- Kushiro Airport, Hokkaido
- Akan
- Lake Kussharo
- Shiretoko & Rausu
- Abashiri
- Memanbetsu Airport
-
DURATION
6 days / 5 nights
-
TOUR TYPESmall-group tourMax 20 people
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TRANSPORTATION
Private Coach
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PRICE(Per Person)Booking closed
Overview
Eastern Hokkaido – a pristine paradise of untouched nature and wildlife
Hokkaido is known for world-class winter sports, but in the summer when the snow melts away, a whole new world of adventure options is revealed.
Eastern Hokkaido is especially perfect for outdoor activities with its natural wonders: vast untouched nature, local flora and fauna and wildlife living in the mountains, forests, and the ocean. Be adventurous and try drift boating or canoeing. Enjoy leisurely walks, night safaris, and a wildlife-watching cruise as we travel through Kushiro, Akan, Shiretoko, Rausu and Abashiri and visit several of the region’s national parks. We will also take you to Hokkaido’s indigenous community village to learn their traditions and culture.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see a different side of Japan. This rare and unique tour runs for a limited period during the short Hokkaido summer and is a great way to get out in nature, see the wildlife and learn more about Japan!
- Adventure focused
- Small group tour (maximum to 20 travellers)
- Local transport included
- Fully guided by our local English-speaking tour guide
- Enjoy Hokkaido’s nature and landscape
- Local food & drinks
- Welcome cocktail & dinner with tour briefing
- Best for first timers to Hokkaido
- A great extension of your Japan trip
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Highlights
Drift Boat Cruise at Lake Toro
Lake Toro and Kushiro River are in the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Paddling through Lake Toro and the meandering Kushiro rivers, you will be amazed at the vast untouched landscape of the wetland. You may even spot Sika Deer, Red Fox and Red-crowned cranes! The Kushiro Marsh is the first marshland in Japan to be recognised as a Ramsar Convention registered wetland site.
Indigenous Culture of Ainu
Ainu Kotan is a village of Hokkaido’s indigenous community formed just next to Lake Akan in the Akan Mashu National Park. Home to approximately 120 Ainu people in 36 households, the village produces much-sought-after folk crafts like exquisite wood carvings and stunning Ainu-pattern embroidery. The Ainu traditional dance, handed down from the ancestors, gives you a deeper understanding of their traditions and culture.
A Leisurely Walk at Mount Iou
In the Ainu language, the 512-meter high volcanic Mount Iou is called Atosanupuri, which means “a bare mountain”. Sulfuric fumes and gases escaping from the depths below, and the yellow sulfuric crystals on the surface, create a memorable out-of-this-world scene. Get a real sense of the hidden power of the earth by getting up close to the fumaroles – just a short walk from the resthouse.
Canoeing at Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is the second largest caldera lake in the world. It is said that spring water makes up 80 per cent of the lake and the lake is famous for its beautiful clear water despite its size. Paddle your canoe through the pristine water and enjoy the magnificent scenery while listening to sounds of the chirping birds and tranquil water. The Canadian canoes we use have high straight-line performance that provides a stable ride, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Night Safari Tour at Shiretoko
Shiretoko has a rich habitat of wildlife. Animals come alive in the summer months after enduring Shiretoko’s harsh winter and spring. Let’s go on a night drive with an experienced safari guide providing commentary along the way. We drive into the National Park and search for wildlife from the car. Spot the glowing eyes of Ezo Deers or Ezo Red Foxes in the dark!
Geyser at Rausu
Even though Rausu Geyser is part of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, it remains a hidden spot to most tourists. The geyser is said to have formed after a cluster of earthquakes in 1962 and still erupts approximately 10-metres high every 40 to 120 minutes, depending on season or day. Witnessing the natural phenomena is quite spectacular. The eruption schedule is estimated by the visitor centre daily.
Wildlife Watching Cruise in Rausu
Owing to the vibrant marine ecosystem, the Shiretoko Peninsula and surrounding waters was the first in Japan to be recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2005. A sudden drop to a depth of 1,000m characterises the Rausu offshore in the Nemuro Straits. The unique topography provides a variety of habitats for marine life, making it a great feeding ground for marine mammals. During the 2.5-hour cruise, you may encounter marine mammals such as sperm whales or Dall’s porpoises and wild birds like northern fulmars or pomarine jaegers.
Hiking along Shiretoko Goko Lakes
The Shiretoko Goko Lakes, located in Shiretoko National Park, are five mysterious small lakes nestled in an untouched forest. A Shiretoko Goko Lake walking guide will lead you on a 3 km leisurely walk to see all five lakes along a loop trail. The trail includes a 1.6 km elevated boardwalk to watch wildlife safely and take in the breathtaking views of the area. You may find the claw marks of brown bears or the food trails of black woodpeckers!
