An Eye-Catching Introduction to Japan This approximately 4-minute video, focusing on modern-day Japan as seen by foreign tourists and travelers, boasts a level of quality that has attracted major interest not only in Japan but in various countries throughout the world. This video's footage goes above and beyond other Japan PR videos and keeps viewers glued to the screen. By the video's end, you'll most likely feel an indescribable surge of emotions, such as those experienced after viewing a magnificent movie of epic proportions! Highlights of the Japanese Introduction Video, "in Japan" This video, "In Japan," taken in 2015 by German filmmaker/creator Vincent Urban, is a nearly 4-minute collection of footage of his 3-week journey in Japan to locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. In taking a look at images of landscapes and scenery natural and commonplace to Japanese people which are projected from a foreigner’s perspective, even we as Japanese natives can perceive such images as unknown, brand new discoveries and never-before-seen sights and scenes, and this video therefore allows us to learn about the appeal and charm of Japan in a brand new light. Viewers of this video can also agree that its high quality BGM and camera work is yet another reason for its high acclaim both in and out of Japan. This video condenses a wide variety of discoveries in Japan ranging from regularly seen daily scenery and landscapes to famous tourist spots. Examples of such sights include Asakusa Temple in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo, festivals, Kendo (Japanese martial art with bamboo swords), Buddhist temples, Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine as well as convenience stores, Tokyo Tower, street performances, Tokyo Skytree, sumo wrestlers, clubs and idols, in addition to shinkansen (bullet trains), natural landscapes, the Atomic Bomb Domes in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Mt. Fuji and metropolitan night scenes. Japan as Seen Through Cultural Changes Photo：Sumo Learning about shifts in modern Japanese culture gives us deeper insights into the allure and attraction of Japan as a nation in the present day. Japan of yore once had superb classic culture primarily consisting of artistic traditional crafts, and as you can see in the video, festivals and martial arts passed down to Japan from ancient times have been regarded as symbolizing the very culture of "Nihon no Wa," or "The Spirit of Japan." It is also well-known that Japan is the birthplace of kendo and sumo wrestling which are now sports famous all the world over. In addition, present-day Japan is going through transitions in which its forms of entertainment, such as manga (Japanese comics/cartoons) and anime (Japanese animation), formerly considered to be types of sub-culture, have been disseminated throughout the globe to be cherished by multitudes of people as pop culture. This signifies shifts in the image of "Japan" in the eyes of foreigners abroad from that of a land of ninja and samurai to an anime & manga nation. The Akihabara area, now the "Mecca" of anime and manga which serves as the center of Japanese contemporary culture, has become a well-known tourist location which draws huge numbers of sightseers visiting Japan, and it's also popular as a town for shopping. Japan as Seen Through Tourist Meccas & Architectural Buildings Photo：Sensoji Temple and women If you're watching this video you probably know that Japan, due to its also being famous as a country abound with history and nature, sees immense numbers of foreigners who visit for sightseeing on a daily basis. Locations in Japan shown in the video, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, are highly recommended tourist spots in Japan which are renowned even on a global scale. The existence of temples and shrines in Japan, whose number is too great to mention here, attracts hosts of foreign sightseers day by day, and this is proof of how Japan enjoys deep-rooted popularity as a tourist destination amongst abroad residents all over the world. Japan as Seen Through Nature ©Izu City Modifying The richness and abundance of nature, amongst other aspects, is definitely a thing to behold here in Japan. Japan's largest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its bamboo forest, also featured in the video, are without a doubt natural tourist spots that represent the glory of Japan. The view from Mt. Fuji's summit, in particular, is easily summed up by the words "magnificent scenery," and once you experience climbing this mountain on your own, you'll be able to appreciate the thrill and excitement of this spectacle all the more. Such natural splendor is just one more example of a globally sought-after sightseeing attraction highly recommended in Japan, a fact testified to by the unceasing droves of tourists from abroad who visit day-to-day without end. Japan Introduction Video Summary We hope you enjoyed this video introduction of Japan with its simple yet profound delivery of information. Year after year, Japan sees increasing numbers of tourists from abroad coming in search of such fascinating sightseeing spots as well as world-renowned gourmet Japanese food. Japan still has yet a great deal of appeal which, unfortunately, we can't completely encapsulate into such a short introductory video on Japan’s culture, history, entertainment, nature and festivals. We truly hope that this video and article have piqued your interest in Japan more than ever before!

What is Zao Fox Village? This video, titled "Fox Village in Zao Japan! 蔵王きつね村・kitsune mura," was released by "Rachel & Jun." Located in Shiraishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region, Zao Fox Village is a zoo/theme park where the artificial breeding of foxes is conducted, and the park is home to around 250 foxes of six different species. With more than 100 foxes free-ranging and a petting area where even children can safely interact with the various foxes, this is a popular new tourist destination in Miyagi Prefecture that attracts many tourists. A Closer Look at The Foxes of Zao Fox Village and Their Varieties Photo：Red fox Foxes are mammals that are widely distributed throughout Eurasia and the Americas. Let's take a look at the six types of foxes that you can interact with at Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture. ・Red Fox Generally speaking, when people think of foxes, they think of this type of fox. ・Arctic Fox This is a species of fox that lives in cold regions and has a beautiful pure white coat. ・Sakhalin Fox In Japan, Sakhalin foxes can be found in Hokkaido and became famous through the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (北の国から, From the Northern Country). ・Silver Fox The silver fox is known for its high-quality fur. However, it's a rare species that has been designated an endangered species due to overhunting and is now being protected. Photo：Platinum fox ・Platinum Fox The platinum fox is very similar to the arctic fox, but this one has a bicolored gray and white coat, making it a very cute fox. ・Japanese Red Fox A subspecies of the red fox that lives only in Japan. They are generally slightly smaller than the common red fox. ・Cross Fox It's a very rare fox, and at first glance it looks like a hyena or a raccoon. It is said to be a mutant species of the Ezo red fox. At Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture, there is also a veterinary hospital, and the premises are regularly disinfected and checked for insect/parasite eggs, so there's no need to worry about parasites (e.g., echinococcus) when playing with or feeding the foxes and kits. In this video, a tourist to Japan visits Zao Fox Village. At 0:38 in the video, you can see the foxes being pet and interacting with visitors. Winter Is the Best Time To Visit Zao Fox Village Photo：Arctic fox When it gets cold, foxes put on their fluffy winter coats. Also, some of the foxes kept in the park are originally from cold climates, so if you want to enjoy Zao Fox Village to the fullest, we recommend visiting during the winter! However, winters in Zao are quite harsh for people, so be sure to wear warm clothes! Overview of the Facilities at Zao Fox Village Photo：A goat at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture The following facilities can be found at Zao Fox Village: ・A fox petting area ・A domestic animal petting area There are also rabbits, goats, ponies and other animals grazing in the park. ・A fox breeding area Be sure to follow precautions as the parent foxes that have just given birth can be quite skittish. ・A dining area ・A store: Souvenirs from Zao Fox Village can be purchased here. ・The Play-hub rest area: Here you can take a break while watching the natural scenery and the foxes at play. ・Inari Shrine: If there's one thing to remember about foxes in Japan it's their relation to Inari shrines. ・The woods More than 100 foxes live peacefully in a natural wooded environment. ・Parking lot: Parking available for ~100 cars. Summary of Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture Photo：A fox at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture It’s said that foxes live everywhere in Japan, but wild foxes are very wary and rarely seen in daily life. However, if you visit Zao Fox Village, shown in the video, you'll have the chance to see six different species of foxes up close. The closest station to Zao Fox Village is JR Shiroishi Station. It takes about 21 minutes to reach Zao Fox Village by cab from the station. JR East also operates the regular sightseeing bus, "Miyagi Zao Fox Village." 【Official Website】Zao Fox Village http://zao-fox-village.com/en 【Tripadvisor】Miyagi Zao Fox Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023408-d7388189-Reviews-Miyagi_Zao_Fox_Village-Shiroishi_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

About the Fukushima Oze Introductory Video This video, titled "OZE.jp Fukushima Oze PR Movie," was released by "PrefFukushima." "Fukushima Oze," introduced in the video, is the nickname for the route and area leading to Oze from the Fukushima Prefecture side. Oze National Park is a vast area of natural marshlands that spans four prefectures: Fukushima prefecture, Gunma prefecture, Niigata prefecture, and Tochigi prefecture. Oze is famous for Ozegahara, a marshland on the Gunma side, but the route that enters Oze from the Fukushima prefecture side is called Fukushima Oze, and it has also been gaining popularity as a sightseeing route full of natural scenery. In this video, you can see two women trekking the mountain while traveling around Fukushima Oze. Hiking at Fukushima Oze Photo：Lake Ozenuma, Fukushima Prefecture Walking along the promenade of Fukushima Oze Route, you can enjoy the natural scenery of Japan's four seasons. Take a shuttle bus to Numayama Pass, the starting point of the Oze Route, and then proceed to the Oe Marsh, which can be seen from 1:15 in the video. You'll also find seasonal alpine plants, such as skunk cabbage and day lilies, blooming in the Oze Highlands and around Lake Ozenuma in the spring, creating a magnificent view, as shown at 0:51 in the video. Sightseeing Locations at Fukushima Oze Photo：Ozegahara seen from Hiuchigatake, Fukushima Prefecture There is a fishing pond full of char in Hinoemata, a village where you can enjoy fishing surrounded by nature. We definitely recommend stopping by Sanjo Falls, one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. In Oze, be sure to drop by famous places, such as Hashiba no Banba and Seirou-zukuri Itakura (セイロウ造り板倉), a famous place in Nushiri-daira. Hinoemata Shrine also has a stage where you can see traditional Hinoemata Kabuki. The area around Hiuchigatake, one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains​, that can be seen from 1:34 in the video, is another recommended sightseeing route. Visit the summit of Hiuchigatake from Lake Miike via Hirosawa Tashiro and Kumazawa Tashiro. After sightseeing in Oze, you can head over to Hiuchi no Yu (燧の湯), a hot spring at the foot of Mt. Hiuchigatake. There is also an open-air outdoors bath, so you can spend an excellent time bathing while gazing at the vast nature. Events and Gourmet Food in Oze Photo：Shrine at Mini Oze Park, Fukushima Prefecture The "Fukushima Oze-Hinoemata Mountain Festival" is held every year at Fukushima Oze. There are hiking tours, outdoor events, stage shows and workshops, and markets where you can shop for outdoor goods, so we recommend lining up your trip to visit Fukushima Oze at the time of this event. If you're looking to enjoy delicious food in Oze, we recommend Aizu's famous mountain dish, "Tachi-soba." At Mini Oze Park, you can buy a mysterious dessert called "salamander gelato" (サンショウウオジェラート). Summary of Fukushima Oze Photo：Fukushima Oze, Fukushima Prefecture Oze, with its abundance of nature, is closed in the winter due to the cold weather, but is a great tourist attraction for hiking in the warmer months. In addition to beautiful natural spots like the ones shown in the video, there are also spots where you can enjoy traditional performing arts and local cuisine, so be sure to check it out!

Video introduction of activities in Kiso Town, Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture If you're interested in enjoying fun activities in Nagano prefecture, we highly recommend you check out this video! This video, titled "Tons of Fun in Nagano Prefecture! Kiso Edition" (信州でアクティビティを楽しもう！～木曽 編～), created by "Shinshu Furusato Wari Channel" (信州ふるさと割チャンネル), introduces various activities in the Kiso area. Kiso in Nagano prefecture is gaining popularity as a spot to enjoy various outdoor activities, such as canoeing at the beautiful, yet not-well known, Ontake lake (御岳湖), or taking part in a yoga classes at Mt. Ontake (御嶽山). There's plenty of fun activities for you to try in Kiso, all packed into this short 3 minute long video! Make sure you get the most out of your trip to Nagano prefecture by trying out some of the activities featured in this video! Activities to Try Out at Mt. Ontake Source :YouTube screenshot Kiso is a beautiful town in Nagano prefecture, surrounded by nature and situated at the foot of Mt. Ontake. Mt. Ontake is popular among mountain climbers, and thanks to the Ontake Ropeway (御岳ロープウェイ) beginners can also enjoy the scenery from the top of the mountain. It's the perfect spot to take photos. Don't forget to share them on your Instagram! You can take a look at the scenery from 1:51 in the video. There are several mountain retreats situated halfway up the mountain for those who wish to stay overnight. There are many fun tours and activities to take part in as well, including lunch and yoga on the mountain. For those who wish to be one with nature, we highly recommend taking part in one of the outdoor yoga classes. At 2:21 in the video, you can see students practicing yoga on top of Mt. Ontake under the beautiful blue sky. It provides a great opportunity to refresh both your body and mind. Lake Activities in Kiso, Nagano Source :YouTube screenshot At the foot of Mt. Ontake lies Ontake lake and Lake Shizenko (自然湖). In the village of Otaki (王滝), you can take part in the "Ontake Adventure Shizenko Nature Canoe Tour" (おんたけアドベンチャー自然湖ネイチャーカヌーツアー), and at Ontake lake you can try out "Ontake Lake Canoe Touring" (おんたけ湖カヌーツーリング). Even if you're a complete beginner, you can still take part in the canoe tours as there will be instructors to guide you along the way. Canoeing amidst the beautiful scenery of Nagano prefecture is an experience that you can't afford to miss! You can take a look at the canoe tours from 0:13 in the video. As you can tell from the video, the view of Kiso from the canoe is really something special! There are many tours and activities to enjoy in the beautiful town of Kiso! Summary of Kiso, Nagano The town of Kiso suffered a lot of damage due to the eruption of Mt. Ontake in 2014. However the town is recovering and the number of tourists is increasing every year. There are now many facilities where you can enjoy activities such as those featured in this video. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video and take a look at the beautiful scenery Kiso has to offer. After watching the video, you're sure to want to take a trip to Kiso and experience it all for yourself!

Hoshino Resort Tomamu, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido, Japan Activity Video Introduction This video, titled "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Activities," was created by "LHK VISIONWORKS JAPAN." It introduces the appeal of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in the Hokkaido area. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is located about 90 minutes from Shin Chitose Airport, in Shimukappu Village. It's gaining popularity as a resort facility where you can spend a relaxing time in luxury. Let's take a look at how you can enjoy the snowy landscape of Hokkaido's Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. In the video, we'll introduce activities that can be enjoyed in the snow and activities at the facilities of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! After watching the video we have no doubt you'll be putting this on your itinerary for your next visit to Japan! Enjoy the Snowy Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Source:YouTube screenshot Hokkaido, one of the snowiest areas in Japan, is a great place to enjoy winter activities. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, kids' snowmobiles, snow inter-tubing, snow striding, dog sledding, banana boating, ice fishing, day snow camping / night snow camping with tents in the snow, snowshoe downhilling, and more. There's endless fun to be had at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! There are also limited time events and tours, such as the snowmobile tour, snow buggy tour, a horse riding experience, smelt fishing experience, cross-country skiing experience, and more! There's a ton of activities that can only be enjoyed here! Even small children can enjoy the snowy landscape of Hokkaido through activities such as the snowy field sleigh park and building snowmen. There is also a ski school, so even beginners can try their hand at winter sports. You don't need to worry about bringing your own skis either, as there are plenty of rentals available. These activities can be seen from the start of the video until 1:24. The scenes of both children and adults alike enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland in Hokkaido is truly heartwarming. Hokkaido's Ice Hotel At Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu, an integrated resort of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in winter, the Ice Village is available for a limited time. The ice hotel is where the ceilings, floors, and furniture are all made of ice! There is also an open-air ice bath, an ice chapel, and an ice bar counter, so there's plenty of ways for you to enjoy your time. You can see this at 2:30 in the video. Take a moment to admire the fantastic atmosphere. The Gondolas at Hoshino Resort Tomamu! ©Akiko_Kubosawa Modifying You can enjoy the natural snowscape of the magnificent Hidaka Mountains from the terrace that can be accessed by gondola. There's a limited time illumination event as well, so be sure to check it out if you get the chance. You might not feel like getting up early on your vacation, but we recommend waking up early during the summer and riding a gondola to the Sea of Clouds (Unkai Terrace), a terrace located above the clouds. If the weather permits it, you'll get a superb view of the clouds, spanning as far as the eye can see. From the gondola, you can sometimes see a herd of Hokkaido sika deer as well. It's quite a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in Japan. Enjoying Your Stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Source:YouTube screenshot Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's largest heated indoor swimming pool, Minamina Beach, is one of Japan's most popular spots where you can enjoy summer fun in the middle of winter. You can also enjoy the playground with equipment such as the "Cyber Wheel," as well as paddle boarding and various water activities. The indoor facilities are introduced starting at 1:25. It's a truly luxurious facility where you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere after playing in the snow. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu has a variety of gourmet options, including buffet dining and authentic Italian restaurants, so you won't have to worry about eating out during your stay. We also recommend enjoying the view from "Tomamu the Tower." Summary of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu With a land area the size of approximately 213 Tokyo Domes (~2,500 acres), Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers many unique experiences. The video also shows many visitors playing at the Hoshino Resort Tomamu, all smiling and enjoying themselves. If you're looking to have the trip of your life in Hokkaido, look no further than Hoshino Resorts Tomamu! ◆Hoshino Resort Tomamu◆ 【Address】〒079-2204 Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu, Hokkaido 【Access】There is a shuttle bus from Sekishou Line Tomamu Station to each facility 【Admission Fee】It varies depending on the facility used. If you want more information, please check official website. 【Gours】 It varies depending on the facility used. If you want more information, please check official website. 【Closures】Closures vary by facility. Please check the official website for more details. 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】0167-58-111 【Official website】Hoshino Resort Tomam https://www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/en/

Video introduction of “Koga-style Ninja” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture and Koka City, Shiga Prefecture This video, produced by "Shinobi no Sato Iga Koka Ninja Council" is titled "KOKA NINJA PR ４K　HD- 甲賀流忍者PR." Koka Shinobi no Sato is a popular spot designated as a Japanese heritage site. You can visit the training grounds of the Koka school of ninja, the Karakuri house, a ninja meeting place and other sites where you can learn about the ways of the ninja! If you're a fan of ninjas, check out this video! The History and Names of Ninjas Photo：Ninja The ninja shown in the video is an entity that served the feudal lords of Japan from the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573 AD) to the Edo period (1603 to 1868 AD) through the use of ninjutsu. Besides the name "ninja," they have also been called or are known as "Shinobi" (忍び), "Rappa" (乱破), "Suppa" (素破), "Sou" (草), "Dackou" (奪口), and "Kamari" (かまり). Ninjas used tools such as shuriken, kama, and kunai, and mainly worked in espionage, sabotage, infiltration tactics, conspiracy, and assassination. It is said that there were also female ninja called "kunoichi." The Birthplace of Ninja and Their Styles Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in the video, there are two schools of Japanese ninja- the Iga style and the Koka style. The Koka school of ninja were active in the region of Koka in the province of Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture). The Iga school of ninja were active in the Iga province (today's Mie Prefecture). There is a slight difference in the use of techniques between the Koka and Iga schools. The physical prowess of the ninja was quite high, and the Iga school of ninja is said to have organized groups of a hundred men and used a variety of techniques to fight in the dark during conflicts such as the Tensho Iga War and the Tensho Iga Rebellion that occurred during the Warring States period (c. 1467-1615). It is said that they took a leap forward. It is said that even today, in 2020, there are survivors of the ninja in Japan. Summary of the Koka and Iga Ninja Village Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:24 in the video, you can enjoy sightseeing at the Ninja Village in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, including things like visiting the Ninja Mansion and taking a Koka Ninja test. There are other hands-on experiences in Japan where you can dress up in samurai and warrior costumes as well. On top of that, there are comics, anime, and movies that feature ninja, so be sure to check them out if you're interested. If you enjoy learning about Japanese history, or are just a fan of ninjas, be sure to take a look at the video! 【Official Website】Shinobi no Sato Iga/Koka https://www.shinobinosato.com/en/index.html

This video, titled "KENDAMA JAPAN No.1 Shigeki Hiroshi [Japan's Ten-Time Kendama Champion, Hiroshi Shigeki]" (KENDAMA JAPAN No.1 Shigeki Hiroshi【けん玉日本一10度制覇 しげきひろし】), was released by "Shigeki Hiroshi" (しげきひろし). Hiroshi Shigeki, is a kendama master who has won the number one kendama title in Japan 10 times. He started playing kendama at the age of 10 and has won over 50 kendama tournaments and set a world record at the Kendama Conference. The video shows a number of awesome tricks, so be sure to give it a watch!

Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans This is a promotional video created by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, that introduces the production process of Marugame uchiwa fans, a specialty product of Marugame, Kagawa prefecture. The fascinating craftsmanship of these traditional artisans is a sight to behold. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article. The History of Marugame Uchiwa Fans Source :YouTube screenshot Marugame uchiwa fans are a craft that have been produced in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, also known as Sanuki, since the Edo period. Kagawa prefecture is promoted as the "Udon prefecture" by both the prefecture and the tourism association, with the local specialty being Sanuki Udon. Marugame uchiwa fans were invented by the chief priest of Konpira Shrine in the Edo period (1603 to 1868) as an affordable souvenir for visitors. It was made of inexpensive materials, was lightweight, and came in a variety of designs, making it the perfect regional specialty. It uses Washi which is strong, yet light, and other traditional Japanese materials that are easy to process, such as bamboo. The Marugame uchiwa fans of today refer to the Otokodake-Hirae design (男竹平柄) which was first created in Meiji era. (1868 to 1912) Long-jointed Otokodake is used as the material for the skeleton of the fan, but round Otokodake was used in the original fans. During the Tenmei era(1781 to 1789), when the Marugame clan warriors were making fans as a manual occupation, Onnadake-Marue(女竹丸柄) became mainstream, and in the Meiji era, the "Otokodake-Hirae" became more common as it was considered a simpler technique. The process of creating Marugame uchiwa fans is shown in detail from 0:16 in the video. Please enjoy the techniques of these Japanese artisans. Kagawa Prefecture's Marugame Uchiwa Fans as Souvenirs Source :YouTube screenshot These days, Japanese fans can be bought online, and they come in a variety of different designs and prices. There are cool traditional Japanese designs, cute flower patterns like morning-glory and Chinese bellflower, and artistic patterns that show off the craftsman's skills, making them a great gift for people who enjoy Japanese crafts and culture. Uchiwa no Minato Museum is located in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, and is operated by the Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association. It displays different kinds of Japanese fans such as Shibu Uchiwa (渋うちわ, Shibu-Uchiwa) and Ikkanbari, introduces the production process, and sells them as well. There's also a workshop where you can experience Japanese culture by creating an original and unique Japanese fan for yourself. Summary of Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans The Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association has also started putting effort into training successors of the traditional craft. Marugame uchiwa fans have been certified as a traditional Japanese craft since 1997. At the peak of their popularity in 1955, 120 million fans were produced. In the video we're shown the production process, and you can come to understand the beauty and appeal of the traditional Marugame uchiwa fans that have been passed down for generations. 【Official Website】Uchiwa no Minato Museum https://marugameuchiwa.jp/facility 【Official Website】Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Edo Kiriko There are a variety of traditional crafts in Japanese culture, including "Edo Kiriko," a highly artistic piece of artwork that shines like a jewel. This is a video interview with an artisan of the traditional craft "Edo Kiriko," in which he talks about the process of making Edo Kiriko and the traditions of the craft. This article will briefly introduce Edo Kiriko alongside the video. Enjoy the beautiful art of Edo Kiriko, which has been handed down in Japan since ancient times. Edo Kiriko - A Compilation of Traditional Crafts Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft that has been handed down as part of traditional Japanese culture, is a historic traditional craft with beautiful jewel-like designs cut into glass. Edo Kiriko is said to have started in the late Edo Period (1750-1860 A.D.) when emery was used to engrave designs on the surface of glass. It gets its name from the cutting of the glass (切, pronounced "kiri," means cut in Japanese). Source :YouTube screenshot From the Taisho Era (1912-1926) to the early Showa period (around 1930), cut glass became popular, and a variety of products, such as tableware, became very popular. Now, prices vary from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen for the glass types and several millions of yen for jar types. Since each piece is hand crafted by an artisan, they are more expensive than regular glasses. Edo Kiriko is produced using Kagami crystal and soda lime glass. There are a very rich variety of patterns and colors used in the pieces. The video also includes an overview of the work in an Edo Kiriko workshop, and rare sketches can be seen at 3:10 in the video. The patterns show each artisan's sense of craftsmanship, and each artisan creates his or her own tasteful designs. The reason why many of the pieces are said to be high quality works of art is because of the skill of the artisans that create them. In the Edo period, the glassware was monochrome, but these days, they use glass with a colored surface layer. This is called "irogise" (color-dressing). Artisans design the colorful glasses while keeping in mind how they will look when drunk from. In the video, the Edo Kiriko artisan emphasizes that it's a traditional craft to be enjoyed by the eyes, which is why this part is so important. Although Edo Kiriko is an ancient Japanese culture, it is not a hereditary system; rather, it is passed down from generation to generation by apprentices who are serious about glass working. At 5:17 in the video, the artisan in the interview describes how he would like to continue to share his approach to Edo Kiriko with the next generation. Edo Kiriko - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot The following is a brief explanation of how Edo Kiriko is made. 1. Waridashi (Indexing) The glass is placed on a turntable and basic lines are drawn with a magic marker or similar writing instrument. This process is explained by the Edo Kiriko artisan at 3:10 in the video. 2. Arazuri (Rough Cutting) Making basic cuts that will be the basis for the pattern on the glass. 3. Sanbanzuri (Fine Cutting) Fine cuts are made into the glass. 4. Sokoishikake (Fine tuning of cuts) Smooth out the cuts so there are no irregularities. 5. Migaki (Polish) Polishing the glass to give it a nice shine. 6. Arai (Washing) Wash the glass. 7. Completed And it's finished! Edo Kiriko Makes a Great Gift, Souvenir, or Keepsake Photo：Edo Kiriko We highly recommended Edo Kiriko as a souvenir or gift. They can be purchased online and also at physical stores in Asakusa and Ginza, where you can see them up close and get a better look at their beauty. "Hanasho," with its main store in Kameido, and the "Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum" in Sumida, are famous for their shops, while the Edo Kiriko Cooperative in Kameido has a showroom where you can view various types of Edo Kiriko. Edo Kiriko includes glass cups, wine glasses, rock glasses, chilled sake cups, sake cups, sake glasses, sake bottles, lipped bowls, tumblers, beer glasses, and other items to suit your taste. Handmade Edo Kiriko would make a great gift for people of all ages. At the Edo Kiriko classes in Asakusa and Nihonbashi, you can experience the techniques of Edo Kiriko and draw patterns such as cherry blossoms and roses on glass. You can also learn the artisanal skills at the Edo Kiriko workshop and give a gift full of Japanese culture. At the Edo Kiriko Exhibition and the Edo Kiriko Museum, you can see many artisanal works of craft. If you want to see the craftsmanship in person, this is a great place to visit. You can also buy your favorite pieces as souvenirs. Like Edo Kiriko, "Satsuma-Kiriko" is another popular type of cut glass. These pieces are more suitable for ornamental purposes than Edo Kiriko. Summary of Edo Kiriko This article introduced the history of Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft in which Japanese craftsmanship truly shines. We recommend getting a pair of Edo Kiriko glasses that you can use for a variety of occassions. Due to the delicate nature of Edo Kiriko glass, they must be cared for more carefully than normal glasses. This video talks about the uncompromising dedication of Edo Kiriko artisans and the appeal of Edo Kiriko, which cannot be described in such a short amount of time. Please enjoy the video and learning about the depth of the ancient Japanese craft.

Check out the Video Introducing Maid Cafes in Japan! We'll take a close look at maid cafe culture in Japan. This is a video introducing Japan's maid cafes, “Introducing @home cafe Osaka main location PV” located in Osaka. The beginning of Otaku culture started in Japan. It has since spread all over the world and become popular worldwide. Many people are curious about this modern culture of maid cafes. Maid cafes, where maids work as waitresses, can be found in many places in Japan. However, maid cafes are mainly located in Akihabara, Tokyo and Nihonbashi, Osaka. If you are curious about Japanese modern cultures such as subculture and Otaku culture, please try visiting a maid cafe. Japan's Maid Cafe Culture Photo：Old town coffee shop It has been said that the origins of Japan's maid cafe culture started around theMeiji era (in 1912). “Cafe Lion” is the very first maid cafe, located in Ginza and Ueno in Tokyo. Maid cafes built a reputation for good looking Japanese girls wearing aprons on top of Japanese style uniforms. Throughout its long history, maid cafes have transformed and created the modern Kawaii culture of Japan. What Kind of Services Are Available at Japan's Maid Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video at 0:07, the maids are dressed in cute uniforms and give the best service. As you can see in the video at 0:45, there are several different menus available such as a photogenic cafe menu which is Instagrammable, and a rice omelet with a cute message on top. You can also enjoy having conversations with the maids and take pictures together. Some cafes hold a live singing performance as you can see in the video at 0:56. The Different Types of Japanese Maid Cafes Photo：Maid There are several different types of maid cafes in Japan. Besides the modern style maid cafe which you see in the video, there are Japanese themed cafes where they serve Japanese sweets as well. Popular maid cafes are the "@home cafe," in Akihabara and Osaka, and "Maid Ri-min" in Nagoya. It will be fun to visit different maid cafes in different cities. Each maid cafe has different prices and different menus. Japanese Maid Cafe Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese maid cafes became a modern culture of Japan, and it is a symbol of “Kawaii” culture. You can get more than what you get at regular restaurants. Please check the official website of each maid cafe for the service, menu, and pricing. Many cafes are perfect for first time visitors, so please don’t hesitate if you are new to maid cafes. ◆@Home cafe Osaka main location Outline◆ 【Address】B1F SEM building 1st floor, 4-9-13, Nihonbashi, Naniwa, Osaka-shi, Osaka 【Access】5 minutes walk from the ext 1-A at Ebisucho station on Osaka metro Sakaisuji line 【Admission Fee】Adult: 700 Yen 【Hours】11:00 〜 22:00 【Closures】Irregular 【Parking】Not available 【Phone Number】06-6585-9760 【Official Website】@Home cafe https://www.cafe-athome.com/

The Super Kendama Elementary Schooler! This video, titled "[Kendama｜5th Grader] 10 Amazing Tricks, One After Another! the Young Super Talent That Made It to the Finals!" (【KENDAMA】](「【けん玉 小学5年生】スゴ技10連発！世界選手権決勝トーナメントに最年少で進出したスーパーキッズ！【KENDAMA】」), was created by "Bukapi Bukatsu ONE" (「ブカピ 部活ONE」). The video shows 5th grader Maharu Tashiro performing 10 difficult Kendama tricks. Maharu Tashiro is a talented elementary school student, and the youngest finalist of the World Kendama Tournament. You can see his impressive techniques and high level skills in the video. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What is Kendama? Photo：Kendama Kendama is a wooden toy consisting of a cross-shaped handle (Ken) and a ball with a hole (Tama). Generally, Kendama is written as [けん玉 (Kendama)], using hiragana, but it's often written using Kanji such as "剣玉," (lit. sword ball) "拳玉," (lit. stick ball) or "剣球" (lit. sword sphere) (all pronounced Kendama). Kendama are comprised of just a few parts: Ito (string), Kensaki (spike), Osara (cup), and Tama (ball). The most general ways to grip Kendama are straight (Masugu) and tilted (Naname). Kendama has a long history and is generally believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). The electronic Kendama, Dejiken (デジケン), produced by Bandai (バンダイ), was also popular at one time. The Kendama Prodigy Source :YouTube screenshot The talented kid Maharu Tashiro, shown in the video is the Super Kendama kid who drew attention at the World Kendama freestyle Tournament "CATCH&FLOW2017," held in Tokyo in 2017. He performed amazing Kendama tricks in the Kendama tournament, which top Kendama performers from both inside and outside of Japan attended, and became the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament. He also participated in "CATCH&FLOW2018" the following year and advanced to the final, making him a finalist in back to back tournaments. Maharu Tashiro started playing Kendama when he was a 1st grader. He practices Kendama at least 2 hours a day. Sometimes he practices all day if it’s a holiday. This can be seen in the interview at 0:14 in the video. Source : YouTube screenshot He practiced by watching professional Kendama players an mimicking their techniques. His dream is to become the number one Kendama player in the world, so he practices hard to make this dream a reality. You can see his world class Kendama tricks from 0:25 in the video. Border Balance→Lighthouse Flip (Tonbogaeri) →Lighthouse (Touritsu), tap x2→Juggle lighthouse x2, Ruler of Time, Lightning Swap Spike (Inazuma swap ken), Windmill Warbler (Fusha Uguisu)→ Windmill Over the Valley (Fusha Taniwatari)→Windmill Spike (Fusha ken), Lunar Landing (getsumen)→ lighthouse flip (Tonbogaeri)→Lunar Landing Reverse (Uragetsumen)→Lighthouse Flip Tap (Tap tonbogaeri)→Cushioned Plunge (Cushion sakaotoshi), Flying Stick (Haneken), Clutch→Swirl (kurukuru waza), Tight Rope→Spike Juggle, Spike Juggle x 10. The tricks are absolutely incredible! Summary of the Kendama Prodigy! Did you enjoy reading about super Kendama kid? The video shows him performing 10 awesome Kendama tricks, so definitely check it out! If you're interested in Kendama, there are classes all over Japan where you can learn how to play Kendama. You can also purchase Kendama online at stores such as Amazon.

Japan's Amazing Vending Machines! The video we’ll introduce this time is titled "Japanese Vending Machines are AWESOME 日本の自販機すごい！！" It introduces some of the awesome vending machines you can find throughout Japan! The vending machines shown in the video can only be found in Japan, so be sure to check them out! The Vending Machines in the Video! Photo：Digital signage As you can see from 0:26 in the video, many of the vending machines placed in Japanese stations can accept not just cash, but train cards (electronic money such as Suica, etc.) as well. You can purchase coffee, tea, and juice just by tapping your card against the vending machine, so there's no need to carry any bothersome change. Japanese vending machines sell cold drinks, and in the winter there are hot drinks as well. This is a unique characteristic of Japanese vending machines that you won't find in other countries. A vending machine at Akihabara station is introduced at 2:05 in the video as well. This vending machine has a touchscreen and the description of each drink is displayed on the screen. There's also a vending machine for ice cream shown at 2:35 in the video. Features of Japan's Futuristic Vending Machines Photo：Vending machine Vending machines are handy machines where you can purchase a drink at the push of a button. The drinks are cheap too, costing only about 100-160 yen. Japan is said to be the vending machine superpower of the world, and there are about 2.56 million vending machines in Japan, which generate a whopping 2.2 trillion yen annually. They’re placed in various places throughout towns, and places like stations and offices, so you can grab a drink whenever you like. Types of Vending Machines and the History of the Vending Machine Vending machines were invented in Japan more than 100 years ago in 1890. Thereafter, from the Showa period (1926-1989) to the Heisei period (1989-2019), the types and provided services of vending machines continued to evolve. In recent years, there are even vending machines where you can purchase hot meals that include things like Takoyaki, and there are also vending machines that are used to take orders and dispense tickets at restaraunts. You can even get train tickets with vending machines. There are a fixed set of rules regarding the location and height of Japan’s vending machines, and they are placed according to these safety standards. Summary of Japan's Vending Machines Photo：Vending machine This article introduced talked about the different types of vending machines that can be found throughout Japan, and how to buy products from them. The functions of vending machines continue to evolve year after year and there are an increasing number of them making it more convenient to get what you need, and it's even gotten easier to pay thanks to things like electronic money. The vending machines that Japanese people use in their day to day lives are often seen as amazing futuristic devices. If you're planning on visiting Japan, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some amazing vending machines!

A world just like the one in the movie “Frozen”! Introducing the “Snow Crystal Museum” in Hokkaido! Before we begin, please watch the video [A snow princess, “Asahikawa museum reminding of the movie Frozen（雪のプリンセス 旭川の美術館「アナ雪に似てる」と人気に）” ] uploaded by “Mainichi Newspaper” posted above. Feel the atmosphere just like in “Frozen.” The atmosphere covers the entire museum. The movie “Frozen” is a popular Disney movie was released in 2013. And the fantastical museum in Hokkaido has recently attracted a lot of attention, mainly on SNS, as it is just like in the movie “Frozen.” What kind of tourist spot is the Snow Crystal Museum? Source :YouTube screenshot The Snow Crystal Museum in Asahikawa, Hokkaido was built in 1991, with the image of snow crystals in mind. The spiral staircase at 0:26 in the video has garnered a lot of attentions on social media platforms. People began making comments on review websites saying that the view in the museum reminded them of the castle in the movie “Frozen.” Since then, the annual number of visitors suddenly jumped to 80,000! A princess experience at the “Snow Crystal Museum”. Source :YouTube screenshot You can rent the gorgeous dresses and transform yourself into a princess at the Snow Crystal Museum in Hokkaido.It feels even more surreal when you take a picture at the castle entrance reminiscent of medieval Europe, or in the frozen corridors. If you're interested in the princess experience, please check out 0:52 in the video to see what it's like. Besides the photogenic, sparkling stained glass sector, there's also a theater, a resource center, a cafe, restaurants and a gift store are available. The “Snow Crystal Museum” is also a perfect place for a wedding! This museum is also suitable for a wedding, wedding photo venue, or various other events. Thanks to Hoshino resort and other hotels in the area, it makes for a very convenient location for visitors. An overview of Hokkaido's “Snow Crystal Museum”. Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, the Snow Crystal Museum in Hokkaido is a popular Instagram spot as well. The facility has many features that a strikingly similar to the castle in “Frozen.” Asahikawa Zoo is another popular tourist spot in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, so try and stop by the Snow Crystal Museum after your visit to the zoo (or vice versa). If you like the movie “Frozen,” or you were fascinated by the video, please visit the Snow Crystal Museum in Hokkaido! ◆Snow Crystal Museum◆ 【Address】 3-1-1 Minamigaoka, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 【Operating Hours】9am - 5pm 【Entrance fee】Adult 800 yen, High school and University students 600 yen, Elementary, Middle school students 500 yen, over 65 400 yen 【Access】15 minutes by bus from JR Asahikawa Station, 10 minutes by car from Hokkaido Express way Asahikawa Takasu Interchange. 【Parking】 Available (Free) 【Telephone No】0166-736-7017 【Tripadvisor】Snow Crystal Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g319103-d1424077-Reviews-Snow_Crystal_Museum-Asahikawa_Hokkaido.html

Introducing IR! This video "Understanding IR in 3 minutes", by Kato Ayako（「IR(カジノ含む統合型リゾート)」　加藤綾子【3分でわかる】）” is a news clip that talks about how Yokohama, Kanagawa has started preparing to attract IR in October 2019. The lifting of IR is explained in the video in detail, and we will explain IR in this article so you can follow along. What is IR? Source :YouTube screenshot IR stands for Integrated Resort. They have facilities such as conference halls, exhibition halls (MICE facilities), restaurants, shopping areas, hotels and even theaters. Furthermore, they can have amusement parks, sports facilities, cinemas, and warm baths as well. You can see the explanation of IR from 0:21 in the video. The “Casino Law” was established in 2018 and the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is planning to approve up to three locations for IR, in Japan. By October of 2019, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagasaki and Wakayama had already announced their candidacy, while Nagoya, Tokoname in Aichi, and Odaiba in Tokyo are still considering the option. Pros and cons of IR Photo：Casino slots Admission fees are collected by the Japanese government divided between the government and the prefectures. Casino profits are returned to IR conference halls and entertainment facilities. This will boost tax revenue, increase tourism and generate economic benefits leading to regional revitalization. Yokohama estimated that the effect on annual revenue will lead to a growth of 80 to 120 billion yen ($743m to $1.1B USD). But there are concerns about gambling addiction, the influence it will have on the younger generation, and the deterioration of security it may cause. In order to establish IRs in Japan, measures for preventing gambling addiction are being considered. What are casinos like? Photo：Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Casinos are popular in Las Vegas and Macao. Japanese people are not familiar with casinos, but there are Pachinko parlors in Japan, so casinos are expected to become popular as well. Starting casinos will also benefit the economy through casino tax revenue which is helped by the influx of tourists from abroad. In fact, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was able to increase the number of foreign tourists and tourism consumption in a similar fashion. This is shown in the video from 2:08. In a nutshell Photo：A casino IR is expected to become a new attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. The video gives a great overview on IR, so definitely check it out if you found this article interesting. We recommend using subtitles if you don't speak Japanese! It will be interesting to see what new information on dates and companies is released in the near future.

東京ディズニーランド公式ホテル こちらで紹介する動画は「東京ディズニーリゾート公式/TokyoDisneyResortOfficial」が公開した「【公式】東京ディズニーランドホテル イメージ動画 | ディズニーホテル/DisneyHotels」です。 日本の観光地の中でも人気抜群なのが東京ディズニーランドです。 JR舞浜駅から降りれば、目の前は東京ディズニーランドと東京ディズニーシーがある東京ディズニーリゾートと呼ばれる人気の観光名所。 東京ディズニーランドはアジア初のディズニーランド！ それが日本に上陸したのは1983年のこと。 以来年間入場者数は毎年1,600万人を超える日本屈指の観光スポットとなりました。 そして東京ディズニーリゾートには魅力溢れる3つのディズニーホテルがあるんですよ。 動画では壮大なシャンデリアがお迎えしてくれるアトリウムロビーを有する東京ディズニーランドホテルをメインに紹介していますので、ヴィクトリア朝時代のデザインをイメージしたファンタジー溢れる夢のホテルの模様をお楽しみください。 日本の観光ホテルの中でもハイクラス！ヴィクトリア朝様式の東京ディズニーランドホテル 画像引用 :YouTube screenshot 東京ディズニーランドホテルはモノレールの「東京ディズニーランドステーション」で下車した目の前がホテルのエントランスです。 ホテル内はディズニー映画の雰囲気そのまま再現！ 中でも豪華なアトリウムロビーを持つエントランスは圧巻です。 東京ディズニーランドホテル内にはいたるところにミッキーマウスやミニーなどおなじみのキャラクターの隠れモチーフがちりばめられているので、隠れミッキーマウスを探すのもお楽しみの一つです。 東京ディズニーランドホテルの詳細（宿泊プランや料金、イベント情報など）は東京ディズニーリゾートの公式サイトでもご確認いただけます。 東京ディズニーシーの園内にあるホテルミラコスタ！ 画像引用 :YouTube screenshot 東京ディズニーランドの隣にあるディズニーシーの園内にある豪華なホテルミラコスタ！ 日本では東京ディズニーランドホテルに次いで2つめのディズニーランドとしてオープンした観光ホテルです。 お部屋からは園内の港が見えるデッキがあり、そこから景色を眺めていると、まるでディズニー映画のキャラクターになったよう！ こんなインスタ映えするポイントが客室にあるって最高ですね。 レストランの料理も豪華でここが日本であることを忘れてしまいそうな魅力溢れるホテルです。 記念日にはスペシャルなルームサービスなどいかがでしょうか？ ファンタジーと冒険につつまれたバリュータイプの東京ディズニーセレブレーションホテル 画像引用 :YouTube screenshot 新浦安エリアにあり、シンプルなサービススタイルで手軽にリゾート気分が満喫できる穴場的な名所が東京ディズニーセレブレーションホテルです。 アクセスは東京ディズニーランドと東京ディズニーシーから無料シャトルバスで約20分。 JR新浦安駅から徒歩約10分です。 東京ディズニーランドホテルやホテルミラコスタに比べるとお値段も手頃なのでディズニーランドアンバサダーもおすすめ！ そして日本に観光旅行で訪れる海外の方も多く宿泊している人気のホテルなのです。 東京観光するのなら絶対に外せない東京ディズニーランド公式の3つのホテル紹介まとめ 東京ディズニーランドは首都圏観光の目玉の一つ。 毎年1,600万人以上が訪れる日本有数の観光地です。 東京ディズニーランドホテルの贅沢な空間をこの動画でお楽しみください。

This video, titled "Tobu Zoo [Saitama Prefecture Official Sightseeing Videos]" (東武動物公園【埼玉県公式観光動画】), was released by "ChokotabiSaitama." In this video, you can see what's going on in Tobu Zoo in Saitama Prefecture. It introduces scenes of Monkey Mountain and lunchtime for the elephants. The white tigers are both cute and powerful, and you can enjoy their exhibits. Be sure to check them out in the video!

