Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

From the airport to Lake Akan Hot Spring, the Akan Airport Liner (reservation required) and regular buses provide smooth, convenient transfers, perfectly timed with flight schedules.

Along the way, enjoy the vast Kushiro landscape. Snowfields stretch as far as the eye can see, and glimpses of Ezo deer make for great photos.

As you near Lake Akan, the air feels crisper and forest scents richer — a chance to fully experience the pristine beauty of Hokkaido sightseeing.

- Akan Bus / 0154-37-8651 (Phone reception 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

- Kushiro Airport shuttle bus Reservation Page

A popular stop during your Lake Akan sightseeing, this roadside station offers more than just a break. The tourist information center helps plan your visit, while shelves are filled with Kushiro specialties and unique Hokkaido souvenirs.

The on-site restaurant is famous for steaks made from local ingredients, including Akan Malt Beef and Akan Pork, offering a true taste of Hokkaido gourmet.

Next door, the Red Beret Hot Spring provides a relaxing soak. Known locally as a hot spring for beautiful skin, it’s a perfect way to unwind after exploring the area.

Akan is home to the red-crowned crane, a special natural monument. At the center, you can observe these majestic birds up close in an environment close to their natural habitat.

Watching cranes glide across the snow-covered plains is breathtaking, and their courtship dance — wings fully spread as if performing — is a truly moving sight. This is a must-visit spot for photographers and travelers alike, capturing the essence of a winter Hokkaido trip.

Lake Akan is not only home to the special natural monument, marimo, but also one of eastern Hokkaido’s top hot spring destinations. Nearby, the Ainu Kotan village features traditional dances and handicraft shops, offering a unique glimpse into Ainu culture and its harmony with nature.

In winter, the frozen lake sometimes blooms with delicate ice crystals called frost flowers, creating a magical and unforgettable landscape. Staying at Lake Akan Hot Spring lets you experience both cultural richness and the serene beauty of Hokkaido sightseeing.

Lake Akan comes alive at night with a winter-only event. Held annually from early February to mid-March, the clear night sky is illuminated by beautiful fireworks each evening.

Visitors can also enjoy fun winter attractions, such as mini-games that involve cutting blocks of ice taken from Lake Akan. This is a perfect way to experience the excitement of Hokkaido winter sightseeing beyond just the hot springs, making your evenings at Lake Akan unforgettable.

In winter, Lake Akan offers the chance to try ice fishing for wakasagi smelt. Fry your catch on the spot for a delicious taste of Hokkaido gourmet.

Other attractions include ATV rides and snowmobiles, providing plenty of winter adventure.

Along the lakeshore, the Bokke Trail reveals the breathtaking rime ice that forms in subzero temperatures. Early risers can enjoy this magical natural spectacle and capture unforgettable Hokkaido sightseeing moments.

In the port town of Kushiro, this popular seafood restaurant lets you experience authentic Robatayaki. Fresh fish and shellfish are grilled over charcoal, releasing a savory aroma that enhances the Hokkaido gourmet experience. Being directly managed by a seafood factory, the restaurant offers the freshest ingredients at reasonable prices.

Next door, the market is filled with Kushiro specialties, from salmon and dried fish to local delicacies, perfect for souvenirs. Enjoy the port town atmosphere while indulging in the flavors of Hokkaido cuisine, making it a must-visit stop for food lovers.

Adjacent to Nusamai Bridge, one of Hokkaido’s three major bridges, this vibrant waterfront facility is a must-visit for Kushiro sightseeing. Inside, you’ll find restaurants and a market offering fresh seafood, Kushiro specialties like zangi (fried chicken), and hearty set meals — a perfect taste of Hokkaido gourmet.

At sunset, the view of the sun dipping behind Nusamai Bridge bathes the buildings in a warm orange glow, creating picture-perfect scenery. Enjoy the fresh harbor breeze while savoring local flavors and capturing the essence of this lively port town in one visit.

Kushiro offers a range of convenient accommodations for both sightseeing and business. Hotels with harbor views let you relax while enjoying the illuminated Nusamai Bridge and night scenery along the Kushiro River.

The city center is filled with restaurants and izakayas, perfect for sampling Hokkaido gourmet delights such as fresh seafood and the local specialty, robatayaki. Make Kushiro your base and enjoy a cozy stay in this charming port town while exploring the region.

The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train runs seasonally along the JR Senmo Main Line between Kushiro and Shibecha. From the windows, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the snow-covered Kushiro Marsh, and with some luck, spot red-crowned cranes or Ezo deer, unique wildlife of Hokkaido.

The black steam locomotive, puffing white steam as it moves, is a true symbol of winter in the region. Its nostalgic charm and powerful sounds create a memorable experience that draws railway enthusiasts and travelers from across Japan.