Day 4 of our Eastern Hokkaido journey showcases an explosion of dramatic volcanic landscapes! We navigate through Teshikaga‘s twin volcanic lakes, worshiping mysterious “Mashu Blue” waters and Sunayu’s heated lakeside sands.

Next, our private charter ventures toward Shiretoko National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site known as “Japan’s Last Unexplored Frontier.” This highland route weaves through coastal mountains. Traveling in a legally licensed commercial vehicle with a professional chauffeur allows you to sit back, relax, and soak in the vistas worry-free!

Day 4 Route: Lake Akan / Kawayu Onsen ➔ Teshikaga ➔ Shiretoko (Overnight at Shiretoko Utoro Onsen)

Day 4 Golden 10-Hour Charter Schedule

• 08:30 – 10:00 (90 mins drive & stop) | Lake Mashu Observatory 1. Admire the gemstone-like “Mashu Blue” sapphire crater lake.
• 10:00 – 12:00 (120 mins drive & stop) | Mt. Iou (Sulfur Mountain) & Lake Kussharo Sunayu. View active geothermal steam fumaroles and dig for warm lakeside hot springs.
• 12:00 – 14:30 (150 mins drive) | Scenic highway drive north via Shari’s famous “Road to Heaven” straight onto the Shiretoko Peninsula.
• 14:30 – 16:30 (120 mins stop) | Shiretoko Sunset Point Park & Utoro Port. Marvel at golden sunsets sinking over the Sea of Okhotsk.
• 16:30+ | Check in at your Utoro Onsen resort for a luxurious seafood buffet and ocean-view hot springs.

Note: Driving times and itineraries are fully customizable based on your preferences, seasonal conditions, and actual traffic.

Morning Volcanic Wonders: Lake Mashu & Lake Kussharo

Departing Lake Akan in the morning, your private charter climbs smoothly into Teshikaga’s volcanic highlands.

Lake Mashu is a crystal-clear crater lake with no rivers flowing in or out. Perpetually shrouded in mountain mist, catching it on a clear day reveals its enchanting, deep sapphire-blue water—famously dubbed “Mashu Blue.”

Geothermal Marvels: Mt. Iou & Sunayu Sand Bath

Next, visit Mt. Iou, an active volcano spewing white sulfurous steam, where you can taste hot-spring-steamed eggs.

Afterward, head to Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake. At Sunayu (Sand Bath), digging into the sandy lake beach with your hands instantly reveals warm, natural thermal water bubbling to the surface.

Afternoon Journey to the Edge of Hokkaido: Road to Heaven & Sunset

After lunch, your driver steers north toward the Sea of Okhotsk and the rugged Shiretoko Peninsula.

Passing through Shari Town, your driver stops at the famous “Road to Heaven.” This 28-kilometer straight road rolls over undulating hills, creating a striking illusion that the highway ascends directly into the blue sky—a bucket-list photography spot.

Sunset Over Utoro Port

Arriving at Utoro Onsen, the gateway to Shiretoko, take a leisurely evening walk to Yuhidai (Sunset Point) Park. Watching the golden sun dip beneath the horizon of the vast Sea of Okhotsk paints a dramatic opening chapter for your wilderness adventure.

Recommended Seasonal Clothing Guide & Travel Tips

Shiretoko and Teshikaga sit in high-latitude, coastal mountain zones. Strong oceanic winds off the Sea of Okhotsk mean weather conditions feel colder than inland cities. Plan ahead with our seasonal packing chart:

Book Your Eastern Hokkaido Charter Tour Today

Day 4’s trek from Teshikaga’s crater lakes to Shiretoko showcases Hokkaido’s raw, untouched nature. Skip train-to-bus transfer headaches and dangerous mountain driving!

Car4Tour Hokkaido (car4tourjp.com) provides legally licensed green-plate commercial vehicles driven by experienced local chauffeurs to ensure your family enjoys a safe, comfortable, and luxurious journey. Contact our customer service team today to reserve your private car charter!