Drift-Ice Museum in Abashiri
Okhotsk Ryu-hyo (drift ice) Museum in Abashiri exhibits marine life of the Sea of Okhotsk and drift ice. Encounter unique and mysterious marine life such as Sea angels (Clione) or lumpfishes. One hundred tons of natural drift ice is also displayed in a -15 degrees celsius room, where you can touch the ice or freeze a wet towel in mere seconds!
Itinerary
Welcome to Kushiro, Hokkaido
- Meals: Dinner
- Stay: Kushiro Prince Hotel (Twin Room – 23sqm, 2 x single beds)
Welcome to Kushiro – your gateway to exploring eastern Hokkaido! Upon arrival at Kushiro Airport, be greeted by a Kintetsu English guide and take a private transfer to your hotel.
Kanpai! After checking in to the hotel, let’s raise a glass and enjoy a welcome dinner at the local beer garden with Hokkaido’s favourite Genghis Khan (Lamb BBQ). Get to know your fellow travellers over a fun and relaxed dinner while your guide shares more tour information. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Drift boat cruise, indigenous culture and a leisurely walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Stay: Kussharo Prince Hotel (Twin Room – 29sqm, 2 x single beds(105cm x 195cm))
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, let your adventure begin! Head to Lake Toro by private vehicle with our Kintetsu English guide and board a drift boat! Enjoy a 3-hour Kushiro Marsh cruise led by a licensed nature guide/boat instructor. Then we move on to Lake Akan, where we’ll have lunch.
After lunch, visit Lake Akan Ainu Kotan to discover the culture of the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. There are many traditional craft shops with wood carvings or Ainu-patterned embroidery. You will have an hour and a half to explore on your own in the village.
Depart Akan for Mount Iou and take a one-hour leisurely walk with our guide. You can get close to the fumaroles and see volcanic activity! At the Mount Iou Rest House, try the famous boiled eggs boiled in the hot springs.
Tonight, we’ll be staying at a hotel by Lake Kussharo. Enjoy a Japanese/Western buffet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Canoeing at Lake Kussharo & Night Safari Tour at Shiretoko
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Stay: Hotel Shiretoko (Standard Twin Room – 27sqm, 2 x single beds)
This morning, we head to Lake Kussharo and enjoy a 1.5-hour canoeing trip with a licensed instructor.
After lunch in Mashu, travel for about two hours to Shiretoko by private vehicle with our guide, with a break in between.
After checking in at the hotel, have a Western-style dinner at a local restaurant before going on the Shiretoko night safari tour.
During the 1.5-hour night safari tour, drive into the national park in the dark and look for wildlife as we drive. You may spot an Ezo red fox or Shika deer.
Rausu Geyser & Wildlife Watching Cruising in Rausu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Stay: Hotel Shiretoko (Standard Twin Room – 27sqm, 2 x single beds)
After breakfast at the hotel, stop at the Shiretoko Pass Observatory for the great view and visit Rausu Visitor Center. At the nearby Rausu Geyser, you will have a chance to see the geyser up close as it erupts in a mighty torrent.
After lunch, depart for a 2.5-hour Rausu Wildlife Watching cruise. In the Rausu offshore in the Nemuro Straits, marine mammals such as sperm whales or Dall’s porpoises can be spotted. You may also see wild birds like northern fulmars or pomarine jaegers near the Shiretoko Peninsula from the boat.
Tonight, enjoy a Japanese/Western buffet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Hiking around the Shiretoko Goko Lakes & Drift Ice Museum
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Stay: HOKUTEN NO OKA Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort (Japanese Modern Twin Room – 27sqm, 2 x single beds)
After breakfast and checking out the hotel, we’ll go on a 3-hour leisurely hike at Shiretoko Goko Lakes with a licensed hiking guide. Get in touch with the nature of Shiretoko Goko Lakes on a 3 km leisurely walk along a loop trail that includes a 1.6 km elevated boardwalk to watch wildlife safely and take in the breathtaking views of the area. You may find the claw marks of brown bears or the food trails of black woodpeckers!
After lunch, stop by the Koshimizu Wild Flower Garden in Abashiri National Park and visit the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo (Drift Ice) Museum. The museum exhibits marine life of the Sea of Okhotsk and drift ice. Discover unique and mysterious marine life displayed such as a Sea angel (Clione) and touch a block of natural drift ice kept in a -15 degrees celsius room.
After checking in to the hotel in Abashiri, enjoy a Japanese/Western buffet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Farewell, but hope to see you again!
- Meals: Breakfast
As our tour comes to an end, enjoy your morning before meeting your guide at the hotel lobby for your private transfer back to Memanbetsu Airport.
We look forward to welcoming you again to Japan. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Accommodation
Kushiro Prince Hotel
Twin Room – 23sqm, 2 x single beds
The hotel is located in Kushiro, one of the world’s three best sunset towns, and the view from the restaurant on the top floor is outstanding. All Twin rooms feature a Pacific Ocean view. Your Twin room includes a flat-screen TV, free in-room Wi-Fi, shower over bath, hairdryer, and complimentary amenities. The hotel also features restaurants, a café & lounge bar, banquet, massage & spa salon, convenience store, and communal laundry. A non-smoking room will be requested.