■Table of Contents Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction A Brief Introduction to Hachioji An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The History of the Hachioji Festival Dashi no Buttsuke The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures Min'yo Nagashi Food Stalls and Vendors at the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Fireworks Festival Hachioji Festival 2026 Event Information August 7, 2026 (Friday) August 8, 2026 (Saturday) August 9, 2026 (Sunday) Other Things to Do in Hachioji How to Get to Hachioji Hachioji Festival Summary Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Hachioji Festival Video Introduction" (八王子まつり紹介動画), was uploaded by "Hachioji Festival" (八王子まつり). The video introduces the Hachioji Festival, a famous summer festival in Hachioji, Tokyo, featuring 19 floats with elaborate carvings and gorgeous decorations parading along the Koshu Kaido, as well as an introduction to the floats and other attractions during the event in Japan's Kanto Region. Be sure to check out the video to see what the Hachioji Festival is like! A Brief Introduction to Hachioji Hachioji, located in western Tokyo, is the second largest city in the Tokyo Metropolis, with a population of approximately 580,000. The name of the city comes from the eight princes that are enshrined at Hachioji Temple, located at Hachioji Castle ('hachi' meaning 'eight,' and 'oji' meaning 'princes'). Hachioji was an important post town during the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) and as such, the historic Koshu Kaido (a highway used by merchants during the Edo Period) can befound running through the town. Hachioji is famous for its delicious Hachioji Ramen and the beautiful Mt. Takao, which is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts from all over Japan and even abroad. An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival Photo：Hachioji Festival, Hachioji, Tokyo How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The Hachioji Festival is usually held around Koshu Kaido Road and on Nishihoshasen You Road (西放射線ユーロード). The main venue is the stretch from JR Hachioji Station Intersection to Oiwake Intersection (追分交差点) on the Koshu Kaido. Hachioji Station is located in the center of Hachioji, making it a convenient place to visit for sightseeing. The Hachioji Festival is held annually around early August. The exact dates and times vary from year to year, so it's recommended that you check the official Hachioji Festival website or tourist information when you visit. The dates for the 2026 event are Friday, August 7, Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9. It can be difficult to find a parking spot during the Hachioji Festival, so we recommend using public transportation. The History of the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Festival is a famous festival of Hachioji, Tokyo. Formerly known as the Hachioji Citizens' Festival, Hachioji Festival is famous as a traditional event that preserves the history of Hachioji and as one of the best dashi (float) festivals in Japan's Kanto Region. The origins of the Hachioji Festival can be traced back to the Hachioji Citizens' Festival that began in 1961. At the time, the festival was held in Fujimori Park as a way for the citizens of Hachioji to cool off during the hot summer. Today, the festival is held on the Koshu Kaido, a historic highway, and has become a major summer event that attracts many people from both inside and outside of the city. The dashi (float) festival, which has been held since the Edo Period (1603-1868), is especially popular among people from downtown Hachioji. The festival at Taga Shrine is called Kami no Matsuri (upper festival), and the festival at Hachiman-Hachioji Shrine is called Shimo no Matsuri (lower festival). Photo：A lion dance and ibayashi, Hachioji Festival In addition to the parade of gorgeous floats, the Hachioji Festival is characterized by a variety of events, including a folk song parade, lion dances, and ibayashi (a type of noh performance accompanied by hayashi), an ice sculpture exhibition, the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, and a children's ondo performance. [Video] 5:55 - The Children's Ondo Performance [Video] 7:06 - Min'yo Nagashi [Video] 8:41 - A Lion Dance and Ibayashi Miyamikoshi Togyo is a portable shrine procession that takes place during the festival in which a huge portable shrine called Sengan Mikoshi is carried throughout the city. The shrine weighs approximately 3 tons and its an exciting event to watch. During the evening there are also dance performances by geisha and maiko from Hachioji. [Video] 6:22 - A Dance Performance by Geisha and Maiko [Video] 8:03 - The 3-ton Mikoshi (Portable Shrine) Dashi no Buttsuke – A Musical Showdown During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Dashi no Buttsuke, Hachioji Festival Among the many highlights of the Hachioji Festival, one of the most popular is the Dashi no Buttsuke, a competition of beautiful floats. Dashi (Japanese festival floats) are huge, decorated carts that are pulled or carried by hand during festivals. The floats, which survived even the fires of wat, have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by the city of Hachioji and are a reminder of the history and traditions of the festival. Dashi no Buttsuke, one of the most popular events during the festival, is a musical showdown between floats. Each float is from a different area, and when they pass by each other, they pull over to show their local pride through a musical duel. Each float plays their own hayashi (a type of Japanese festival music), but if they end up playing to the other's music, they lose the battle. When the floats appear on the streets of Hachioji, they are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere. The 19 floats parading through the streets are a sight you don't want to miss! The power of the floats and the traditional musical showdown between each of them is great for taking photos and videos to share on Instagram and other social networking sites. [Video] 8:51 - The Parade Floats [Video] 9:21 - A Musical Battle Between Floats Photo：Yokoyama 3-chome float, Hachioji Festival The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Here, we'll introduce the floats of 19 towns that participate in the Hachioji Festival. ●Motohongo's Float This is a style of float built based on carts used before 1978. [Video] 10:21 - Motohongo's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Yagi's Float This float features an eye-catching carving of a giant eagle and a karahafu, a unique type of architecture often seen in Japanese castles, temples, and shrines. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 10:55 - Yagi's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Hiyoshi's Float This is the first float of its kind in Hachioji. Note the male and female peacock carvings on the front karahafu. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 11:28 - Hiyoshimachi's float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Oiwake's Float A two-tiered float built in 1914. What makes this float unique is the carvings of dragons on the panels. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:08 - Oiwake-machi float ●Hachimankami's Float This float was built in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It's also called "Kurama no Dashi" (Float of Kurama) because it used to carry dolls of Kurama Tengu and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It was extensively renovated in 1915, and has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:40 - Hachimankami's Float The video introduces the features and highlights of all the floats in an easy-to-understand manner, so please be sure to check it out. [Video] 12:01 - Okadomachi's Float [Video] 12:34 - Sennincho 1-chome's Float [Video] 14:15 - Hiraoka's Float [Video] 14:47 - Hachimancho 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 15:53 - Oyokocho's Float [Video] 16:26 - Yokamachi 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 17:00 - Honmachi's Float [Video] 17:34 - Kamiyokamachi's Float [Video] 18:06 - Minamishincho's Float [Video] 18:39 - Yokoyama 3-chome's Float [Video] 19:12 - Nakacho's Float [Video] 19:44 - Misaki's Float [Video] 20:19 - Moto-Yokoyama's Float [Video] 20:51 - Minamicho's Float In 2017, a total of 19 floats from different town councils lined up to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary. The sight of the illuminated floats all lined up in a row was incredible! Photo：Hachioji Festival floats 'Sengan Mikoshi' – A Powerful Event During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Sengan Mikoshi, Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi refers to a massive portable shrine. The name "Sengan Mikoshi" comes from the fact that the shrine is said to weighs as much as 1,000 kan (1 kan = 3.75 kg) or 3.75 tons. ※"Sen" means "one thousand" in Japanese. The sight of everyone working together to carry the Sengan Mikoshi, said to be one of the heaviest portable shrines in Japan's Kanto region, along the historic Koshu Kaido, is a spectacle in itself. The Sengan Mikoshi procession is held on the last day of the Hachioji Festival. Many portable shrines, led by the Sengan Mikoshi, parade through the streets of Hachioji. The mikoshi carriers wear matching costumes and shout loudly to liven up the festival. The solemn appearance of the mikoshi, the vigorous bearers, and the crowds of spectators that fill the streets are overwhelming. The Sengan Mikoshi is one of the largest and heaviest portable shrines in Japan, and many people work together to carry it. When you visit the Hachioji Festival, try to get a close look at it! [Video] 7:44 - The Portable Shrine Procession Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures – Popular Events at the Hachioji Festival Photo：Taiko drums, Hachioji Festival Two of the most popular and noteworthy events of the Hachioji Festival are the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle is an event in which taiko groups from all over Japan's Kanto region gather to showcase their powerful performances. Visitors can enjoy listening to Japanese drum performances of various styles and genres. The sound of the taiko drums echoes across the land, resembling the beating heart of the festival. The audience is intoxicated by the roaring sound of the taiko drums, the excitement of the festival, and the brilliant baton work of the drummers. Source :Hachioji Matsuri, Hachinavi The Ice Sculpture Exhibition displays beautiful sculptures made of ice, and ice sculpting demonstrations are also popular. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the intricate techniques and fantastic creations of the ice sculptors, who skillfully carve the ice into a variety of shapes and designs. The cool, sparkling ice sculptures are a work of art that can only be seen for a limited time during the hot summer months. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition have become popular elements that add to the charm of the Hachioji Festival. Visitors enjoy the festival even more as they lose themselves in the power and rhythm of the taiko drums and are captivated by the beauty of the ice sculptures. [Video] 6:08 - Ice Sculpture Exhibition [Video] 6:44 - Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Min'yo Nagashi – The Hachioji Festival's Guinness World Record Bon Dance Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival Min'yo Nagashi, which has been certified as a Guinness World Record, is one of the many attractions of the Hachioji Festival. During the event, some 1,500 dancers in yukata gather along the 1.8-km-long Koshu Kaido and dance in unison. In August 2016, this annual event of the Hachioji Festival challenged the Guinness World Records for the largest number of people performing a bon dance. In the intense heat, 2,013 people formed a line and danced without missing a beat, and the event was successfully certified as a Guinness World Record. Food Stalls, Night Stalls, and Streets Vendors at the Hachioji Festival Approximately 200 food stalls will line the sidewalks on both sides of the Koshu Kaido, open from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The area covered by the stalls may vary from day to day, so please check the official Hachioji Festival website for the latest details. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival, Another Popular Summer Event in Hachioji Photo：Hachioji Fireworks Festival Another popular summer event in Hachioji is the Hachioji Fireworks Festival. Every year, many spectators gather to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display that colors the summer night sky. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival was held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm at Fujimori Park. The night sky of Hachioji will be beautifully colored by approximately 4,000 fireworks of various types, including a rapid-firing series of starmines. Starting in 2026, the athletics field in Fujimori Park has been turned into paid "personal sponsorship seating," and additional free viewing areas have been set up. Viewing arrangements may change from year to year, so please check the official announcements for the latest information. What is the schedule for the three days of the Hachioji Festival in 2026? [Event Dates] August 7 (Fri.), 8 (Sat.) and 9 (Sun.), 2026 [Event Information] ■Every day during the event Period Photo：Ibayashi, Hachioji Festival ・Ibayashi performances Schedule: (Fri.) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, (Sat. & Sun.) 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (until 6:00 pm at Ekimae Terrace) Location: Park Ichibangai Dori（パーク壱番街通り）, Ekimae Ginza Dori, opposite Kutsu no Marutaka（靴のマルタカ向い）, Joy 5th Avenue Dori, Kuwadou Terrace（桑都テラス）, Ekimae Terrace, opposite View Tower Hachioji, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation parking lot ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: (Fri.) 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm, (Sat.) 4:30 pm - 4:50 pm, (Sun.) 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: East and south sides of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Hachioji Festival stall ・Night stalls (approx. 200 stalls) Schedule: 12:00 pm - 8:30 pm Location: North and south sidewalks of the Koshu Kaido ■August 7, 2026 (Friday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :まえたけ's blog, Hachinavi ・Ice Sculpture Exhibition Schedule: 1:30 pm - 4:10 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Festival Eve Dance (Hachioji Geisha/Maiko) Schedule: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Nakamachi Park, Nishihoshasen You Road ・Float Display Schedule: 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ■August 8, 2026 (Saturday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Photo：The Children's Ondo Performance, Hachioji Festival ・Children's Ondo Performance Schedule: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, Hachioji Festival ・Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Schedule: 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival ・Min'yo Nagashi Schedule: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：A festival float procession, Hachioji Festival ・Float and portable shrine parade Schedule: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ■August 9, 2026 (Sunday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Lion Dance Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road and Ekimae Terrace Source :Hachinavi's 'Enjoy the last day of the 2018 Hachioji Festival! Introducing numerous photos of the festival!' Photo：Taga Shrine's portable shrine 'Sengan Mikoshi', Hachioji Festival ・Taga Shrine Sengan Mikoshi portable shrine parade Schedule: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Hachiman Yakumo Shrine portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Upper ward area portable shrine parades Schedule: 6:10 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Festival float gathering, Hachioji Festival ・Upper ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:40 pm - Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float parades Schedule: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower Ward Area Float "Nenban-okuri" (Duty Handover) Schedule: around 8:00 pm - 8:20 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Other Things to Do in Hachioji There are a number of things to do in Hachioji besides the Hachioji Festival, and here we'll introduce a few. Enjoy the View From Mt. Takao Mt. Takao is a beautiful mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo. The mountain features 7 hiking trails, all of which offer different views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The night view from Mt. Takao is also superb, and from the southeast side of the mountain you can enjoy a view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. Additionally, there is a cable car on the mountain as well, so less experienced hikers can enjoy the mountain without having to strain themselves. You can hike up or down and take the cable car for the other half of the trip, or if you don't feel like hiking at all, you can take it both ways. Takao Beer Mount Takao Beer Mount is a popular summer event in Hachioji that also takes place on Mt. Takao. The event features an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet. There are Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes served at the buffet, as well as craft beer from four different breweries in Hachioji. If you're planning on hiking up Mt. Takao and want to check out Takao Beer Mount as well, we recommend taking Trail 1, as most of the course is paved and it has rest areas as well. Try the Famous Hachioji Ramen Hachioji Ramen is a light, gentle, soy sauce-based ramen with chopped onions and fat floating in the soup. Although it's simple to make, it has been featured on many TV stations in Japan and is now a popular ramen from Hachioji, Tokyo. What makes Hachioji Ramen different from other ramen is the way the fat in the soup perfectly balances out the unique spiciness of the onions and enhances their flavor. The most common toppings for Hachioji Ramen are chashu (char siu, braised pork), nori (dried seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots). There is an endless number of things to do in Hachioji besides the attractions listed above. You can enjoy Setsubun festivals in the spring or in the fall you can visit and view the beautiful autumn leaves. If you're looking for places to go in Tokyo, be sure to add Hachioji to your itinerary. How to Get to Hachioji If you're visiting Hachioji from Tokyo, it's incredibly simple. From Tokyo Station it's a straight shot to Hachioji Station via train. Take the JR Chuo Line rapid train bound for Otsuki and get off at Hachioji Station (1 hr.). Hachioji Festival Summary The Hachioji Festival is the largest festival in Hachioji. It's a festival that both children and adults can enjoy, with floats, dancing, musical performances, ice sculptures, and more. The Hachioji Festival is steeped in history and tradition, and in 2003 it was awarded the Grand Prize for Regional Traditional Performing Arts. The Hachioji Festival is so lively that it will help you forget the summer heat! Be sure to make your way over this summer! 【TripAdvisor】Hachioji Festival .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". "; } /*.list-style-dot { list-style: "↓"; }*/ .list-style-dot>li::before{ content:"↓ "; } .list-style-dot>li { padding-left: 1.8rem; margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; line-height: 2rem !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; }

