mar) | Heavy down coats, non-slip winter boots, beanies, thermal gloves, and scarves. | Lake Akan freezes solid in winter. Navigating mountain passes on icy roads requires a professional driver in a licensed commercial vehicle for maximum safety. |
Book Your Eastern Hokkaido Charter Tour Today
Day 3’s journey from Kushiro to Lake Akan showcases the deep mystical heritage and natural wonders of Eastern Hokkaido. Skip crowded public buses and mountain driving fatigue!
Car4Tour Hokkaido (car4tourjp.com) provides legally licensed green-plate commercial vehicles driven by experienced local chauffeurs to ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable holiday. Contact our customer service team today to reserve your private car charter!
✨ 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.