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
Kussharo Prince Hotel
Twin Room – 29sqm, 2 x single beds(105cm x 195cm)
Just next to Lake Kussharo, the serene nature welcomes you at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. Your Twin room includes a flat-screen TV, free in-room Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, kettle, safe, separated shower booth, hairdryer, and complimentary amenities. The hotel also features a restaurant, café & lounge bar, Onsen facility (complimentary for the guests), massage & spa salon, convenience store, gaming area and communal laundry. A non-smoking room will be requested.
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
Hotel Shiretoko
Standard Twin Room – 27sqm, 2 x single beds
Hotel Shiretoko is located on the highest plateau in the region, and guests can overlook the sea and mountains of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, from their rooms. The hotel offers an open-air bath with magnificent views and mouth-watering local foods. Your Standard Twin room includes a flat-screen TV, free in-room Wi-Fi, kettle, safe, shower over bath, nightwear (Yukata), hairdryer, and complimentary amenities. The hotel also features restaurants, café & lounge bar, Onsen facility (complimentary for the guests), nature information corner, convenience store, gaming area and communal laundry. All rooms are non-smoking at this hotel.
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00
HOKUTEN NO OKA Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort
Japanese Modern Twin Room – 27sqm, 2 x single beds
Located on the hills of Abashiri, this modern hotel is themed on Ainu cultures and the Okhotsk sea. Your Japanese Modern Twin room includes a flat-screen TV, free in-room Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, kettle, safe, shower over bath, room wear, hairdryer, and complimentary amenities. The hotel also features a restaurant, café & lounge bar, foot bath facility, Onsen facility (complimentary for the guests), massage & spa salon, outdoor shop, ramen bar, convenience store and library. All rooms are non-smoking at this hotel.
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation: Kushiro (1 night) , Lake Kussharo (1 night), Shiretoko (2 nights) & Abashiri (1 night)
- Meals: Daily Breakfast, 4 x Lunch, 5 x Dinner
- English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour
- Transportation: Private coach, and return private airport transfers
- Meet & Greet at the Kushiro airport by a tour guide
- Admission fees and activity fees detailed in the itinerary
- Accident insurance included for rafting, cycling and kayaking/canoeing (you will be required to sign an agreement form upon check-in for each activity).
Exclusions
- Flights
- Transfers outside the tour itinerary
- Hotel incidental charges
- Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, shopping
- Drinks during meals
- Entrance fees to places of personal interests or other attractions not detailed in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Visa not included if required (note: Visa to enter Japan is not required for Australian citizens for trips less than 90 days)
Dates & Prices
Start Date – End Date
Accommodation
Twin-Share Base
Price per person
(Standard Price)
Availability
Booking closed
Group size: Min 7 people / Max 20 people
*This tour is for travellers aged 15 years old and up.
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Important Information
- Fitness level: A moderate fitness level is required for leisurely-paced day trips and light activities
- Activities may be cancelled or changed with short notice due to severe weather and water conditions.
- We highly recommend you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover yourself for any unforeseen event.
- After booking, you will be required to complete a brief medical questionnaire.
- Due to the physical requirements of the activities, unfortunately we are unable welcome pregnant guests on this tour.
- Please kindly note that, due to COVID-19, the schedule is subject to change.
- Travel restrictions are constantly changing. Please check the latest travel advice before you book and before you travel.
Terms & Conditions
- Please read our General Booking Terms & Conditions
Why book Japan tours with us?
Small groups, BIG Experiences
From sushi-making class to watching sumo wrestlers in action, a small group tour gives you access to experiences you might not otherwise see in Japan. All Kintetsu Japan tours are limited to just 20 people, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
Japan tours by Japan experts
We know Japan! As a Japanese company, each one of our carefully curated itineraries taps into our team’s vast local knowledge and network of partners. We know where to go, where to stay and everything in between.
Great peace of mind abroad
Go beyond the major sights and immerse yourself in the unique culture – all while our expert staff show you the way! Travel abroad can be overwhelming, but with everything taken care of, the only thing you need to decide is when to go!
About Kintetsu
In Australia
Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) is an ATAS accredited travel agent in Australia, a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. In Australia, we specialise in arranging Corporate and Group Travel for businesses, schools, religious groups and cultural organisations. We have Travel Centres in Sydney serving our Australian customers and offices in Cairns, Gold Coast and Auckland handling Japanese inbound tours. We are also an authorised travel agent to sell Japan Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass in Australia
In Japan and Worldwide
Kintetsu International belongs to the travel arm of the Kintetsu Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate which operates a major Japanese rail system, bus & freight forwarding companies, department stores, restaurants & hotel chains. We have more than 150 offices in Japan and more than 40 overseas offices worldwide. Utilising our global network, we guide our customers to every location around the globe with quality and dependable services.