■Contents Introduction What Makes Kushiro Special: Port-Town Sunsets and Vast Nature in a Single Trip How Kushiro Lets You Enjoy Port-Town Sunsets and the Wild Nature of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park at Once Why the Kushiro Prince Hotel Is a Convenient Base for Both City Strolls and Out-of-Town Sightseeing Watching Kushiro's Sunset from Your Room: Why Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel What Sunset Views Can You Enjoy from the High-Floor Twin and Double Rooms? Kushiro's Sunset from Nusamai Bridge: A Scenic Spot Within Walking Distance of the Hotel When Is Kushiro's Sunset at Its Best? The Autumn Equinox (Around September 23) and Fall Highlights City Spots to Enjoy Around the Kushiro Prince Hotel: A Guide to Strolling the Port Town What Can You Enjoy at Fisherman's Wharf MOO? The Charms of a Waterfront Stroll What Is Washo Market's Katte-don? A Kushiro Classic Worth a Stop During Your Stay Robatayaki, Zangi and Spakatsu: How to Enjoy Kushiro-Born Dishes on an Evening Stroll How to Enjoy the Wild Nature of Kushiro Wetland: Expanding Your Sightseeing from the Kushiro Prince Hotel What Does Car Sharing from the Hotel Change? A Handy Way to Explore the Kushiro Area Freely What Can You See from the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory? A Place to Sense the Scale of Japan's Largest Wetland What Can You Do at Hosooka Observatory and the Onnenai Boardwalk? Enjoying the Wetland by View and on Foot What Kind of Journey Are the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train and Canoeing? Deeper Ways to Enjoy the Wetland What Is a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Like? Special Time in the Rooms, Dining and Facilities What Guest Rooms Does the Kushiro Prince Hotel Have? The Difference Between the Standard Floors and the High Floors What Kind of Restaurant Is Top of Kushiro? Dining with Views of the City and the Pacific Can Breakfast Change the Mood of Your Day? Why Mornings at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Enrich Your Trip How to Make the Most of Hotel Life with the Fitness Room, Rental Bikes and On-Site Facilities From Sunset to the Morning Sea: Can You Enjoy Scenery That Changes by the Hour? The Value of a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Does the Way You Enjoy the Kushiro Prince Hotel Change by Season? Sightseeing and Hotel Appeal Through the Year Is Spring in Kushiro Low in Cedar and Cypress Pollen? Why It's Chosen as a Getaway During Pollen Season Why Is Summer Kushiro Popular as a Cool-Weather Retreat? Why the Hotel's Appeal Comes Alive on Longer Stays How to See Red-Crowned Cranes in Winter Kushiro: Enjoying a Trip Centered on Crane Watching and Photography Adding One More Day to Your Kushiro Trip? Side Trips That Expand Your Eastern Hokkaido Journey Akkeshi Oysters and Winter Jewelry Ice: Scenery and Flavors Within a Day Trip from Kushiro Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Kushiro Sightseeing and a Hotel Stay: Why Choose the Kushiro Prince Hotel as Your Base Kushiro Prince Hotel: Essential Information Read more Of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido lies farthest north. Its eastern reaches, known for tourism purposes as "Higashi Hokkaido" (Eastern Hokkaido), include Kushiro, Nemuro, Akan, Mashu, and Shiretoko. The port town of Kushiro is a place you can enjoy in many ways depending on the season and the purpose of your trip: the wild nature of the Kushiro Wetland, known as Japan's largest wetland; the sunset viewed from Nusamai Bridge, counted among the world's three great sunsets; the seafood of Washo Market; and winter red-crowned crane watching. Photo: The maiden statue on Nusamai Bridge at the mouth of the Kushiro River, with the sunset dyeing the port crimson. A spectacular Kushiro view counted among the world's three great sunsets. In Kushiro, where the attractions are split between the city center and the outskirts, where you stay makes a real difference to how easily you can get around. If you want to comfortably enjoy strolling the city, driving out toward the wetland, and dining in the evening, it pays to book a place that's a convenient base for getting around. With that in mind, this article introduces tips for enjoying Kushiro sightseeing using the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base. The hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station on JR (Japan Railways, Japan's main railway group) and stands close to Nusamai Bridge, which spans the Kushiro River. As the tallest hotel in Kushiro, it offers sunset views you won't find elsewhere, Eastern Hokkaido cuisine served at its top-floor restaurant, and car sharing you can pick up and drop off right at the hotel. These thoughtful touches throughout make the stay itself part of the trip. (0:03) Photo: The exterior of the Kushiro Prince Hotel, the tallest hotel in Kushiro, standing near Nusamai Bridge about a 10-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station. For this article, we spoke with the Kushiro Prince Hotel staff who welcome guests there every day, weaving in ways to enjoy the area that only people working on the ground would know. Whether it's your first visit to Kushiro or you've already been several times, you're sure to find travel ideas built around the Kushiro Prince Hotel. What Makes Kushiro Special: Port-Town Sunsets and Vast Nature in a Single Trip The appeal of Kushiro sightseeing is that very different kinds of attractions are gathered within about a 30-minute to one-hour drive of one another. There's the port-town city center facing the Pacific, Japan's largest wetland, the spectacular sunset ranked among the world's three great sunsets, and Washo Market, counted as one of Hokkaido's three great markets. Even if you come with just one of these in mind, you'll naturally end up encountering the others during your stay; that's what defines Kushiro. And precisely because of this, the location of your base, your starting point for getting around, greatly shapes the quality of your trip. How Kushiro Lets You Enjoy Port-Town Sunsets and the Wild Nature of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park at Once Kushiro is a port town facing the Pacific and, at the same time, the gateway to the inland Kushiro Shitsugen National Park that spreads out around it. A national park is a natural area that the Japanese government designates for the protection of nature. Drive north from the city center and you'll reach the Kushiro Wetland, known as Japan's largest wetland. The Kushiro Wetland is a vast expanse of sweeping reed beds, meandering rivers, and rich birdlife. Photo: The Kushiro Wetland enjoyed on foot along a boardwalk surrounded by greenery. Beyond the views, you can feel nature up close on a walk. This wetland was also the first in Japan to be registered under the Ramsar Convention, back in the 1980s. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement aimed at protecting wetlands of global importance. In other words, the Kushiro Wetland is both a tourist destination and an environment recognized internationally for its conservation value. Because the wetland's main observatories and walking spots are also scattered within about an hour's reach, you can easily plan an itinerary that goes from a walk around town out into the wilderness, then back into town to enjoy the port-town evening. Why the Kushiro Prince Hotel Is a Convenient Base for Both City Strolls and Out-of-Town Sightseeing The Kushiro Prince Hotel stands in the heart of the city center, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station and close to Nusamai Bridge, which spans the Kushiro River. If you have a lot of luggage, it's just a few minutes by taxi from the station. Port-town spots such as Washo Market and Fisherman's Wharf MOO are within walking distance, and because it's easy to get out onto the main roads, the location offers relatively easy access for a drive out toward the Kushiro Wetland as well.It's an easy base to get around from whether you arrive by rail, by airport shuttle bus, or by car, so even on a first visit to Kushiro you can tour the sights efficiently.As for the gateway by air, Tancho Kushiro Airport is about 1 hour 40 minutes by plane from Tokyo (Haneda). Visitors coming from overseas commonly connect to a domestic flight at Tokyo or Sapporo (New Chitose Airport). From the airport to central Kushiro, you can travel by airport shuttle bus or taxi. If you're heading to the hotel, it helps to check the bus stop and travel time in advance. Watching Kushiro's Sunset from Your Room: Why Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel On a trip to Kushiro, the scene many people name as "unforgettable" is the sky at dusk. Ranked alongside Bali (Indonesia) and Manila (the Philippines) among the world's three great sunsets, Kushiro's evening view is a sight unique to the town, where the Pacific, the Kushiro River, and the lights of the port town merge into a single panorama. Since you've come all this way, you'll want to do more than just glance at it: You’ll want to make it a highlight of your stay. What Sunset Views Can You Enjoy from the High-Floor Twin and Double Rooms? For those who want to make the most of the sunset, the high floors on levels 15–16 are recommended.From a high-floor twin room, on clear days you can enjoy Kushiro's sunset, said to be one of the world's three great sunsets, right from your room. (0:17) Photo: A high-floor twin room. The sunset spreads out beyond the window, and on clear days you can enjoy one of the "world's three great sunsets" from your room. Likewise, the high-floor double bedroom is fitted with a king-size bed, so you can lie back near a window overlooking the Pacific and savor the sky as it shifts from orange to crimson and then to a purplish indigo as the sun sinks. Photo: A high-floor double bedroom with sweeping views of the Pacific. Savor the changing sky from the window beside the king-size bed. Being able to spend time in "a room made for taking in the view" is something only the tallest hotel in Kushiro can offer. Sitting by the window with a cup of coffee and gazing at the sky makes for a quintessentially Kushiro way to pass the time. Kushiro's Sunset from Nusamai Bridge: A Scenic Spot Within Walking Distance of the Hotel Nusamai Bridge, which crosses the mouth of the Kushiro River, is a symbol of Kushiro and an especially popular spot for photographing the sunset. Ranked alongside Sapporo's Toyohira Bridge and Asahikawa's Asahibashi Bridge as one of "Hokkaido's three great bridges," it's a historic bridge representative of Hokkaido, and the bronze statues of women at its four corners symbolizing spring, summer, autumn, and winter were each created by a different sculptor. At dusk, the silhouettes of these statues at the bridge's four corners rise against a sky tinged red, and the bridge is beloved as one of Kushiro's signature photo spots. (0:49) Photo: The retro bridge lamp of Nusamai Bridge rises as a silhouette against the sun setting on the horizon. Since it's within walking distance of the Kushiro Prince Hotel, a classic way to enjoy it is to stroll to the bridge with your camera once evening comes and watch the sunset up close. After the sun sets, you can head back to the hotel and spend time watching the town fade into darkness from your guest-room window, or savor the view from the top-floor restaurant on the 17th floor. Being able to enjoy the same sunset from two perspectives, outdoors and indoors, is a benefit unique to staying in the heart of the city center. When Is Kushiro's Sunset at Its Best? The Autumn Equinox (Around September 23) and Fall Highlights Kushiro's sunset can be enjoyed year-round, but it's especially striking in the period from around the autumnal equinox in late September into the fall. During this time the sun tends to set in line with the Kushiro River, so when you look out from around Nusamai Bridge, it becomes easier to photograph the sun appearing to drop toward the center of the river.In autumn in particular, the air is clear and you can see far into the distance, so the outline of the setting sun stands out sharply. In the 30 minutes or so after sunset, the sky shifts one after another to red, orange, purple, and indigo. If you're aiming for the kind of striking Kushiro sunset you see on social media, a clear day in September or October is when it photographs in the most vivid colors.Autumn in Kushiro runs from around September to October, with temperatures of roughly 6°C to 18°C. Since mornings and evenings get chilly, you'll be comfortable with layers you can add to, plus a light outer layer. Photo: Kushiro's townscape and port seen from high up. As the sun sets, the sky turns red and orange. City Spots to Enjoy Around the Kushiro Prince Hotel: A Guide to Strolling the Port Town The area around the Kushiro Prince Hotel is one where the representative spots of the port town of Kushiro are gathered within walking distance. Just by walking with a map in hand, you can efficiently visit quintessential Kushiro places: the sea, the market, the bridge, and the shopping street. Even on a day with limited time, such as your arrival or departure day, it's a convenient location for taking in the atmosphere of the town. What Can You Enjoy at Fisherman's Wharf MOO? The Charms of a Waterfront Stroll About an 8-minute walk from the hotel. Right by Nusamai Bridge, on the bank at the mouth of the Kushiro River, stands Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a complex commercial facility representing Kushiro's waterfront. Here you can enjoy Kushiro's cuisine and the atmosphere of the port town all in one place: shops selling local sake and seafood souvenirs, the "Minato no Yatai" food stalls where you can dine, and the outdoor "Ganpeki Robata," open typically from the third Friday of May to the end of October, where you can grill seafood and other ingredients yourself on the quayside. Photo: Fisherman's Wharf MOO on the bank at the mouth of the Kushiro River. A complex commercial facility representing the port town's waterfront. If you walk along the riverside deck after shopping, fishing boats and the bridge come into view, and you can enjoy the scenery along the river. Since it's an easy distance to drop by between sightseeing stops, it's a place that fits naturally into a first-day stroll around town as well as last-day souvenir shopping. What Is Washo Market's Katte-don? A Kushiro Classic Worth a Stop During Your Stay A few minutes' walk from JR Kushiro Station and reachable on foot from the Kushiro Prince Hotel as well, Kushiro's Washo Market is a long-established market counted alongside Hakodate Morning Market and Sapporo Nijo Market as one of "Hokkaido's three great markets." (0:30) Photo: Kushiro's Washo Market, one of Hokkaido's three great markets. Enjoy strolling the market while peering into the fresh-fish cases. Here, the one experience you'll want to try is Kushiro's specialty, the "Katte-don." First you buy a bowl of plain white rice, then go around the shops in the market buying small portions of your favorite seafood toppings and placing them on your own bowl. You pay separately for the rice and for each topping. Since some shops mainly take cash, it's reassuring to have a little cash on hand. The process of choosing and piling on your favorite ingredients from among sea urchin, salmon roe, salmon, scallops and crab to build your own seafood rice bowl becomes a memory of the trip. If you're not fond of raw fish, you can also choose grilled fish, crab, egg, and the like. Photo: Katte-don toppings lined up at Washo Market. Choose your favorite ingredients, such as sea urchin and octopus, to build your own seafood rice bowl. The experience of getting in touch with local flavors amid the market's bustle is highly popular with international travelers, too, and it's beloved as a go-to spot where visitors from overseas can feel Japan's market culture firsthand. Robatayaki, Zangi and Spakatsu: How to Enjoy Kushiro-Born Dishes on an Evening Stroll Kushiro has a strong image of fresh seafood, but the evening pleasures don't stop there. "Robatayaki," now spread nationwide, is a food culture of grilling seafood and vegetables near a charcoal fire and savoring them. Kushiro is said to be its birthplace, with a history dating back to the 1950s. Sitting around the charcoal fire and enjoying atka mackerel (hokke), Pacific saury, scallops, and "tsubu-yaki", whelks grilled boldly in their shells, is an evening pleasure unique to a port town. (0:24) Photo: Robatayaki, said to have originated in Kushiro. A port-town evening savoring grilled fish and local sake around a charcoal fire. "Zangi" is fried chicken (Japanese fried chicken) that originated in Hokkaido, distinguished by a soy-sauce-based marinade thoroughly soaked in before frying. Compared with ordinary fried chicken, the flavor is richer and the coating thicker, for a quintessential Hokkaido style. Crisp and fragrant on the outside, juicy inside, with a robust soy-sauce flavor. Kushiro is said to be its birthplace, and it pairs well with both rice and drinks. What's more, "Spakatsu", spaghetti topped with a pork cutlet and smothered in piping-hot meat sauce, is a soul food of Kushiro locals that originated at the long-established Western-style restaurant "Izumiya." Served on a sizzling iron plate and generously portioned, it's a local Kushiro take on Western food. The dish’s combination of noodles, meat and sauce has been loved by locals across generations. In the lively district around the Kushiro Prince Hotel, there are restaurants serving these local Kushiro dishes within walking distance. Try them as part of your evening stroll. How to Enjoy the Wild Nature of Kushiro Wetland: Expanding Your Sightseeing from the Kushiro Prince Hotel After enjoying a stroll around the port town, use the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base and head out to the kind of vast nature that only Kushiro can offer. In Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, known as Japan's largest wetland, the main spots are scattered around 30 minutes by car from the hotel. Even as a day trip from the hotel, leaving the hotel in the morning and returning by evening to enjoy the sunset, there's plenty to savor. What Does Car Sharing from the Hotel Change? A Handy Way to Explore the Kushiro Area Freely One reason the Kushiro Prince Hotel is so convenient as a base for wetland sightseeing is the "TOYOTA SHARE" car-sharing service available right at the hotel. If you complete the app registration in advance, you can set off directly from the hotel without having to travel to a rental-car outlet by the station. If you live overseas and want to use it, please check the conditions for app registration, accepted credit cards, and an international driving permit in advance.Car Share is a short-term rental service that lets you borrow a registered car only for the time you need. Because you can rent in 15-minute units, you can use it in a flexible way that suits your preferences, such as only using a car only on the day you go to the wetland, and going car-free on the days you walk around town. Since you can naturally combine strolling the city center on foot with sightseeing in the outskirts by car, it broadens the range of model courses for Kushiro sightseeing.If you're visiting from overseas and plan to drive in Japan, the required documents differ depending on your nationality and the country that issued your license. Before departure, be sure to check the documents needed to drive in Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Japan, like the UK and Australia, drives on the left, so visitors from countries that drive on the right should take care. In rural areas there are roads with few streetlights and roads where wild animals may dart out, so caution is needed when driving at night. In the winter period from around November to March, snow and icy road surfaces can make for snowy roads. Even on days with little snow, the road surface may be frozen, so caution is especially needed in the early morning and evening. To be safe, choose a vehicle fitted with winter studless tires (tires made for snowy and icy roads) or check with each rental-car company in advance. What Can You See from the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory? A Place to Sense the Scale of Japan's Largest Wetland If you're encountering the wetland for the first time, the first place to visit is the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory. If you go by public transport, services are limited, so check the timetable in advance or consider using a taxi or rental car. From the rooftop viewing area of the building, you can take in the wetland stretching all the way to the horizon. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park covers about 28,000 hectares, roughly 280 square kilometers. That's close to half the area of Tokyo's 23 wards, and only when you stand and look out over it do you truly grasp its size. Photo: The viewing deck of the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory. Take in Japan's largest wetland stretching to the horizon in a single sweep. Inside the facility there are also exhibits that make it easy to learn about the wetland's ecosystem, which changes how you'll view the wetland you're about to walk. For anyone who thinks, "First I want to get a sense of the whole picture," it's an ideal point of entry. What Can You Do at Hosooka Observatory and the Onnenai Boardwalk? Enjoying the Wetland by View and on Foot Once you've grasped the overall picture at the wetland observatory, head next to the sightseeing points scattered around the wetland. Highlights include Hosooka Observatory, where you can take in the meandering Kushiro River and the vast wetland in one sweep; Kottaro Wetland Observatory, a peaceful viewpoint that sees relatively few visitors; and the Onnenai Boardwalk, where wooden walkways let you observe wetland plants and birds up close. If you want to enjoy the view in a short time, Hosooka Observatory is recommended; if you want to walk and observe nature, the Onnenai Boardwalk is the choice. Visit in comfortable walking shoes, and to be safe bring insect repellent in summer and warm clothing in spring and autumn.Whether you prefer panoramic views or walking through the wetland itself, Kushiro Wetland lets you choose the experience that best matches your mood and energy level. Combine viewpoints and walking, and even within the same wetland the scenery you see and the sounds you hear will change. The appeal is that with Car Share, you can tour multiple spots efficiently in a single day. What Kind of Journey Are the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train and Canoeing? Deeper Ways to Enjoy the Wetland The "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train," which you can board at JR Kushiro Station about a 10-minute walk from the Kushiro Prince Hotel, is recommended for those who want to experience the wetland in greater depth. It's a sightseeing train with a trolley-car feel, a seasonal service connecting Kushiro Station and Toro Station from spring to autumn. Since operating days are limited, check the running days and the availability of reserved seats on the official JR Hokkaido website. As the train slowly moves through the landscape you can enjoy the wetland scenery up close. Photo: The trolley-style sightseeing train "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" running through the green wetland (the second-generation train is scheduled to retire in 2026). Note that the current second-generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train is scheduled to retire after the 2026 season due to the age of its carriages, so 2026 is the last year you can experience the second-generation train in operation. If you're planning to ride, we recommend booking early during the operating period from late April to early October.* In 2026 it is scheduled to run on set days from April 25 to October 4, and as all seats are reserved, it's reassuring to confirm the running days and seat availability before boarding. Operating information may change, so please check JR Hokkaido's latest official announcements. Canoeing down the Kushiro River is also popular. There are guided tours for beginners, and it's reassuring to confirm whether English support is available when you book. From a low vantage point right at the water's surface, you can enjoy up close, by canoe, the sights and sounds you can't encounter on foot or by car: the sky you look up at, the red-crowned cranes and Ezo sika deer on the riverbanks, and the sound of the wind crossing the reed beds. Drifting quietly with the current is one of the experiences unique to Kushiro Wetland. What Is a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Like? Special Time in the Rooms, Dining and Facilities The appeal of the Kushiro Prince Hotel doesn't stop at its convenience as a sightseeing base. Even the time after you return from sightseeing is full of thoughtful touches that let you feel Kushiro's character. What Guest Rooms Does the Kushiro Prince Hotel Have? The Difference Between the Standard Floors and the High Floors The Kushiro Prince Hotel's guest rooms are divided into two groups: the "Standard Floors" on levels 6–14, and the "High Floors" on levels 15–16. What's distinctive about this hotel is that how you choose changes depending on the purpose of your trip and who you're traveling with. The Standard Floors have three types: Single, Twin, and a Family room, which accommodates up to four guests. The Single room is a calm space for business trips and solo travel, the Twin is a versatile, standard room, and the Family room can accommodate up to four guests, making it well suited to family and group travel. They're often chosen by those who want to enjoy their stay at a more modest price while taking in Kushiro's townscape and the views of the port. Photo: A Standard Floor guest room on levels 6–14. Stay at a reasonable price while taking in Kushiro's townscape and port. The High Floors on levels 15–16 are the rooms chosen by those seeking the view. The high-floor twin room is a popular type from which you can gaze at Kushiro's sunset, called one of the "world's three great sunsets", from your room on clear days. The single room faces the Kushiro city center, where you can take in the morning sun and the night view. The double bedroom is fitted with a king-size bed, a spacious room with sweeping views of the Pacific. For those wishing for something still more luxurious, there is the 48.43 m² Suite room, which offers an especially open view. For those who want to savor the sunset from their room, the high-floor Twin or Double bedroom; for families who want to spread out, the Family room on the Standard Floors, or the suite overlooking the Pacific for special occasions. When booking, it's reassuring to check conditions such as "high floor" or "view specified." The flexibility to choose to match the purpose of your trip is one reason there are so many repeat guests. What Kind of Restaurant Is Top of Kushiro? Dining with Views of the City and the Pacific The observation restaurant "Top of Kushiro" on the 17th floor is an observation restaurant where you can dine while taking in the scenery from the highest point in Kushiro. From its fully glass-walled space, you can see far into the distance: the Kushiro River, the port-town streets, and further out to the Pacific, and the view you enjoy changes depending on where you sit. Photo: The 17th-floor observation restaurant "Top of Kushiro." Take in Kushiro's townscape bathed in sunset through the fully glass-walled windows. Lunchtime offers bright hours against the backdrop of the port view, while dinnertime is a meal with the town lights after sunset. The dynamic atmosphere changes greatly with the hour you visit, which is another of its hallmarks. As a place to spend an anniversary dinner or the meal that rounds off a trip, it's chosen by many travelers, couples, and families. Photo: A Western-style course savored at "Top of Kushiro." Enjoy colorful appetizers and main dishes along with a magnificent view. There is also a private room called "SKYROOM" within the restaurant, which can be reserved exclusively for family celebrations and small gatherings. Advance reservation may be required to use it. In a space where you can have the 17th-floor view all to yourself, it's also recommended for those who want to make a special day memorable. Can Breakfast Change the Mood of Your Day? Why Mornings at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Enrich Your Trip Breakfast on a trip is an important time that sets the rhythm of the day ahead. Breakfast at the Kushiro Prince Hotel is normally served as a buffet on the top floor at "Top of Kushiro." A menu unique to a port town is laid out, generously incorporating ingredients from Hokkaido and Kushiro. (0:40) Photo: A morning moment at "Top of Kushiro" overlooking the Pacific. Start your day with a view of the sea. One especially popular item is the "Umi no Sachi Don," a seafood rice bowl where you pile as much of the sea's bounty as you like onto your rice. It's a welcome dish that lets you savor the Katte-don style familiar from Washo Market right at the hotel, first thing in the morning. There's also a rich lineup of distinctive dishes that make the most of Eastern Hokkaido ingredients: the "Nemuro Strait Kelp Soy Sauce Ramen," made with broth from Nemuro Strait kelp; penne with a meat sauce made from Ezo deer, a Japanese game meat; and seafood soup curry. And the classic breakfast dishes are all there too, with grilled fish such as sockeye salmon and atka mackerel (hokke), scrambled eggs finished with Hokkaido eggs and milk, rice made with Hokkaido-grown "Nanatsuboshi" (one of Hokkaido's flagship brand-rice varieties), and miso soup made with Hokkaido miso, a lineup that caters to fans of both Japanese and Western breakfasts. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please check with the hotel in advance. Photo: A breakfast buffet making the most of Hokkaido and Kushiro ingredients. A wide variety of dishes, starting with the Umi no Sachi Don seafood bowl. To finish, what you'll want to enjoy is a lineup of dairy products befitting Hokkaido, acclaimed as Japan’s most renowned center of dairy production. You can savor local ingredients to the full from morning. You can enjoy a tasting comparison of "Toyotomi Milk" and "Tokachi Karoyaka Shibori," Hokkaido milk pudding, yogurt, and more. After your meal, coffee in hand, it's also nice to use the time to plan your day, deciding whether to head out to the wetland or go for a walk through the market.* Breakfast is basically a buffet, but depending on reservation conditions it may be served as a set meal. The menu may change depending on procurement. How to Make the Most of Hotel Life with the Fitness Room, Rental Bikes and On-Site Facilities The Kushiro Prince Hotel has on-site facilities that make it easy to spend even the hours when you're not out sightseeing.Worth noting is the fitness room that opened in May 2026. Equipped with cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights, it's well suited for keeping up your exercise routine during a business trip or refreshing yourself while traveling. Newly built under the concept of "a space where the stay itself contributes to your health," it's a welcome point for those on long stays, too. Photo: The fitness room that opened in May 2026. Cardio machines and strength-training equipment are set up by the windows. For those who want to enjoy strolling the town more actively, rental bikes (eBike mini-velo type) are also available. In Japan, bicycles also keep to the left as a rule. Turn on your lights at night and ride with care for pedestrians. As compact electric-assist bicycles, they make even uphill stretches easier to climb, letting you tour Kushiro's townscape and seaside over a wider range than on foot. Rental bikes are available only during the period from April to November. Photo: A rental bike (eBike mini-velo type) riding along the seaside. With electric assist, you can tour a wide area of Kushiro's town. In addition, the convenience shop on the 1st floor comes in handy when you need a drink, a snack, or something you forgot; and because there's a coin laundry, you can travel with minimal luggage even on a stay spanning several days. A business corner is also provided, making it an environment well suited to a workation or business trip. A strength of the Kushiro Prince Hotel is that it has a full set of facilities to handle not only use as a sightseeing base but also long stays. Even when you're taking a break from sightseeing, the hotel provides a comfortable place to relax. From Sunset to the Morning Sea: Can You Enjoy Scenery That Changes by the Hour? The Value of a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel The Kushiro Prince Hotel is plenty enjoyable even for a single night, but it's also a hotel whose appeal grows all the more with two or more consecutive nights. The reason is that Kushiro's scenery changes its expression depending on the time of day and the weather. Even the view from the same high-floor window brings one scene after another that you can't take in over a single night's stay: the calm sea in the morning, the deep-blue Pacific at midday, the sunset known as one of the world's three great sunsets in the evening, the town lights at night, and the misty port the next morning. In winter especially, the town and the sea turn into a snowy landscape, so you can enjoy an expression completely different from summer or autumn. Since you're staying at the Kushiro Prince Hotel, do take your time over Kushiro's scenery with a stay of two or more nights. Does the Way You Enjoy the Kushiro Prince Hotel Change by Season? Sightseeing and Hotel Appeal Through the Year Each of Kushiro's four seasons has a different pleasure. Spring brings refreshing air free from the woes of pollen; summer brings the crisp, cool climate of a true summer escape; autumn brings sunsets that stand out under clear skies; and winter brings an encounter with red-crowned cranes, seen in only a limited number of places even in Japan. No matter how many times you visit, there's different scenery and a different experience. That's the fun of a stay in Kushiro. Photo: Two red-crowned cranes standing by the water. An encounter unique to Kushiro, which changes its expression with the seasons. Is Spring in Kushiro Low in Cedar and Cypress Pollen? Why It's Chosen as a Getaway During Pollen Season Spring in Japan is a season when many people suffer from hay fever, but Kushiro is known as an area with extremely little airborne cedar (Japanese cedar) and cypress (Japanese cypress) pollen. This is because there is hardly any of the planted cedar and cypress that drive pollen dispersal in Honshu, so the situation differs from Honshu, Japan's main island. Even across Hokkaido as a whole, the planted area of cedar is on a vastly smaller scale than in Honshu's major prefectures, and Kushiro is one of the areas there that is especially little affected by pollen dispersal.This characteristic has been taken up repeatedly in various media in recent years, and "spring Kushiro is comfortable for people with hay fever" has rapidly drawn attention as a theme. The number of people who choose Kushiro as a destination for "hifun", or pollen escape, spending the few weeks of pollen season in Hokkaido, has been steadily increasing in recent years.Freed from sneezing and itchy eyes, you can enjoy strolling the town and wetland sightseeing under clear air. A spring trip where you can take off your mask and breathe in deeply can be a welcome relief for those who suffer from pollen. The Kushiro Prince Hotel, which combines the convenience of the city center with rooms where you can relax, can flexibly accommodate everything from a short trip of a few days to a slightly longer, workation-style stay.Spring in Kushiro runs from around April to May, with temperatures of roughly 5°C to 13°C. Since mornings and evenings get chilly, you'll be comfortable pairing layers you can add to with a light outer layer. Why Is Summer Kushiro Popular as a Cool-Weather Retreat? Why the Hotel's Appeal Comes Alive on Longer Stays Summer in Kushiro often sees average midsummer temperatures of around 20°C even when Honshu is gripped by intense heat, making it an especially comfortable area within Hokkaido. From June to August, it's a climate cooler than Honshu, where you'll be glad to have long sleeves or a light layer during the day. Seeking out such an environment, in recent years not only short sightseeing trips but also a travel style of staying for one to two weeks while leisurely enjoying the town and nature has been increasing. The hotel has a coin laundry and a business corner, too, making it an environment well suited to longer stays.At the Kushiro Prince Hotel, long-stay plans are sometimes offered for summer cool-weather stays, such as a consecutive-night ECO plan limited to two or three nights, and a three-consecutive-night plan with "Minato-machi Coupons" usable at affiliated shops in the city. Greet a cool morning in a high-floor room overlooking the Pacific, tour the wetland and outskirts by Car Share during the day, and stroll the town on foot in the evening. In Kushiro, you can comfortably plan an itinerary built around the refreshingly cool climate. How to See Red-Crowned Cranes in Winter Kushiro: Enjoying a Trip Centered on Crane Watching and Photography Not to be missed in winter Kushiro is watching red-crowned cranes dance over the snowy fields. When observing, don't make loud noises, don't feed them, and watch over them while keeping your distance from designated spots. Observation points known to photography enthusiasts at home and abroad, such as Tsurumidai in Tsurui Village, the Akan International Crane Center, and the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, are scattered within day-trip range of the city center. Photo: Red-crowned cranes dancing with wings spread over a snowy field. A signature scene of winter in Eastern Hokkaido, popular with photography enthusiasts too. The red-crowned crane was at one point so reduced in number that it was thought to be extinct, but in 1924 it was rediscovered in the Kushiro Wetland. Thanks to subsequent local conservation efforts, the population has now recovered. In the early morning, the sight of red-crowned cranes, with their pure white bodies marked with black and red, descending onto a snowy field where steam rises is a signature highlight of winter in Eastern Hokkaido, drawing many who come not just to observe but to take serious photographs. On a winter early morning, crane watching centers on outdoor photography where it can drop below freezing, so having a comfortable place nearby to warm up can make all the difference. Winter in Kushiro runs from around November to March, when temperatures drop below freezing to roughly minus 8°C to minus 2°C. Head out with solid winter gear, such as warm clothing, gloves, and non-slip winter boots. For early-morning photography in particular, you may wait outdoors for long stretches, so it's reassuring to also have hand warmers and thermal innerwear. At the Kushiro Prince Hotel, after returning from photography you can rest in a high-floor room or enjoy the magnificent view at the top-floor restaurant, so even on a cold-season trip you can spend your time at ease. Depending on the period, winter-only plans and special services may also be arranged, so checking the latest accommodation plans before you visit will help you plan a more satisfying winter trip. Adding One More Day to Your Kushiro Trip? Side Trips That Expand Your Eastern Hokkaido Journey After enjoying sightseeing within Kushiro and your stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel, if you have one more day to spare in your itinerary, there's also the option of venturing a little farther afield from the hotel. Because the Kushiro Prince Hotel lets you use Car Share with pickup and drop-off at the hotel, it's an easy base for a day-trip drive: leave in the morning, return by evening, and have dinner at the top-floor restaurant. Akkeshi Oysters and Winter Jewelry Ice: Scenery and Flavors Within a Day Trip from Kushiro About an hour's drive east of Kushiro, Akkeshi Town, facing the Pacific, is known as a renowned production area where you can enjoy oysters year-round. You can compare brands with distinct characters, such as "Kaki-emon" and "Maru-emon." Beyond raw oysters, you can enjoy them grilled or steamed, and at the roadside station "Akkeshi Gourmet Terminal Conchiglie" the appeal is being able to savor them charcoal-grilled. A roadside station (Michi-no-Eki / roadside station) is a rest facility you can casually drop by on a journey, where you can also enjoy local ingredients, souvenirs, and light meals. Photo: Akkeshi Town's brand oysters "Kaki-emon" and "Maru-emon." Large oysters in the shell that can be enjoyed year-round. Worth visiting only in the winter season is the "Jewelry Ice (Jewelry Ice)" that washes up on Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. It's a phenomenon in which blocks of ice that flow out from the Tokachi River are polished by the waves of the Pacific and wash up on the shore, transparent like jewels; the hours when the morning or evening sun shines through the ice are especially popular subjects for photography. As it's a natural phenomenon, the amount and condition you can see vary by the day you visit. It's a little distant, about two hours by car from Kushiro, but it's known as a spectacular sight unique to winter in Eastern Hokkaido. Photo: The winter-only "Jewelry Ice" on Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. Blocks of ice that glow like jewels as the morning sun shines through them. Both are within a round-trip day's reach using the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base. By staying multiple nights and combining them with city sightseeing, you can enjoy your Kushiro trip even more deeply. Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Kushiro Sightseeing and a Hotel Stay: Why Choose the Kushiro Prince Hotel as Your Base A sunset that ranks among the world's three great sunsets, the vast Kushiro Wetland just a short drive away, Washo Market's Katte-don, and winter's red-crowned cranes. A great feature of a Kushiro trip is that you can savor each of these different charms in a single stay. As a base that lets you spend less time worrying about transportation and more time enjoying Kushiro, the Kushiro Prince Hotel has solid strengths. A central city-center location with easy access to Tancho Kushiro Airport, JR Kushiro Station, Nusamai Bridge, and Washo Market. High-floor twin rooms where you can enjoy one of the world's three great sunsets on clear days, and the views of the high floors overlooking the Pacific. Photo: The exterior of the Kushiro Prince Hotel standing out against the night town. A hotel where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the trip. The "Umi no Sachi Don" and a breakfast buffet that makes the most of Eastern Hokkaido ingredients. A fitness room, rental bikes, and a top-floor restaurant for the days you don't head out sightseeing. And Car Share that lets you venture out to the outskirts with pickup and drop-off at the hotel. Not a hotel for sightseeing, but a hotel where the stay itself can become the purpose of the trip. That is the Kushiro Prince Hotel. Supporting this kind of Kushiro stay are the hotel's staff. The Kushiro Prince Hotel staff who face guests every day say this: "In Kushiro, a summer retreat that stays cool even in summer, please spend some time enjoying the gentle breeze. The beautiful sunset viewed from your room will make your journey even more memorable. In this place, where in spring you can also spend your time comfortably as a pollen-escape destination, please do come and experience a stay that lets your heart unwind." On your next trip to Kushiro, why not see the unforgettable Kushiro sunset, viewed from your guest-room window, with your own eyes? Kushiro Prince Hotel: Essential Information Facility name Kushiro Prince Hotel Address 〒085-8581 北海道釧路市幸町7-1 Phone 0154-31-1111 Check-in 14:00 Check-out 11:00 Guest room floors 6–14F Standard Floors 15–16F High Floors Room types Single / Twin / Double / Suite / Forth On-site facilities 17F restaurant "Top of Kushiro" (with adjoining SKYROOM) Fitness room Convenience shop Coin laundry Business corner Rental bikes Car Share "TOYOTA SHARE" Access (Train) About a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station on JR (Japan Railways), Japan's main railway Access (Car) About 30 minutes from Tancho Kushiro Airport under normal conditions Access (Bus) Take the Kushiro Airport Connection Bus and get off at "Kushiro Shiyakusho-mae (in front of the hotel)"; 1-minute walk (about 55 minutes) Parking Available (paid ) Official website https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro Digital brochure https://ehsc.jp/pdf/2023kushirok7.pdf Accommodation plans https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/all/ ※ Information is subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest details. ※ This article was written based on information as of June 2026, under the supervision of the Kushiro Prince Hotel staff. For the latest information on Kushiro Prince Hotel, please check COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' SNS. Cool Japan Videos, the social media platform sharing the appeal of Japan .kph-info-section { --kph-primary: #9c4a5b; /* 深いローズ：見出し・項目名・リンク */ --kph-accent: #d48a8a; /* ダスティローズ：アクセントライン */ --kph-bg: #fdf4f3; /* 薄ピンクベース：テーブル背景 */ --kph-bg-deep: #f8e6e3; /* やや濃いピンク：項目名セル */ --kph-border: #ecd4d0; /* 淡いローズベージュ：罫線 */ --kph-text: #3d2a2d; /* ウォームダークブラウン：本文 */ --kph-text-sub: #8a6f72; /* グレージュ：補足テキスト */ max-width: 760px; margin: 48px auto; padding: 0 16px; color: var(--kph-text); line-height: 1.7; } .kph-info-section * { box-sizing: border-box; } .kph-info-heading { position: relative; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.08em; color: var(--kph-primary); padding-bottom: 16px; margin: 0 0 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); } .kph-info-heading::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 28px; height: 2px; background: var(--kph-accent); vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 12px; transform: translateY(-3px); } .kph-info-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: var(--kph-bg); border: 1px solid var(--kph-border); border-radius: 4px; overflow: hidden; } .kph-info-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); } .kph-info-table tr:last-child { border-bottom: none; } .kph-info-table th { width: 32%; padding: 16px 20px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; font-weight: 500; color: var(--kph-primary); background: var(--kph-bg-deep); border-right: 1px solid var(--kph-border); letter-spacing: 0.04em; white-space: nowrap; } .kph-info-table td { padding: 16px 20px; vertical-align: top; color: var(--kph-text); word-break: break-word; } .kph-info-table td a { color: var(--kph-primary); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(156, 74, 91, 0.35); transition: all 0.2s ease; word-break: break-all; } .kph-info-table td a:hover { color: var(--kph-accent); border-bottom-color: var(--kph-accent); } .kph-info-table td ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .kph-info-table td ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; } .kph-info-table td ul li:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; } .kph-info-table td ul li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.6em; width: 6px; height: 1px; background: var(--kph-accent); } .kph-info-map { margin-top: 16px; padding: 24px; background: var(--kph-bg); border: 1px dashed var(--kph-border); border-radius: 4px; text-align: center; color: var(--kph-text-sub); letter-spacing: 0.08em; } .kph-info-note { margin-top: 12px; color: var(--kph-text-sub); letter-spacing: 0.04em; line-height: 1.7; } /* スマートフォン対応（縦積みレイアウト） */ @media screen and (max-width: 600px) { .kph-info-table, .kph-info-table tbody, .kph-info-table tr, .kph-info-table th, .kph-info-table td { display: block; width: 100%; } .kph-info-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); padding: 4px 0; } .kph-info-table th { width: 100%; padding: 14px 16px 6px; background: var(--kph-bg-deep); border-right: none; white-space: normal; letter-spacing: 0.1em; } .kph-info-table td { padding: 8px 16px 16px; } } .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul { counter-reset: listnum; list-style: none; font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li { margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before { counter-increment: listnum; content: counter(listnum) ". "; } .list-style-dot>li::before { content:"↓ "; } .list-style-dot>li { padding-left: 1.8rem; margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; line-height: 2rem !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } .separation_line { border-width: 0 0 8px; border-style: solid; border-image: url('data:image/svg+xml,') 0 0 100% repeat; width: 216px; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 50px; } .line-height-text { line-height: 3.7rem !important; } .readMoreContainer { position: relative; height: auto; max-height: 300px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.6s; } .readMoreContainer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 0; display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; transition: 1s; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 40%, #efefef 100%); pointer-events: none; } .readMoreContainer.show:after { z-index: -1; opacity: 0; } .readMoreBtn { display: block; margin: 0 auto; padding: 8px 40px; border: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ff1300; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .readMoreBtn:hover { opacity: 0.7; } const readmore = document.querySelectorAll('.readMoreInner'); Array.from(readmore).forEach(function(more){ const btn = more.querySelector('.readMoreBtn'); const content = more.querySelector('.readMoreContainer'); btn.addEventListener('click', () => { if(!content.classList.contains('show')){ content.style.maxHeight = content.scrollHeight + 'px'; content.classList.add('show'); btn.innerText = 'Close'; } else { content.style.maxHeight = '300px'; content.classList.remove('show'); btn.innerText = 'Read more'; window.location.href = "#readMoreBlock"; } }); }); { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Kushiro Prince Hotel", "url": "https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/" } }

Table of Contents Introduction Why Does Staying Inside a National Park Make a Trip to Kussharo So Special? What Makes Its Location Beside Lake Kussharo and Akan-Mashu National Park So Special? Why Does a Stay That Lets You Savor "the Luxury of Nothing" Leave Such an Impression in Kussharo? All Rooms Face the Lake—What Kind of Time Can You Share with Lake Kussharo? What Makes Rooms Overlooking Lake Kussharo, Japan's Largest Caldera Lake, So Special? Why Do Guests Want to Stay Longer, Gazing at Lake Kussharo? Around Lake Kussharo, What Differences in Scenery Await from Place to Place? Sunayu: How Can You Enjoy a Hot-Spring Experience Unique to Lake Kussharo and the Sight of Whooper Swans? Wakoto Peninsula: How Can You Savor the Quiet Time Created by Forest and Lake Kussharo? Walking the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail: How Do You Feel the Charm of Old-Growth Forest and Lakeshore? Why Is the Panorama of Lake Kussharo Seen from Bihoro Pass So Special? Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum: How Can You Learn About the Culture Passed Down Alongside Lake Kussharo? A Location That Lets You Get Moving from Early Morning: How Can You Make the Most of Kussharo's Nature Experiences? The Kushiro River Headwaters and the Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe: What Waterscapes Await? Sea of Clouds and Birdwatching: What Can You Meet That Only an East Hokkaido Morning Offers? Cycling and Glamping: What Stay-and-Play Time Can You Enjoy in Kussharo? After a Day Spent in Nature, What Awaits at Kussharo Onsen? What Are the Characteristics of the Kussharo Onsen Spring Water? The Open-Air Bath: How Can You Savor the Forest Air and the Quiet? With a Barrel Sauna, How Does Lakeside Rest Change? What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Enjoy at the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Restaurant "Loupeigne": What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Discover? Including the Surrounding Food Scene, How Far Do Hokkaido Flavors Reach? How Does Good Access Connect to How Easily You Can Plan Your Kussharo Sightseeing? Broaden Your View to All of East Hokkaido and Kussharo Sightseeing Gets Even More Interesting How Do You Put Together a Manageable Model Course for Kussharo Sightseeing? In Summary: To Travel Kussharo Is to Enjoy the Time You Spend at the Kussharo Prince Hotel, Too What Are the Facility Details and Access for the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Read More Introduction Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island. Spread across its eastern side, East Hokkaido holds quiet, spectacular scenery that many travelers have yet to discover. At its heart lies the town of Teshikaga. Cradled by the magnificent nature of Akan-Mashu National Park(one of the national parks designated by the Japanese government to protect the natural environment), this town is dotted with Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake (0:00); Lake Mashu, famed for its mysterious scenery; Mt. Io, where volcanic steam rises; and steam-wreathed Kawayu Onsen. Here, lakes, volcanoes, and hot springs come together in a single journey. Standing on the shore of Lake Kussharo in Teshikaga is the Kussharo Prince Hotel. (0:20) Photo: The full view of the Kussharo Prince Hotel standing on the shore of Lake Kussharo, an all-lake-view resort hotel Every Western-style room faces the lake, and the hotel offers Kussharo Onsen hot-spring water welling up from 1,000 m underground, a buffet showcasing Hokkaido ingredients, and experiences unique to the area, such as morning canoe tours and sea-of-clouds tours.For this article, we spoke with Kitazawa-san, who welcomes guests at the hotel every day, to share ways of enjoying the area that only someone working on-site would know. By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear picture of a stay that may well make you want to choose the Kussharo Prince Hotel as your base for exploring East Hokkaido. Why Does Staying Inside a National Park Make a Trip to Kussharo So Special? Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, roughly 57 km in circumference and about 79.5 square kilometers in area. A caldera lake forms when rainwater and groundwater collect in the basin left after a major volcanic eruption causes the area around a summit to collapse. Scattered around the lake are sightseeing spots such as "Sunayu," where you can dig a little into the sand to enjoy a natural foot bath; the "Wakoto Peninsula," cloaked in old-growth forest; and "Tsubetsu Pass," known for its sea of clouds. There are also plenty of experiences whose appeal shifts with the time of day, from canoeing at the headwaters of the Kushiro River to sea-of-clouds tours. Photo: Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, boasting a circumference of about 57 km When enjoying Kussharo this way, your choice of lodging has a big impact on how satisfying the trip feels. As the only hotel on the lake shore within the caldera, the Kussharo Prince Hotel draws the quiet of Akan-Mashu National Park right into its rooms. Kussharo Prince Hotel is a resort hotel that serves both as a base for sightseeing and as a place where the stay itself becomes the point. What Makes Its Location Beside Lake Kussharo and Akan-Mashu National Park So Special? The Kussharo Prince Hotel stands right on the lakeshore. A Lakeside Garden spreads across the grounds, with the surface of Lake Kussharo visible just beyond it and a range of mountains lining the far shore. Photo: The Lakeside Garden on the grounds of the Kussharo Prince Hotel Set between lake and forest, with no major shopping areas nearby, the sky fills with glittering stars after dark. Sleeping inside a national park, waking, and heading out to the lake again in a setting where hardly a man-made structure intrudes on the view is something few places in Japan can offer. Teshikaga sits within easy reach of three national parks: Akan-Mashu, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, making it a convenient base for touring East Hokkaido. Repeat visitors from around Hokkaido often say things like, "The scenery never gets old no matter how many times I come," and "It makes me want to visit in a different season and a different time of day each time." Why Does a Stay That Lets You Savor "the Luxury of Nothing" Leave Such an Impression in Kussharo? Many long-stay guests at the Kussharo Prince Hotel talk about "the comfort of doing nothing." Even without packing your schedule with sightseeing spots, you can gaze at the lake, soak in the hot spring, stroll through the garden, then return to your room to read. The setting is built for exactly this kind of stay.In fact, thanks to the comfort of the rooms, the quality of the hot spring, and above all the view of Lake Kussharo, which never grows tiresome even over a long stay, many guests from outside Hokkaido enjoy long stays of around ten nights. Guests describe it less as ‘travel’ and more as ‘living in Kussharo for a while.’ Rather than racing from one attraction to the next, you settle into one place at a relaxed pace and take in the air of the region. For anyone seeking that kind of unhurried travel, the Kussharo Prince Hotel makes an ideal base.Because it lies within a national park, development is restricted, so there are no flashy tourist facilities around. That very "nothingness" turns out to be the greatest luxury of all. All Rooms Face the Lake—What Kind of Time Can You Share with Lake Kussharo? Its expression changes with the season and the weather, but morning on Lake Kussharo shifts color little by little from the hours when the light is still soft. Open the curtains, and on some mornings mist drifts across the water; as the sky brightens, the mountains on the far shore and the look of the lake's surface slowly transform. Being able to watch that change from inside your room is a pleasure unique to a room facing Lake Kussharo. (0:26) Photo: Lake Kussharo surrounded by nature and the exterior of the Kussharo Prince Hotel on its shore When you return from sightseeing during the day, a completely different scene awaits. Around midday, Lake Kussharo catches the sun from directly overhead and its surface glitters blue. After 4 p.m., the lowering western sun begins to dye the water gold, and between 5 and 6 p.m. the lake's color drifts from gold to deep indigo.After 8 p.m., once the sun has fully set, it's the stars' turn. Switch off the room lights and open the curtains, and a sky brimming with stars spreads out before you. With so few artificial lights nearby, even the Milky Way is clearly visible.What sets the Kussharo Prince Hotel's rooms apart is that they face Lake Kussharo, letting you feel the lakeside nature up close throughout your stay. Whichever room you choose, open the curtains in the morning and there is Lake Kussharo; come back at midday and there is Lake Kussharo; and there it is again before you climb into bed at night. Because the lake is visible from every room, the sense of being connected to it lasts your entire stay. What Makes Rooms Overlooking Lake Kussharo, Japan's Largest Caldera Lake, So Special? The guest rooms are Western-style and fitted with large windows. Below the windows are wooden louvers (slatted vents), so on fine days you can open up and let the lakeside air into the room.From May into June, the breeze off the lake is pleasantly cool; in July and August a refreshing wind passes through the room. By September, a touch of cooler air mixes in, and you can feel the change of seasons on your skin. As a rough guide, temperatures in the East Hokkaido area run about 5–13°C in spring (April–May), about 15–21°C in summer (June–August), and about 6–18°C in autumn (September–October). Even in summer it is cooler than Honshu, Japan's main island, so it's wise to bring long sleeves or a light layer.Room types are wide-ranging: Twin Rooms, Lake View rooms, Family Rooms, Superior Double Rooms with a jet bath, Corner Triple Rooms, and Heartful Rooms designed with wheelchair users in mind. Photo: A Western-style twin room with a large window overlooking Lake Kussharo The top-floor Lake View rooms in particular are designed so that nothing blocks the view, letting you take in the lake to the fullest. The lineup suits all kinds of trips, from solo travel to family and group journeys.Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and the lobby, so international travelers can stay with peace of mind. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00, letting you savor Lake Kussharo in the morning before you set off. Why Do Guests Want to Stay Longer, Gazing at Lake Kussharo? There's a reason so many guests stay multiple nights: the appeal of an extended stay gradually becomes apparent. On your first day, you’re struck by the sheer scale of Lake Kussharo. Photo: The view of Lake Kussharo and the Kussharo Prince Hotel that never grows tiresome even over consecutive nights On the second, you begin to settle into its quiet rhythms, with its fresh morning and shifting breeze. By the third, you notice details you might otherwise have missed, such as the changing angle of the light, the shifting of the clouds, and even the changing patterns of the stars overhead. It looks like the same view, yet it differs a little each day. Enjoying these subtle changes is the real reward of an extended visit. One repeat long-stay guest told us, "The lake wears a different face every morning, so I never tire of it. Some mornings are misty, others perfectly clear. And on rainy days, just watching the ripples spread across the water is enough to make the hours slip by."Simply having Lake Kussharo spread out before you the moment you rise from bed changes how the day begins. Rooms where doing nothing never feels tedious are surprisingly rare. The guest rooms at the Kussharo Prince Hotel are spaces made for long stays and unhurried travel. Around Lake Kussharo, What Differences in Scenery Await from Place to Place? Lake Kussharo isn't a lake you take in from a single spot and call it done. Its north, south, east, and west shores each have spots with a different character, and just a short drive from the hotel brings you to an entirely different Kussharo.Whether you come to take photographs or simply to relax while taking in the views, there's a way to enjoy it that suits you. This flexibility is part of the charm of this area. Sunayu: How Can You Enjoy a Hot-Spring Experience Unique to Lake Kussharo and the Sight of Whooper Swans? About a 30-minute drive from the hotel, Sunayu is one of Lake Kussharo's signature sightseeing spots. True to its name (literally "sand hot water"), dig a little into the lakeside sand and hot-spring water wells up. Scoop down about 20 cm and warm water gently seeps in, an experience that delights children and adults alike.You can dig out your own foot bath and warm your feet while gazing at the lake. Even on a cold winter's day, soaking your feet while watching the swans makes for a lasting travel memory. Photo: "Sunayu" on the shore of Lake Kussharo, where hot-spring water wells up when you dig into the sand In winter (November to March), Whooper Swans can be seen arriving around Lake Kussharo to overwinter. Note, however, that the Kussharo Prince Hotel sets winter closure periods or limited-operation periods that vary by year, so if you plan to stay in winter, you'll need to check the operating status on the official website in advance. In winter, East Hokkaido often drops below freezing from November to March, to roughly −8°C to −2°C, so it's reassuring to pack proper winter gear such as warm clothing, gloves, and insulated boots. The sight of the swans that have traveled several thousand kilometers from Russia floating on the water is breathtaking. Between 6 and 7 in the early morning, with mist rising off the lake, swans glide gracefully across it: a scene known as one of the defining winter landscapes of East Hokkaido.Swans are wary, so take care not to get too close, but even from about 20 m away their graceful form is easy to enjoy. In the early-morning stillness, listening to the beat of the swans' wings and the sound of them pushing across the water is a luxury unique to Kussharo. Photo: Whooper swans arriving to overwinter on Lake Kussharo in winter The pairing of lake and swans makes an appealing subject for photography lovers and is popular with international travelers as well. Walking the shore while slowly following the swans is a far cry from rushing around famous sights, and a quintessentially Kussharo way to spend your time. Wakoto Peninsula: How Can You Savor the Quiet Time Created by Forest and Lake Kussharo? About a three-minute drive from the hotel, the Wakoto Peninsula is a small peninsula jutting into Lake Kussharo. The whole peninsula is covered in old-growth forest, and the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail, a loop of about 2.5 km that takes around an hour to walk, is well maintained.Walk out to the tip of the peninsula and you reach an open spot with a 360-degree view of Lake Kussharo. From here the lake looks less like a lake and more like a calm inland sea. On days with almost no waves, when the surface is as still as a mirror, the boundary between sky and lake blurs and you feel as if you're floating in the sky. Photo: The Wakoto Peninsula, covered in old-growth forest and jutting into Lake Kussharo There's something to enjoy in every season: autumn foliage in fall, appealing white blooms of Asian skunk cabbage and rows of cherry trees from spring into summer. From late May to early June, Sargent's cherry (ezoyamazakura) blooms in profusion, tinting the lakeshore pink. Walking the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail: How Do You Feel the Charm of Old-Growth Forest and Lakeshore? If you'd like to take in the Wakoto Peninsula a little more deeply, we recommend walking the nature trail at a leisurely pace. Along the way you're greeted by forests of Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir, lakeside wildflowers, and the soothing chirps and warbles of birdsong. Partway along is the open-air bath of Wakoto Onsen, an outdoor hot-spring bath (free, mixed bathing, swimwear permitted), where you can enjoy the luxury of soaking in a hot spring within the forest. Photo: The open-air bath of Wakoto Onsen along the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail Reading the interpretive signs as you walk through a forest of delicate wildflowers and trees, home to a variety of wildlife, feels less like sightseeing and more like melting into nature itself.Along the trail, a sign explains how the Wakoto Peninsula came to be. It is a lava dome formed by volcanic activity around 6,000 years ago and is considered a geologically valuable site within Lake Kussharo. Knowing this background adds a new layer of enjoyment: not just walking, but walking while feeling the history of the land.As you walk through the forest, you may spot a Hokkaido squirrel leaping from tree to tree or a wild bird perched on a branch. Stop for a moment and listen to the sounds of the forest: the wind stirring the trees, birdsong, waves lapping at the lakeshore. These small sounds layer together to make up the forests around Lake Kussharo. Photo: A Hokkaido squirrel you can encounter in the old-growth forest of the Wakoto Peninsula It's a place for sitting quietly with nature, and letting time pass you by without hurry. Why Is the Panorama of Lake Kussharo Seen from Bihoro Pass So Special? Bihoro Pass, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is a lookout with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo. Seen from the pass at roughly 525 m above sea level, the lake is a spectacle that looks almost like looking down at a map. Photo: Bihoro Pass, with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo from about 525 m above sea level It's also known as a place where, with a bit of luck, you can encounter a sea of clouds in the early morning. A sea of clouds is a natural phenomenon in which mist or low-lying clouds, viewed from a high vantage point, look like an ocean of cloud. In the early mornings from June to October (especially the morning after a clear day), a sea of clouds can spread over Lake Kussharo. Nakajima Island floating above the clouds with the blue of the lake glimpsed through their gaps makes for a scene you carry with you for a lifetime.At the pass is the "Michi-no-Eki Gurutto Panorama Bihoro-toge" roadside station, with an observation deck, a restaurant, and a shop. A michi-no-eki, or roadside station, is a rest facility set along major roads throughout Japan, where you can also enjoy local ingredients, souvenirs, and light meals. The restaurant serves ageimo, a Bihoro Pass specialty. It's a simple dish of deep-fried Hokkaido potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, that warms you after standing in the cold mountain wind. Photo: The "Michi-no-Eki Gurutto Panorama Bihoro-toge" roadside station overlooking Lake Kussharo It's a place to feel the sheer scale of the sky spreading above the lake, and a spot worth visiting if you'd like to take some striking photos. Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum: How Can You Learn About the Culture Passed Down Alongside Lake Kussharo? On the south side of Lake Kussharo, about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, is the Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum. Kotan is an Ainu word meaning a settlement or village. The Ainu are an Indigenous people who have lived in Hokkaido and northern Japan since ancient times. The name "Kussharo" itself derives from the Ainu word "kutcharo" (the throat or outlet of a marsh), which shows how deeply this lake has been tied to Ainu life since long ago.The museum displays traditional Ainu household tools, clothing, and crafts. The dugout canoes and fishing implements are especially interesting. On Lake Kussharo, the Ainu used dugout canoes to catch kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) and carp, living on the bounty of the lake.The beauty of the garments and embroidery bearing Ainu patterns is another highlight. Traditional motifs such as the spiral "moreu" and the thorn-like "aiushi" each carry meanings, from warding off evil to praying for a bountiful catch.Outside, a traditional dwelling called a "chise" (the Ainu word for "house") has been reconstructed, and you can tour its interior. With its thatched roof, an irori (a traditional sunken hearth set in the floor that serves as both fireplace and cooking spot), and an altar shelf, it lets you experience how the Ainu people lived.Touching not only the scenery but also the history and culture of the land changes the depth of a trip entirely. Once you know that Lake Kussharo is not merely a "big lake" but "Kutcharo," deeply bound up with people's lives, the way you look at it changes too.For fiscal 2026, the museum is open from April 10 to November 30. It's open every day during that period, but it's reassuring to check the latest opening status before you head out. A Location That Lets You Get Moving from Early Morning: How Can You Make the Most of Kussharo's Nature Experiences? Kussharo's appeal can't be captured by its daytime scenery alone. The early-morning lake, misty dawns, starlit nights: each part of the day offers scenery you can meet only then.One of the great advantages of staying at the Kussharo Prince Hotel lies in this location that lets you get moving from early in the morning. The Kushiro River Headwaters and the Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe: What Waterscapes Await? The Headwaters of the Kushiro River The Kushiro River's headwaters begin at the southern end of Lake Kussharo. The lake is also the source of the Kushiro River, which runs about 154 km before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. With no large dam on its main stream, the Kushiro is a rare river you can paddle by canoe all the way from source to mouth. Photo: The Kushiro River, about 154 km long, originating at Lake Kussharo and flowing into the Pacific Ocean The headwaters canoe tour, descending the roughly 3 km from Lake Kussharo to Midori Bridge, lets you feel how the lake, the forest, and the river connect, and it's popular with international travelers too. As your canoe leaves the lake, the river quickly narrows and the trees press in from both banks.The current is gentle, so even first-time canoeists can relax and enjoy it. Drifting slowly down a quiet river ringed by forests of Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir, you feel completely cut off from the bustle of everyday life.With a little luck, you may encounter wildlife such as Hokkaido sika deer, Ezo red fox, and white-tailed eagles. On guided tours, you'll also learn about the plants and animals and the history of the Kushiro River. The Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe Tour The Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe Tour is an experience we especially recommend. You leave the hotel before dawn, while it's still dim, and head to the lakeside canoe station. Photo: An image of Lake Kussharo and a canoe Between 5 and 6 a.m., as the sky gradually begins to lighten, you paddle out onto the lake.With morning mist hanging over the water, you ease the canoe forward until the world narrows to just you and the sound of your paddle. From beyond the mist, the mountains of the far shore slowly emerge, and the eastern sky begins to glow orange.Before long, the sun peeks over the ridgeline and the lake's surface bursts into gold all at once. Witnessing that moment from out on the water evokes emotions that can’t quite be conveyed by words.For travelers who want a trip where they take the photos themselves rather than just look at them, it's an unbeatable spot for photography. On the morning lake, the angle of the light shifts moment by moment, showing a different face each time you press the shutter.The morning canoe takes about 30 minutes, so you can build a day around returning to the hotel for breakfast and then heading out sightseeing again. Sea of Clouds and Birdwatching: What Can You Meet That Only an East Hokkaido Morning Offers? Lake Kussharo Sea-of-Clouds Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass About a 90-minute drive from the hotel, Tsubetsu Pass is known as a spectacular sea-of-clouds spot with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo. When the lake, seen from the pass at roughly 947 m above sea level, is blanketed in a sea of clouds, it looks like an island floating on an ocean of cloud. (0:22) Photo: The sea of clouds covering Lake Kussharo, seen from Tsubetsu Pass at about 947 m above sea level Created by the unique combination of the distinctive weather conditions and caldera terrain around Lake Kussharo, the early-morning sea of clouds is a scene you'll remember for a lifetime. It's most likely to form in the early mornings from June to October, especially the morning after a clear day when radiative cooling has occurred.On the Lake Kussharo sea-of-clouds tour, an expert guide judges the likelihood of the phenomenon and leads you up to the pass at the best timing. The first thing that meets your eyes on arrival is an ocean of cloud stretching as far as you can see. Through gaps in the clouds, the blue surface of Lake Kussharo peeks out, with Nakajima Island floating above the clouds.Your guide brews morning coffee, so you can savor the golden, glowing sea of clouds with a warm cup in hand. The clouds change shape moment by moment, swirling or parting as the wind moves them. Just watching that transformation, you lose track of time. Lake Kussharo Stargazing Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass At night, there's also the Lake Kussharo Stargazing Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass, where an expert guide introduces a sky full of stars. With almost no artificial light around, Tsubetsu Pass is ideal for stargazing. Photo: A stargazing guided tour enjoying a sky full of stars at Tsubetsu Pass, where artificial light is scarce Pointing out constellations with a laser pointer, the guide shares the myths behind them. You can enjoy a different night sky each season: the Milky Way in summer, Orion in winter, the Big Dipper in spring. And the wonder of catching a shooting star is like nothing else. Wildlife to Find Around Lake Kussharo In winter, following animal tracks left across the snowfields is a popular experience. From prints in the snow left by Hokkaido sika deer, Ezo red fox, mountain hare, and others, you read which animal headed in which direction. Walking while listening to the guide's explanations, the snowy forest comes to look like a completely different world.Watching a small wild bird called the shima-enaga (long-tailed tit) is another winter pleasure. About 13 cm long, these tiny birds move in flocks in winter. Watching them peck at berries and flit from branch to branch never gets old. Photo: The shima-enaga (long-tailed tit), a small wild bird seen around Lake Kussharo in winter Birdwatching is at its most rewarding in the stillness of early morning. Birdsong, the beat of wings, the crunch of snow underfoot: time spent listening closely to such small sounds lingers as a memory of the trip. Cycling and Glamping: What Stay-and-Play Time Can You Enjoy in Kussharo? Lake Kussharo Cycling Tour Around the hotel are cycling courses for both beginners and the more athletic, including a Kussharo cycling tour that takes in Lake Kussharo and Mt. Mokoto on an electric-assist E-bike. (0:43)Choose a flat lakeside route and you can ride at a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery. Between the exhilaration of cutting through the wind, the flowers blooming along the shore, and the mountains across the water, there's a side of Kussharo you can only experience by bicycle.There's also a course that stops at the Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum along the way and returns by motorboat, so you enjoy different scenery on the way out and back. Lake Kussharo seen from a motorboat has a force all its own, quite different from viewing it from land. In Summer, Enjoy Glamping on the Kussharo Prince Hotel Grounds In summer (June–September), a glamping facility called Hokkaido Nature Village in Kussharo appears within the Lakeside Garden, where you can enjoy a tent sauna and a barbecue dinner in the garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo. (0:39) Photo: The glamping facility that appears in the Lakeside Garden for the summer season only Each glamping site comes with a tent, table, chairs, and a fire pit, so you can enjoy it with no equipment needed. At the barbecue dinner, you grill Hokkaido meat and vegetables over charcoal while gazing at the lake. A meal eaten while watching the sun go down is incomparable.After working up a sweat in the tent sauna, cool down in the lake in place of a cold plunge. Whether you want to sway in a hammock on the terrace, or take in the seasonal flowers in the Lakeside Garden, there's everything you need for a fulfilling day even without venturing far.*The availability of the glamping facility and activities may change depending on the season. Please check the official website for the latest information. After a Day Spent in Nature, What Awaits at Kussharo Onsen? From morning onward, you’ll be out exploring, gazing at the lake, walking the forest, paddling a canoe, taking photos, riding a bike, and more. A day in Kussharo uses your body more than you'd expect. What rounds off such a day is Kussharo Onsen, welling up from underground. An onsen is a uniquely Japanese bathing culture in which you soak in natural water warmed by the earth's heat.Sinking a body tired from a day of sightseeing quietly into the bath, and letting it restore itself, makes your stay even more rewarding. It's precisely because you have both time to take in the scenery and time to rest your body that a trip to Kussharo gains real depth. What Are the Characteristics of the Kussharo Onsen Spring Water? The Kussharo Prince Hotel has a spacious communal bath where many people can bathe at once. At Japanese onsen hotels, some properties provide a large public bath, separate from the bathroom in your room, that can accommodate many guests. No swimwear is needed; you use a towel. The Kussharo Onsen water here is a sodium–calcium sulfate/chloride spring (a neutral, hypotonic, high-temperature spring), welling up from 1,000 m underground at a spring temperature of 45.0°C and a flow of as much as 280 liters per minute. Photo: The open-air bath of Kussharo Onsen, welling up from 1,000 m underground Rich in salts and carbon dioxide gas, it's expected to help retain moisture, support the skin's metabolism, and stimulate the work of the capillaries.As general onsen benefits, it's reputed to be effective for promoting health, as well as help relieve a wide range of conditions, including neuralgia, joint pain, fatigue, poor circulation, and muscle stiffness, among others. It's a welcome kind of water for warming the body after sightseeing.The large bath is open from 14:00 to 24:00, and again from 5:00 to 10:00 the next morning. Once in the afternoon when you return from sightseeing, once more after dinner, and once again after you wake: At Kussharo Prince Hotel, the luxury of bathing in the hot spring several times a day is yours.Please note that many onsen facilities may decline entry to guests with tattoos. Be sure to check with each facility.Bathe at 5 in the early morning and you can watch the sky begin to brighten through the rising steam. Greeting the start of the day amid the stillness unique to Kussharo is something truly special. The Open-Air Bath: How Can You Savor the Forest Air and the Quiet? The open-air bath has a roof and is designed so you can ease your travel fatigue while looking out over the garden. A dedicated elevator lets you come straight from your room in your yukata and sandals, so after your bath you can head right back to relax in your room.In the open-air bath, you can rest your body at leisure while feeling the forest air on your skin. At the end of a day spent on the move, sinking into a quiet bath gently wraps the afterglow of your travels.Soak in the open-air bath at night and look up, and you'll see the stars. Bathing while gazing at a starry sky spread out beyond the steam is a luxury unique to Kussharo. Taking a moment to relax while looking over the garden after your bath is a luxury too. With a Barrel Sauna, How Does Lakeside Rest Change? Don't overlook the guests-only private barrel sauna, either. In a reserved barrel sauna set within the Lakeside Garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo, with the lake right before you, you can reach the deeply relaxed state attained by repeating sauna, cold plunge, and open-air cooling (in Japan, this is expressed as "totonou," getting into balance). Photo: The private barrel sauna set within the Lakeside Garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo It's available for private use, one unit at a time, from May 7 to October 31. Operating hours are split into two sessions: a morning session from 8:00 to 10:00 and an afternoon session from 15:00 to 17:00.A barrel sauna is a small sauna shaped like a wooden barrel, suitable for about two to four people. Warmed by a wood stove, the sauna room gradually heats your body from its core. Photo: The interior of the barrel sauna, which warms your body from its core with a wood stove After you've worked up a sweat, step straight into Lake Kussharo right in front of you. The lake water is cold and cools your sauna-flushed body all at once. Once you're out, settle into a deck chair for the open-air cool-down. Gazing at the lake, you slowly steady your breathing.Repeat this "sauna → lake → open-air cooling" for about three rounds and you'll loosen up from the core, wrapped in a pleasant tiredness. For sauna lovers, time spent feeling completely refreshed while gazing at the lake will surely make for an unforgettable night.Combined with the hot spring in the large bath, it makes for a stay that tunes your body from the core.*Sauna availability may change depending on the season. Please check the official website for the latest information. What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Enjoy at the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Once the hot spring has set your body right, it's time to eat. One of the joys of travel is, after all, the food. At the Kussharo Prince Hotel, the restaurants let you enjoy both the scenery and the cuisine. Restaurant "Loupeigne": What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Discover? Restaurant "Loupeigne" is a glass-walled space surrounded by a large pond and greenery, with star-inspired lighting glittering across a soaring ceiling ten meters high, a restaurant with a dreamlike atmosphere. (0:31) Photo: The glass-walled, open and airy restaurant "Loupeigne" Hours are 7:00–9:30 for breakfast (last order 9:00) and 18:00–21:00 for dinner (last order 20:30). Certified as the very first "Kita no Megumi Aishoku Restaurant" (a Hokkaido program promoting locally sourced dining), it serves dishes that make a point of using Hokkaido ingredients.Dining while looking out through the glass at the forest and pond, you really feel that you're at a table inside a national park. In this open, airy space, a meal taken while sensing the nature of Kussharo broadens the pleasures of your stay even further. A Japanese–Western–Chinese Buffet to Suit Every Appetite What you'll enjoy at Loupeigne is a varied buffet of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. A lineup of dishes prepared in the chef’s own style lets you choose to match your mood that day. Photo: A Japanese-Western-Chinese buffet showcasing Hokkaido ingredients Photo: [Top left] fragrant, flavorful hanasaki crab; [Top right] the No.1 most-repeated ramen — Japanese-style soy sauce ramen, miso ramen, salt ramen; [Bottom left] Gouda cheese melted at high heat; [Bottom right] perfectly cooked roast beef Being free to decide your own pace and combinations is the beauty of a buffet. On a day you've been active since morning, lean toward the meat dishes; on a quieter day, center your meal on fish and vegetables. You can choose to suit how you feel.For those who prefer a set menu, there are Western-style courses: YAMANAMI (¥11,000), SORA (¥13,000), and CALDERA (¥16,000). If you stay multiple nights, you can alternate between the buffet and a course from day to day. "Lakeside Breakfast" on the Shore of Lake Kussharo The Lakeside Breakfast, where you enjoy a lakeside morning meal in a picnic mood, is a popular breakfast offering; in 2026 it runs as a seasonal, reservation-only plan from June 1 to September 30. A morning spent opening a basket while gazing at Lake Kussharo stays with you as a special memory. Photo: The Lakeside Breakfast, savoring a picnic mood on the shore of Lake Kussharo At Night, Savor the Afterglow of Your Travels at the Modern Bar-Lounge "La Gloriette" On the first floor is the lounge "La Gloriette." (0:46) It's open from 20:00 to 22:00 (last order 21:45). With the atmosphere of a modern bar floating on the pond, you can enjoy fine spirits from around the world and original cocktails.Enjoying a quiet drink at the end of the evening is the perfect way to linger over the lakeside atmosphere. Including the Surrounding Food Scene, How Far Do Hokkaido Flavors Reach? After getting a taste of Hokkaido ingredients through the hotel's meals, you'll want to venture out to the local food scene nearby. A short drive opens up a treasure trove of regional cuisine: oysters from Akkeshi, cheese from the Konsen region, and fresh dairy delivered from neighboring farms.Being able to enjoy both the meals at the hotel and the local restaurants and specialties nearby is one of the real pleasures of a stay in Kussharo. Akkeshi oysters are known as a high-quality brand shipped year-round thanks to proprietary techniques. There are three major brands: "Kaki-emon," marked by a rich sweetness; the large, milky "Maru-emon"; and the rare premium oyster "Benten-kaki". Because they grow slowly in the cold waters off Akkeshi, their flavor is exceptionally rich and concentrated. Photo: Akkeshi oysters, an East Hokkaido brand marked by a rich sweetness About an hour and a half by car from the hotel, it is close enough to combine sightseeing toward the Kushiro Wetlands or Nemuro with great food. Eaten raw or grilled, Akkeshi oysters are one of the pleasures of an East Hokkaido drive. How Does Good Access Connect to How Easily You Can Plan Your Kussharo Sightseeing? The Kussharo Prince Hotel sits in a convenient location as a base for touring East Hokkaido. Looking at access not as mere directions but together with how easily you can build an itinerary, you start to see why this hotel gets chosen. Easy to Get Around Lake Kussharo, So Trip Planning Is Simple The hotel sits right on the shore of Lake Kussharo, with good access to major spots such as Sunayu, the Wakoto Peninsula, and Bihoro Pass. Sunayu is about 30 minutes away by car, the Wakoto Peninsula about 3 minutes, and Bihoro Pass about 15 minutes, each being within easy reach for a casual visit.A free shuttle bus runs between JR Mashu Station and the hotel, making the trip between the hotel and the station smooth. You can check the schedule on the hotel's official website. Photo: JR Mashu Station, where the Kussharo Prince Hotel's free shuttle bus arrives and departs From Memanbetsu Airport it's about an hour by car under normal conditions, and from Kushiro Airport about an hour and 45 minutes. If you rent a car, you can go straight from the airport to the hotel and head out to explore the surroundings from there. From Tokyo (Haneda Airport), it's about an hour and 45 minutes by air to Memanbetsu Airport and about an hour and 40 minutes to Kushiro Airport. Visitors from overseas typically connect to a domestic flight in Tokyo or Sapporo. To rent a car you'll need an International Driving Permit, and remember that Japan drives on the left. From around November to March in winter, roads can become snowy due to snowfall and ice, so choose a car fitted with studless (winter) tires or check with each car-rental company.Even on a short two-day, one-night stay, it's entirely possible to cover the main spots around Lake Kussharo. With three days and two nights, you can also work in hands-on programs such as the morning canoe, a sea-of-clouds tour, and cycling.Stay several nights and you can even set aside a day without venturing far, to spend leisurely at the hotel. An East Hokkaido Base That's Easy to Extend Toward Lake Mashu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko The Kussharo Prince Hotel is convenient not only for the area around Lake Kussharo but as a base for sightseeing across all of East Hokkaido. Lake Mashu is about 30 minutes away by car and Mt. Io about 30 minutes, putting the main spots of Akan-Mashu National Park close at hand.It's about an hour and 20 minutes by car toward Abashiri and about two hours and 10 minutes toward Shiretoko, close enough for day trips. You could build an itinerary like the first night around Lake Kussharo, the second around Lake Mashu and Mt. Io, and the third venturing out toward Shiretoko.Precisely because there's the reassurance of returning to the hotel to rest, it becomes easier to widen the range of your sightseeing.The Kushiro Wetlands are also within day-trip range at about an hour and 20 minutes by car. Using the Kussharo Prince Hotel as your base, you can put together a trip that efficiently takes in all three national parks. Broaden Your View to All of East Hokkaido and Kussharo Sightseeing Gets Even More Interesting Rather than wrapping things up around Lake Kussharo alone, use the Kussharo Prince Hotel as a base for wider-area sightseeing that also takes in the Kushiro Wetlands and the Nemuro direction, and the scope of your trip expands dramatically.By planning your itinerary around the hotel, you can fully savor the charms of East Hokkaido for a trip that doesn't end with Kussharo alone. An East Hokkaido Drive That Extends to the Kushiro Wetlands, Notsuke Peninsula, and Shari Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from the hotel by car. As Japan's largest wetland, it's known as a habitat for red-crowned cranes and other wildlife. From the Kushiro Marsh Observatory and the Hosooka Observatory, you can take in the vast wetland at a glance. Photo: Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, about an hour and 20 minutes by car from the hotel Venture toward Nemuro and you'll find the Notsuke Peninsula. At about 26 km long, it's one of Japan's largest sand spits (a peninsula of sand), with a distinctive landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The scenery of standing dead Sakhalin firs known as "Todowara" is popular as a photogenic spot. It's a bit of a distance at about two hours by car from the hotel, but it's well worth working in as a destination on an East Hokkaido drive.Go further to Shari Town and there's a straight road called the "Road to Heaven." Running dead straight for about 28 km, it's a spectacular spot that creates the illusion of being drawn up into the sky. Photo: The "Road to Heaven," a spectacular straight road in Shari Town Widely shared on social media, it’s a destination no photography-minded traveler should pass up. How Do You Put Together a Manageable Model Course for Kussharo Sightseeing? A Two-Day, One-Night Model Course On day one, tour the area around Lake Kussharo (Sunayu, the Wakoto Peninsula, Bihoro Pass); on day two, try the morning canoe and then visit Lake Mashu and Mt. Io for a leisurely route you can cover without rushing. A Three-Day, Two-Night Model Course An itinerary like the area around Lake Kussharo on day one, the Kushiro Wetlands on day two, and the morning canoe plus a sea-of-clouds tour on day three is doable. If you spend the morning of day three relaxing at the hotel and check out in the afternoon, you can finish your trip on a relaxed note. A Four-Day, Three-Night Model Course For a longer stay of four days and three nights or more, you can split the days by area: around Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu, the Kushiro Wetlands, the Shiretoko area, and the Nemuro area, allowing you to keep each day's travel distance short.We also recommend setting aside one day without venturing far, to spend relaxing at the hotel. Whether you are reading in the Lakeside Garden, or simply bathing in the hot spring again and again, a slow day at the hotel often turns out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. In Summary: To Travel Kussharo Is to Enjoy the Time You Spend at the Kussharo Prince Hotel, Too Sightseeing in Kussharo isn't only about visiting famous spots; where you stay and how you spend your time greatly change the impression a trip leaves. The Kussharo Prince Hotel is both a base for exploring the area around Lake Kussharo and a hotel where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the journey. Photo: The exterior of the Kussharo Prince Hotel, where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the journey All guest rooms are Western-style and face the lake, Kussharo Onsen springs from 1,000 meters underground, a buffet features Hokkaido-grown ingredients, experiences like morning canoeing and cloud sea tours, and the tranquility of spending time within a national park. All of these make a trip to Kussharo truly special. It is the staff of Kussharo Prince Hotel who make these lakeside moments possible. Sales Manager Yasuaki Kitazawa, who meets guests every day, shares his thoughts: Photo: Mr. Yasuaki Kitazawa, Sales Manager, Kussharo Prince Hotel "Standing on the shores of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, our hotel is a tranquil retreat enveloped in majestic nature and serene stillness. With scenery that transforms through the four seasons, natural hot springs, and cuisine made with local ingredients, we offer moments that gently ease the heart. Step away from your everyday life and enjoy time that flows at its own unhurried pace." Not just going to see the scenery, but sleeping beside it, waking, and heading out again. If that sounds like your kind of journey, why not make the Kussharo Prince Hotel your base for your next trip to East Hokkaido? What Are the Facility Details and Access for the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Facility Name Kussharo Prince Hotel Address 〒088-3395 北海道川上郡弟子屈町屈斜路温泉 Phone Number 015-484-2111 FAX 015-484-2580 Check-in 15:00 Check-out 11:00 Access (Train / Shuttle Bus) Free shuttle bus available from JR Mashu Station (reservation required) Access (Car) Approximately 1 hour from Memanbetsu Airport Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Kushiro Airport Operating Period November 24, 2025 (Mon) – January 16, 2026 (Fri) March 8, 2026 (Sun) – April 24, 2026 (Fri) (Due to peak winter tourist demand, the hotel will also be open from January 17 (Sat) through March 7, 2026 (Sat).) Please check the official website for the latest information on the 2026 winter closure period. *This information is current as of the time of publication. Please check the official website for the latest operating status. Official Website https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kussharo/ Digital Brochure https://www.princehotels.co.jp/file.jsp?id=484857 Reservations Online reservations are available through the official website. Before booking, please be sure to check the official website for the latest rates, plans, and operating status. ※This article is based on information from an interview conducted with Kussharo Prince Hotel as of July 2026. For the latest updates on Kussharo Prince Hotel, please check COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' social media. Cool Japan Videos, a social media platform sharing the appeal of Japan .kph-info-section { --kph-primary: #9c4a5b; /* 深いローズ：見出し・項目名・リンク */ --kph-accent: #d48a8a; /* ダスティローズ：アクセントライン */ --kph-bg: #fdf4f3; /* 薄ピンクベース：テーブル背景 */ --kph-bg-deep: #f8e6e3; /* やや濃いピンク：項目名セル */ --kph-border: #ecd4d0; /* 淡いローズベージュ：罫線 */ --kph-text: #3d2a2d; /* ウォームダークブラウン：本文 */ --kph-text-sub: #8a6f72; /* グレージュ：補足テキスト */ max-width: 760px; margin: 48px auto; padding: 0 16px; color: var(--kph-text); line-height: 1.7; } .kph-info-section * { box-sizing: border-box; } .kph-info-heading { position: relative; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.08em; color: var(--kph-primary); padding-bottom: 16px; margin: 0 0 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); } .kph-info-heading::before { content: ""; display: inline-block; width: 28px; height: 2px; background: var(--kph-accent); vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 12px; transform: translateY(-3px); } .kph-info-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: var(--kph-bg); border: 1px solid var(--kph-border); border-radius: 4px; overflow: hidden; } .kph-info-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); } .kph-info-table tr:last-child { border-bottom: none; } .kph-info-table th { width: 32%; padding: 16px 20px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; font-weight: 500; color: var(--kph-primary); background: var(--kph-bg-deep); border-right: 1px solid var(--kph-border); letter-spacing: 0.04em; white-space: nowrap; } .kph-info-table td { padding: 16px 20px; vertical-align: top; color: var(--kph-text); word-break: break-word; } .kph-info-table td a { color: var(--kph-primary); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(156, 74, 91, 0.35); transition: all 0.2s ease; word-break: break-all; } .kph-info-table td a:hover { color: var(--kph-accent); border-bottom-color: var(--kph-accent); } .kph-info-table td ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .kph-info-table td ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; } .kph-info-table td ul li:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; } .kph-info-table td ul li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.6em; width: 6px; height: 1px; background: var(--kph-accent); } .kph-info-map { margin-top: 16px; padding: 24px; background: var(--kph-bg); border: 1px dashed var(--kph-border); border-radius: 4px; text-align: center; color: var(--kph-text-sub); letter-spacing: 0.08em; } .kph-info-note { margin-top: 12px; color: var(--kph-text-sub); letter-spacing: 0.04em; line-height: 1.7; } /* スマートフォン対応（縦積みレイアウト） */ @media screen and (max-width: 600px) { .kph-info-table, .kph-info-table tbody, .kph-info-table tr, .kph-info-table th, .kph-info-table td { display: block; width: 100%; } .kph-info-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--kph-border); padding: 4px 0; } .kph-info-table th { width: 100%; padding: 14px 16px 6px; background: var(--kph-bg-deep); border-right: none; white-space: normal; letter-spacing: 0.1em; } .kph-info-table td { padding: 8px 16px 16px; } } .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul { counter-reset: listnum; list-style: none; font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li { margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before { counter-increment: listnum; content: counter(listnum) ". "; } .list-style-dot>li::before { content:"↓ "; } .list-style-dot>li { padding-left: 1.8rem; margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; line-height: 2rem !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } .separation_line { border-width: 0 0 8px; border-style: solid; border-image: url('data:image/svg+xml,') 0 0 100% repeat; width: 216px; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 50px; } .line-height-text { line-height: 3.7rem !important; } .readMoreContainer { position: relative; height: auto; max-height: 300px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.6s; } .readMoreContainer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 0; display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; transition: 1s; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 40%, #efefef 100%); pointer-events: none; } .readMoreContainer.show:after { z-index: -1; opacity: 0; } .readMoreBtn { display: block; margin: 0 auto; padding: 8px 40px; border: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ff1300; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .readMoreBtn:hover { opacity: 0.7; } const readmore = document.querySelectorAll('.readMoreInner'); Array.from(readmore).forEach(function(more){ const btn = more.querySelector('.readMoreBtn'); const content = more.querySelector('.readMoreContainer'); btn.addEventListener('click', () => { if(!content.classList.contains('show')){ content.style.maxHeight = content.scrollHeight + 'px'; content.classList.add('show'); btn.innerText = 'Close'; } else { content.style.maxHeight = '300px'; content.classList.remove('show'); btn.innerText = 'Read More'; window.location.href = "#readMoreBlock"; } }); }); { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Kussharo Prince Hotel", "url": "https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kussharo/" } }

■Table of Contents Introduction The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area: A Connected Journey Through Eastern Hokkaido's Akan-Mashu and Kushiro Shitsugen National Parks Who the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area is for: A Journey to Slow Down and Take It In Exploring Kushiro: Wetlands, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Skies — Canoeing, Observation Decks, Red-Crowned Crane Watching, and One of the World's Three Great Sunsets Things to Do in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park What Are the Highlights of Lake Akan? The Appeal of a Stay-Based Area Where Marimo, Akanko Ainu Kotan, and Lake Akan Onsen Come Together Akanko Ainu Kotan: A Place to Encounter Ainu Culture Spending a Blissful Moment at Lake Akan Onsen What Are the Highlights of Lake Mashu? Introducing the Sea of Clouds, Observation Decks, Teshikaga, and Kawayu Onsen Lake Mashu's Fog and Sea of Clouds Useful Nearby Information for Enjoying Lake Mashu More Deeply What Foods Should You Try in the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area? Eastern Hokkaido Cuisine Nurtured by the Blessings of Water and the Local Climate Kushiro Area: Seafood and Robatayaki Lake Akan Area: Lake Blessings and Ainu Food Culture Teshikaga and Mashu Area: Inland Blessings and Local Foods of a Hot Spring Region How Can You Enjoy Each Season? Seasonal Highlights of the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Spring to Summer (May to August): A Season of Green and Blue, Easy for First-Time Visitors to Explore Autumn (September to October): Autumn Leaves, Clear Air, and a Season You Will Want to Photograph Winter (November to March): Red-Crowned Crane Watching, Snowy Scenery, and a Sacred Season for Hot Springs How Do You Access the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area? Getting Around by Car, Public Transportation, and Bus Main Access Bases for the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Traveling by Car Traveling by Public Transportation What Are the Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day and 2-Night, 3-Day Model Itineraries? Easy Routes for First-Time Visitors Travel Through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, Connecting Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu See more Introduction The eastern shore of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, presents a landscape that shifts dramatically as you travel, giving a continuously-changing atmosphere to your journey. The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area[Untouched Hokkaido] (0:54), connecting the national parks at Kushiro Shitsugen and the Akan and Mashu Lakes, is a special region where visitors can experience majestic natural beauty and serene lakes, offering stunning landscapes and quiet tranquility. You can take in vast marshlands, be soothed by the still waters, and experience both the volcanic terrain and Ainu culture that have each had a hand in shaping this land. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area If it's your first visit, it is recommended to plan on at least two or three days to comfortably see what the area has to offer. For traveling without a car, basing your trip in Kushiro, Lake Akan Onsen, or Kawayu Onsen and exploring from there can make it easier to get around. In this article, we will introduce the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, along with its key sights, suggested routes, and seasonal attractions. The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area: A Connected Journey Through Eastern Hokkaido Kushiro Wetlands, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu: For those familiar with the region, just hearing these names is enough to conjure images of Hokkaido's vast, untamed landscapes. The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area brings these three regions together, offering a single travel experience encompassing nature, Ainu culture, hot springs, and local cuisine across eastern Hokkaido. "Kamuy" means "god" or "spirit" in the language of the Ainu, who are indigenous to Hokkaido. For the Ainu, spirits are believed to inhabit all elements of the natural world, including mountains, rivers, and animals. Water itself has been held to be sacred since ancient times, with rivers, lakes and wetlands all existing in harmony with spirits. Thus Mizu-no-Kamuy, the area of the water spirits, is a name that perfectly reflects the essence of this land. The sense of harmony and interconnection is a fascinating aspect of Mizu-no-Kamuy. The wetlands, lakes, volcanic terrain and cultural sites are not isolated, separate points, but form a continuous, cohesive journey. Travel through this area reveals how these separate elements shape and flow into one another like the water for which the region is named, making for a deeper, more holistic experience than can be had by simply visiting individual points of interest. This sense of a "journey to encounter the Kamuy of Water" is the underlying philosophy behind the Mizu-no-Kamuy area. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Who the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area is for: A Journey to Slow Down and Take It In The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area is especially suited to travelers who want more than just a checklist of scenic views. Its a place to settle into, from soaking in the beautiful nature and Ainu culture, to literally soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the varied local food. For travelers drawn to wide-open skies, clear air, and a silence that makes you stop and listen, this journey is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is a rewarding destination not just for repeat visitors, but also for anyone looking to experience a different side of Hokkaido. Travel here is less about covering distance and more about lingering. After visiting Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the lasting impression, more so than the mere vastness of the wetlands, but the time spent in a landscape where the sky and earth seem to connect. At Lake Akan, a walk along the lakeshore or time spent in Akanko Ainu Kotan has a cultural dimension that goes beyond the scenery. At Lake Mashu, the lake takes on an entirely different aspect depending on the weather, with a crystal-clear beauty on sunny days, and an otherworldly atmosphere when wrapped in fog. Because the atmosphere is so inconstant, both from place to place and even in the same area seen twice in different circumstances, simply moving through the region is enough to convey a natural sense of depth. Although it is possible to see it in a packed one day or one-night-two-day, allowing yourself at least two full days makes for a far more relaxed and rewarding experience, especially if it is your first time. Exploring Kushiro: Wetlands, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Skies There is a natural logic to beginning any journey through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area at the Kushiro Shitsugen Wetlands. Stretching across the land north of Kushiro city, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is Japan's largest wetland and a site of international significance, designated under the Ramsar Convention for the protection of the world's most important wetland ecosystems. But its true scale becomes apparent the moment you first step out onto one of the observation decks and take in what lies before you. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The wetlands extend toward the horizon, while the Kushiro River (0:25) winds below in broad, unhurried curves. Almost nothing man-made enters your field of vision. This kind of stillness and sense of space is genuinely difficult to find elsewhere, and the sensation of having arrived somewhere distinctive, singular, and unmistakably unique to eastern Hokkaido, is inescapable. The Kushiro River itself runs a stretch of 154 km, beginning at Lake Kussharo in Akan-Mashu National Park. The clear water flows out from the lake's southern shore, quietly flowing through old-growth forest before reaching the wetlands. If you visit Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo later in your trip, that connection becomes clear: the river first seen meandering through the marshlands has its origins in the lakes you encounter upstream. It adds a sense of continuity to the journey, linking the region together and clarifying the landscape into an interconnected whole. Things to Do in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Observation Decks Hosooka Observatory, Sarubo Observatory, Kottaro Wetland Observatory, and Kushiro Marsh Observatory (7:25) each offer different perspectives over the wetlands. The scenery shifts dramatically with the weather and time of day, so it's worth visiting more than one. A guided tour of Hokuto Observatory can be seen from (7:25) in the video. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Canoeing on the Kushiro River Canoeing is one of the best ways to experience Kushiro, with two distinct routes offering very different landscapes. ・Kushiro River Headwaters Canoe Tour (3:32) Starting near Lake Kussharo, this route follows the narrow upper reaches of the Kushiro River through dense, first-growth forest. The water is clear, the current gentle, and at times the trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of green. It is a quiet, more enclosed experience, less about wide views and focusing more on immersion in a pristine natural habitat. The sense of adventure and the wonder of being deep in untouched nature makes this a different experience from the lower reaches. This is recommended for those who want to "venture into old-growth forest with crystal-clear streams." Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area ・Kushiro Wetland Canoe Tour (6:54) Further downstream, the river widens as it flows through Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. The river is wide and the current is gentle, so even beginners can paddle comfortably. Moving at water level through the reeds, you may spot wildlife such as red-crowned cranes or kingfishers along the banks. Being on the river in such an open, expansive landscape gives an immersive feeling of becoming part of the wetland ecosystem that is hard to find elsewhere. Guided tours offer explanations and context on the ecosystem, wildlife and plant life, adding greater depth to the scenery before you. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Boardwalk Walks The walking trail next to Kushiro Marsh Observatory has the Satellite Observatory at its midpoint, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. The boardwalks around Onnenai Visitor Center are also popular routes that allow visitors to walk through the wetland itself. You can take your time enjoying the sensation of the peatland underfoot—peat is a layer formed over many years by accumulated plant matter—and the world of wetland plants spreading around you. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Red-Crowned Crane Watching Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is known worldwide as a habitat for the red-crowned crane. The red-crowned crane is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan, one of the most important natural monuments protected by the Japanese government under law. Once on the brink of extinction, it has recovered in numbers through conservation efforts and is now a symbolic wild animal of Japan. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The Kushiro and Nemuro regions are Japan's largest breeding area for red-crowned cranes. Their elegant appearance as they live in wetlands and farmland deeply moves visitors to this region. In winter especially, you can see red-crowned cranes dancing against snowy scenery, creating an unforgettable sight. From winter to early spring, you may also see courtship dances, in which males and females face each other, spread their wings, and leap into the air. These precious moments allow you to feel the mystery of life up close. Well-known observation spots include the Akan International Crane Center, where cranes gather through feeding, and the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, where wild red-crowned cranes can be observed in a more natural state. The best season for red-crowned crane watching is from mid-December to February. During this period, dozens to more than one hundred cranes may gather for wintering, and their vivid white and red forms against the snowfield create a winter view unique to Kushiro. After first taking in the scale and richness of eastern Hokkaido's nature at Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, continuing on to Lake Akan and Lake Mashu creates a smooth and meaningful flow for the entire journey. You can watch the Kushiro area from (6:18) in the video. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Basic Information [Address] Kushiro City, Kushiro Town (Kushiro District), Tsurui Village (Akan District), Shibecha Town (Kawakami District), Hokkaido [Access] About 40 to 60 minutes by car from Tancho Kushiro Airport What Are the Highlights of Lake Akan? The Appeal of a Stay-Based Area Where Marimo, Akanko Ainu Kotan, and Lake Akan Onsen Come Together If Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is a place where you feel endless openness, Lake Akan is an area where lake scenery, culture, and hot springs overlap—an area best enjoyed by staying for a while. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Lake Akan is widely known as the habitat of marimo, a type of algae that grows into spherical shapes and is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Taking a sightseeing boat across the lake to Churui Island and seeing real marimo up close at the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center is a memorable experience for both children and adults. The sight of round green spheres gently floating in the water has a strangely calming charm. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Yet the appeal of Lake Akan cannot be explained by the fame of marimo alone. The quiet time that flows along the lakeshore, moments of encountering Ainu culture, and the relaxing atmosphere unique to a hot spring area all come together, making this a place that remains deeply in your travel memories. Akanko Ainu Kotan: A Place to Encounter Ainu Culture In one corner of the Lake Akan Onsen town is Akanko Ainu Kotan. "Kotan" is an Ainu word meaning "settlement" or "village," and Akanko Ainu Kotan is known as a place where Ainu culture is passed down to the present day. It is not merely a tourist facility. One of its major characteristics is that Ainu people still live there today, continuing their culture through daily life. Within the area are shops selling crafts such as wood carvings and embroidery, restaurants where visitors can taste Ainu cuisine, and facilities introducing traditional dance and culture. As you walk through the kotan, you can come into contact with Ainu history and culture. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area At the Akanko Ainu Theater "Ikor," visitors can watch live performances of traditional Ainu dance. It is one of the cultural experiences that represents Lake Akan and is well worth visiting. The powerful yet delicate dancing and music have an impact that slowly reaches deep into the heart. These performances are also registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, offering a chance to encounter the essence of Ainu culture that can only be felt here. At craft shops within the kotan, you can see traditional Ainu handwork such as wood carving and embroidery up close. Wood carvings include ornaments with motifs connected to nature, such as bears and owls, as well as trays, small boxes, and other items used in daily life. They have a strength within their simplicity. Embroidery is often applied to clothing, bags, and small cloth items. The distinctive patterns using curved lines are beautiful and leave a strong impression at first sight. Some of these patterns are believed to carry meanings of protection or warding off evil, revealing a depth that cannot be seen by viewing them only as designs. Once you learn the meanings and techniques behind each piece, souvenirs from your trip will feel even more special. Activities Around Lake Akan: Going One Step Deeper into Nature The Lake Akan area is also a place for rich nature experiences that go beyond lakeside walks. The lakeside walking trail is a path maintained along the shore, where you can walk while feeling the changing expressions of Lake Akan up close. As you walk through scenery where forest trees and the lake surface appear alternately, a quiet time flows, separate from the bustle of the hot spring town. The route is easy to walk, so it can be enjoyed casually even during a short break. Along the way, taking a sightseeing boat on Lake Akan to a spot where you can observe the Special Natural Monument marimo is also an experience not to be missed. The sight of spherical marimo resting in the water is a unique natural formation that can be seen only at Lake Akan. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Along the lakeside course, there is also an area dotted with "bokke"—mud volcanoes created by geothermal activity that causes mud to bubble up from underground. The sight of mud bubbling up from the earth makes you feel that the ground is still alive. Walking through the Bokke Forest, where steam drifts through primeval woodland, is an experience unique to the lakeside trail, allowing you to feel the geothermal energy of this hot spring area with all five senses. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area On the Akan Fishing Tour (1:45), you can enjoy fishing in Lake Akan and nearby rivers nurtured by the rich water system. Spending time with fish unique to eastern Hokkaido, such as white-spotted char and rainbow trout, offers a vivid sense of being embraced by nature. Tours with local guides who help you find the best fishing spots can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from beginners to experienced anglers. About 30 minutes by car from Lake Akan is Onneto, a mystical lake also known as "Goshikinuma," or the Five-Colored Marsh, because its surface changes color moment by moment against the backdrop of Mt. Meakan and Akan Fuji. Onneto Cycling (1:53), enjoyed along the lakeshore, is a refreshing experience that lets you ride through vast nature with the wind against your face. As you pedal slowly along a route surrounded by greenery, you can fully enjoy the changing colors of the lake and the silence of the forest. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Rising close to Onneto is Mt. Meakan. This 1,499-meter mountain is popular for Mt. Meakan hiking (2:13), which takes visitors from the trailhead to the summit. If walking the 12 km lakeside walking trail, the round trip to the summit of Mt. Meakan varies depending on physical strength and walking pace, but it is safest to allow around seven hours. From the summit, you can see the powerful scenery of the active crater and the spectacular views of Lake Akan and Onneto spread out below at the same time. The panoramic view of volcanic landforms, lakes, and forest is something that can only be encountered here. When hiking, be sure to prepare proper equipment and check the weather in advance. Spending a Blissful Moment at Lake Akan Onsen Along the shore of Lake Akan is Lake Akan Onsen, where hot spring inns line the lakeside. Onsen refers to Japan's unique bathing culture using natural hot water heated by geothermal energy. At this hot spring area close to the lake, you can gaze at waterside scenery while soaking in the bath. A calm travel atmosphere flows here, different from the sense of openness felt at Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The walkable hot spring town is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. Simply strolling while feeling the lakeside air allows you to experience the gentle charm unique to this place. In addition to spots where you can enjoy footbaths—outdoor facilities where you warm your feet in hot spring water (5:40)—there are also hand baths, said to have originated at Lake Akan Onsen, where you can warm your hands and casually feel the comfort of the hot springs while walking around. Please note that many hot spring facilities may refuse entry to guests with tattoos. Be sure to check with each facility in advance. At dusk, the color of Lake Akan's surface changes softly. At night, you can warm your body in the hot springs, and in the morning, quietly gaze at the lake wrapped in morning mist. By spending time together with the lake as it changes expression throughout the day, the appeal of Lake Akan will remain even more deeply in your heart. If you are traveling through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, Lake Akan is an area where you should definitely consider staying overnight. The beauty of nature, the comfort unique to a hot spring area, and the environment where visitors can encounter Ainu culture all come together, greatly enhancing the satisfaction of the journey. You can watch the Akan area from (1:08) in the video. Lake Akan Basic Information [Address] 〒085-0467 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido [Access] About 60 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport What Are the Highlights of Lake Mashu? Introducing the Sea of Clouds, Observation Decks, Teshikaga, and Kawayu Onsen As you leave Lake Akan and head toward Lake Mashu, the atmosphere of the journey gradually changes. The scenery outside the car window slowly deepens in forest color, signs of people fade away, and a greater stillness settles into the clear air. Then, the moment you stand at the observation deck, the dignified blue surface of Lake Mashu appears before your eyes. This scenery has a quiet power that leaves you at a loss for words, different from showy beauty. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Lake Mashu is a caldera lake located at an elevation of around 350 to 400 meters. It was formed by volcanic activity about 7,000 years ago. A caldera lake is a lake created when rainwater or groundwater collects in a depression formed after the summit area of a volcano collapses due to a major eruption (1:17). Lake Mashu is surrounded by an outer rim of mountains, and almost no large rivers flow into it or out of it. Because it is an environment that is not easily affected from outside, Lake Mashu's high transparency and clear blue surface have been preserved. Thanks to this terrain, which limits external influence, Lake Mashu has long been known as one of the clearest lakes in the world. In 1931, a transparency of 41.6 meters was recorded, known as a world record for lake transparency. Its perfectly clear water creates the striking blue known as 'Mashu Blue.' Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The Ainu people called this lake "Kamuito," meaning "Lake of the Gods" in the Ainu language. In the Ainu worldview, where kamuy, or gods, are believed to dwell in all things in nature, Lake Mashu has long been spoken of with awe as a special place. Its dignified stillness beyond human reach, its mystical expression when wrapped in fog, and its breathtakingly clear blue—the name Kamuito seems to express everything about this lake. On a journey through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, viewing Lake Mashu after holding its Ainu name in your heart will make it even more deeply memorable. The appeal of Lake Mashu is not simply that it is blue and beautiful. It is not a place where visitors go down to the lakeshore to play. Rather, it is a place best enjoyed by quietly viewing it from observation decks, taking in not only the beauty of its outline but also the atmosphere surrounding the lake. Lake Mashu's Fog and Sea of Clouds Lake Mashu is also known for its frequent fog and has long been familiar to people as "foggy Lake Mashu." The clear, vivid blue of the lake on a sunny day is magnificent, but when fog appears, the entire lake is wrapped in a white veil, deepening its mystical atmosphere. Both sunny days and foggy days reveal different expressions that are characteristic of this lake. In recent years, Lake Mashu's sea of clouds (3:19) has attracted particular attention. A sea of clouds is a natural phenomenon in which fog or clouds floating at a low elevation look like an ocean when viewed from a higher place. In the early morning, when fog drifts low and conditions are right, a dreamlike view may appear from the observation deck, with Mt. Mashu rising above the sea of clouds. Because this scenery can only be seen when conditions align, the sense of "being lucky if you see it" also becomes part of the joy of the journey. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Useful Nearby Information for Enjoying Lake Mashu More Deeply Lake Kussharo Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake. At Sunayu, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of digging in the sand and seeing hot spring water bubble up. Lake Kussharo is the source of the Kushiro River. The river meanders through primeval forest, passes through Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, and flows into the Pacific Ocean. Its total length is 154 km. It is also known as a river without dams or weirs, making it a dream river for canoe enthusiasts. Kawayu Onsen Kawayu Onsen is known for its strongly acidic sulfur springs. Its source is acidic hot water heated by underground magma from the active volcano Mt. Io, also known as Atosanupuri. The water that springs from the underground hot spring layer is characterized by its strong acidity and is known as a distinctive hot spring that leaves the skin feeling smooth. For those who want to feel the power of the source up close, a visit to Mt. Io, or Atosanupuri, where white smoke rises into the air, is also recommended. It is popular to combine Kawayu Onsen with Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo as part of an itinerary around the Teshikaga area. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area You can watch Kawayu Onsen from (5:22) in the video. Atosanupuri / Mt. Io Hiking Tour Mt. Io, or Atosanupuri (4:13), located right beside Kawayu Onsen, is a powerful active volcano where white smoke constantly rises. Many areas are normally restricted due to volcanic gas and safety management, but by joining a tour accompanied by a local expert guide certified by the Teshikaga Ecomachi Promotion Council, visitors may be specially guided into places that are usually inaccessible to the general public. The sulfur crystals deposited on the ground, along with the sound and heat of fumaroles close by, create a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be felt through ordinary sightseeing. If you want to safely experience the activity of a volcano, joining a guided tour is recommended. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Teshikaga Town Teshikaga Town is the gateway to Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. It also has many restaurants using local ingredients, including those around Roadside Station Mashu Onsen. A roadside station, or Michi-no-Eki, is a rest facility where travelers can stop during a journey. Depending on the facility, visitors can also enjoy local ingredients, souvenirs, and light meals. The spectacular scenery stretching before Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, the history and culture of Lake Akan, and the stillness within the clear air of Lake Mashu—these three places, each with different expressions, make a journey through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area rich and rewarding. You can watch the Mashu area from (3:18) in the video. Lake Mashu Basic Information [Address] 〒088-3201 Mashu Lake First Observatory, Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido [Access] About 20 minutes from JR Mashu Station What Foods Should You Try in the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area? Eastern Hokkaido Cuisine Nurtured by the Blessings of Water and the Local Climate The appeal of the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area is not limited to scenery, hot springs, and culture. Food unique to this land greatly enhances the satisfaction of the journey. Around Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu, the ingredients nurtured by waterside blessings, the cool climate, and the expansive land differ from place to place, and the impression of the flavors also changes depending on where you visit. Memories of travel are made more vivid not only by the landscapes you see, but also by the flavors you taste there. In Kushiro, close to the port, seafood has a strong presence. Around Lake Akan, you can encounter the blessings of the lake and the mountains. If you extend your trip toward Teshikaga and Kawayu Onsen, you can enjoy ingredients unique to inland areas and flavors rooted in the region. Even while traveling through the same broad area, the gradual changes in food impressions add greater depth to a journey through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area. In this region, as the scenery shifts from wetlands to lakes and hot spring towns, the way you enjoy food naturally changes as well. That is why planning your trip with "what to eat" in mind allows you to experience the appeal of this land in a more three-dimensional way. Kushiro Area: Seafood and Robatayaki Kushiro is one of Hokkaido's leading fishing port towns. Fresh seafood such as Pacific saury, shishamo smelt, autumn salmon, and horsehair crab can be found here. Kattedon at Washo Market—an original seafood rice bowl where you choose your favorite seafood from shops in the market and place it on rice—is one of Kushiro's classic local foods. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area You can watch Washo Market's kattedon from (6:28) in the video. Kushiro's robatayaki is a traditional Japanese dining style in which fresh ingredients are grilled over charcoal and eaten around an open hearth. It is deeply rooted in local culture. The experience of eating seafood slowly grilled over charcoal in an unpretentious restaurant offers a simple satisfaction different from photogenic tourist cuisine. The robata area near Kushiro Port is one place you will want to visit at night. You can watch Kushiro's robatayaki from (6:46) in the video. Lake Akan Area: Lake Blessings and Ainu Food Culture At Lake Akan, winter wakasagi fishing is one of the popular experiences. Wakasagi, or Japanese smelt, is a type of freshwater fish. Some facilities allow you to eat the fish you catch as freshly fried tempura, offering the luxury of enjoying the lake's blessings directly. Around Akanko Ainu Kotan, more cafes and restaurants are also offering menus where visitors can encounter Ainu food culture. Ainu cuisine using venison, wild vegetables, and other ingredients offers flavors unique to an Ainu region with its own distinct food culture. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Teshikaga and Mashu Area: Inland Blessings and Local Foods of a Hot Spring Region Dairy farming is active around Teshikaga, and sweets and soft-serve ice cream made with local milk and dairy products are popular. At Kawayu Onsen, dinners at hot spring inns often feature ingredients from eastern Hokkaido, allowing visitors to experience the rich appeal of inland cuisine. A well-known local specialty is Teshikaga ramen, characterized by soup made with underground water from Lake Mashu. Mashu soba, loved for its pleasant aroma and clean finish, and butadon pork rice bowls served with a fragrant sauce are also popular, expanding the enjoyment of a journey that does not end with scenery alone. In recent years, Mashu melon (5:48) and Mashu mango (6:02) have also attracted attention as food topics from eastern Hokkaido. Mashu melon, cultivated using the clear waters of Lake Mashu and a climate that is cool yet blessed with sunlight, is known for its refreshing sweetness and firm flesh, and is also highly popular as a gift item. Production of Mashu mangoes through greenhouse cultivation is also spreading. The unexpectedness of growing a tropical fruit in northern land has made it a topic of interest and a popular travel souvenir. If you see them at places such as Roadside Station Mashu Onsen, be sure to take a look. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area How Can You Enjoy Each Season? Seasonal Highlights of the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area shows completely different expressions depending on the season. The dramatic change in scenery depending on when you travel is one of the great appeals of this region. Spring to Summer (May to August): A Season of Green and Blue, Easy for First-Time Visitors to Explore Approximate temperatures: May is around 8 to 10°C, while July and August are around 16 to 21°C. Although temperatures vary depending on the area and elevation, summers are cool compared with Honshu, Japan's main island. Long sleeves or a light outer layer will help you stay comfortable. This is the season when the greenery of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland deepens, and the rich blue of Lake Akan and Lake Mashu stands out beautifully. Because the daylight hours are long, you can enjoy a full day of activities. Nature-based activities such as Kushiro Wetland canoeing (6:53) and boardwalk walks are especially rewarding during this period. Escaping the summer heat of Honshu and spending time in cool eastern Hokkaido is also a pleasant option. Kushiro often has foggy days, so bringing one extra layer is recommended. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Autumn (September to October): Autumn Leaves, Clear Air, and a Season You Will Want to Photograph Approximate temperatures: September is around 13 to 18°C, while October is around 6 to 12°C. Mornings and evenings can be cold, so layered clothing is recommended. The forests of Akan turn colorful, and the views from Lake Mashu's observation decks become even clearer. The air is clearer than in summer, and there are more days when distant views can be seen. This is also a season when tourist crowds become somewhat calmer, making it a hidden gem period for traveling slowly at your own pace. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Winter (November to March): Red-Crowned Crane Watching, Snowy Scenery, and a Sacred Season for Hot Springs Approximate temperatures: From December to February, temperatures are around −9 to −2°C. Cold can be especially severe inland and around Lake Akan, so be sure to prepare full winter gear such as warm outerwear, gloves, and winter boots. Winter in eastern Hokkaido is crisp and severe, but the scenery created by that cold air is exceptional. Watching red-crowned cranes in snow-covered wetlands is an experience only winter can offer. Ice fishing for wakasagi on Lake Akan and the snowy scenery of Lake Mashu are also highlights. Above all, winter makes hot springs feel even more comforting. At both Lake Akan Onsen and Kawayu Onsen, open-air baths in the snow are exceptional. When you enter a bath in below-freezing air, steam rises thickly from the hot spring, creating a dreamlike world. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area From autumn to winter, especially September to February, Kushiro is also known for its breathtaking sunsets, counted among the "world's three great sunsets." The term "world's three great sunsets" refers to a concept passed down among travelers and writers around the world as places where especially beautiful sunsets can be seen, and Kushiro is counted as one of them. The setting sun viewed from the Kushiro River area or around Nusamai Bridge (8:09) is a scene that stays in your travel memories for a long time. If you visit the Kushiro area, be sure to include time in your itinerary to look up at the sky at dusk. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area There are few regions where the scenery changes so much from season to season. This is one reason why many people who visit once want to return again. How Do You Access the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area? Getting Around by Car, Public Transportation, and Bus The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area spreads out around Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu. Because highlights are scattered across a wide area, the ease of travel changes greatly depending on which transportation method you choose. If you want to travel widely and enjoy the changing scenery, a car is convenient. If you prefer a relaxed stay based around Lake Akan Onsen or Kawayu Onsen, planning mainly around public transportation will make the trip easier to organize. Main Access Bases for the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area Kushiro Airport About 1 Hour by Car to Lake Akan Onsen / About 30 Minutes to Central Kushiro Kushiro Airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes by plane from Tokyo Haneda and is a convenient gateway to the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area. For visitors from overseas, a common route is to transfer to a domestic flight in Tokyo—Haneda or Narita—or Sapporo New Chitose Airport. Seasonal flights may operate from the Osaka and Nagoya areas depending on the time of year. Major spots around Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland can also be reached in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. For first-time visitors touring the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, entering through Kushiro Airport makes it easier to plan a route in the order of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu. Memanbetsu Airport About 1 Hour 10 Minutes by Car to Kawayu Onsen / About 1 Hour 30 Minutes to Lake Akan Onsen If you want to focus your trip on Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Kawayu Onsen, entering through Memanbetsu Airport is also convenient. The Lake Mashu area is about 1 hour away, making this route suitable for travelers who want to center their trip around Lake Mashu and Teshikaga. When traveling from Memanbetsu Airport toward Kushiro and Mashu, be sure to stop by Bihoro Pass along the way. From the observation deck overlooking Lake Kussharo, the full view of Japan's largest caldera lake spreads out in a vast panorama, offering one of eastern Hokkaido's finest scenic views. If you take in the scale of eastern Hokkaido with your whole body at this pass at the beginning of your trip, the overall impression of the journey will become even richer. The roadside station "Gurutto Panorama Bihoro Pass" is also located nearby and is convenient for breaks and light meals. Kushiro Station About 20 to 40 Minutes by Car to the Kushiro Shitsugen Area / About 2 Hours by Bus to Lake Akan Onsen Kushiro Station is the main base when accessing the area by JR, or Japan Railways, Japan's major railway system. A common route is to travel from Sapporo or New Chitose by limited express train. It is a convenient station to use as a starting point for rail travel. Traveling by Car Connects Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu Easily — Suitable for 2 Nights, 3 Days Central Kushiro → Lake Akan Onsenabout 1 hour 30 minutes Lake Akan Onsen → area around Lake Mashu First Observatoryabout 1 hour 15 minutes Lake Mashu → Kawayu Onsenabout 20 to 30 minutes With a car, it is easier to explore the three areas of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu at your own pace. In Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, highlights such as Hosooka Observatory, Hokuto Observatory, and the Onnenai Boardwalk are scattered across the area, so having a car makes it easier to combine multiple spots. At Lake Akan, lakeside walks and Akanko Ainu Kotan can be enjoyed, while around Lake Mashu, visits to observation decks and stops at Kawayu Onsen can be added without difficulty. A car greatly increases the freedom of your trip. If you want to explore the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area widely over two nights and three days, traveling by car is the easiest method for planning. Rental cars are easy to arrange at both Kushiro Airport and Memanbetsu Airport, allowing you to depart directly after arrival and move efficiently even with limited time. If you drive in Japan with a foreign license, you will need documents according to your country or region, such as an International Driving Permit or a valid foreign driver's license with a Japanese translation. Japan drives on the left side of the road. Be sure to check requirements before departure. In winter, roughly from November to March, roads may be snowy or icy due to snow accumulation and freezing. Choose a vehicle equipped with studless winter tires or check with the rental car company in advance. Traveling by Public Transportation Easier to Explore with Lake Akan Onsen or Kawayu Onsen as a Base Kushiro Station → Lake Akan Onsen (Akan Bus)about 2 hours Lake Akan Onsen → Mashu Station and the Kawayu Onsen areaCheck schedules and transfers in advance It is possible to travel through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area by public transportation, but services in this region are not as frequent as in urban areas, so it is important to allow extra time for travel. Akan Bus operates between Kushiro Station and Lake Akan Onsen, with a travel time of about 2 hours. If traveling by public transportation, rather than trying to pack Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu all into one itinerary, it is easier to plan your trip by staying at bases such as Lake Akan Onsen or Kawayu Onsen and exploring the surrounding areas. For example, you could stay at Lake Akan Onsen and enjoy lakeside walks and Akanko Ainu Kotan, then move to Kawayu Onsen on another day to explore Lake Mashu and the Teshikaga area. This kind of flow allows you to reduce travel strain while still enjoying the differences in scenery. Travel Tip Because this is a wide area, allowing extra time for transportation will lead to a more satisfying trip. By narrowing down the places you want to visit and avoiding an itinerary that rushes through scenery, you can enjoy the relaxed style of travel that suits the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area. What Are the Recommended 1-Night, 2-Day and 2-Night, 3-Day Model Itineraries? Easy Routes for First-Time Visitors Assuming use of a rental car, with travel times after picking up the car at Kushiro Airport or Kushiro Station. Travel times and experience or stay times are shown separately. Course A | 1 Night, 2 DaysKushiro Shitsugen Wetland → Lake Akan Day 1 9:00 Depart Kushiro Airport → Hosooka Observatory Travel: 40–50 min Depart by rental car and head to one of the representative observation spots of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. 10:00 Hosooka Observatory Stay: 30–60 min Experience the vastness and scale of the wetland at the beginning of your journey. 11:00 Hosooka Observatory → Canoe Boarding Area Travel: approx. 5–20 min The travel time to the canoe boarding area varies depending on the course. The shortest route is about 5 minutes by car. 12:00 Kushiro Wetland Canoeing Experience: 1.5–2.5 hours Experience the wetland from the perspective of the water. Joining a guided tour and making advance reservations are recommended. 15:00 Canoe Boarding Area → Kushiro City Travel: 30–60 min 16:00 Check In, Dinner, and Overnight Stay in Kushiro City Overnight stay At night, enjoy the food of this port town with Kushiro robatayaki and seafood. Do not miss Kushiro's evening view from Nusamai Bridge, counted among the world's three great sunsets. Day 2 8:30 Kushiro Marsh Observatory Walk Walk: 40–60 min View the wetland from a different angle than the previous day and feel the depth of the scenery. 10:00 Kushiro Shitsugen Area → Lake Akan Onsen Travel: approx. 1 hour 30 min From wetland to lake—the changing scenery outside the car window is also part of the journey. 11:30 Akanko Ainu Kotan and Sightseeing Boat Stay: 1–1.5 hours Experience Ainu culture and take a sightseeing boat to the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center. 13:30 Day-Use Hot Spring Bath and Lakeside Walk 1 hour or more Conclude the journey with hot springs and the lakeside atmosphere. Hand baths and footbaths can also be enjoyed casually. 15:00 Return To Kushiro Airport: approx. 1 hourTo Memanbetsu Airport: approx. 1.5 hours Course B | 2 Nights, 3 DaysKushiro Shitsugen Wetland → Lake Akan → Lake Mashu and Teshikaga Day 1 9:00 Depart Kushiro Airport → Kushiro Marsh Observatory From airport: 40–60 min From Kushiro Station: 20–40 min Depart by rental car. 10:00 Kushiro Marsh Observatory Stay: 30–60 min Enjoy a panoramic view of the vast wetland and experience the scale characteristic of eastern Hokkaido at the start of your trip. 11:00 Onnenai Boardwalk or Canoe Experience (6:53) Travel: up to 40 min Boardwalk: 30–60 minCanoeing: 1.5–2.5 hours Choose according to weather and physical condition. Advance reservations are recommended for canoeing. 16:00 Check In, Dinner, and Overnight Stay in Kushiro City Overnight stay Enjoy robatayaki and seafood, adding the flavors of a port town to your travel memories. Kushiro's sunset, counted among the world's three great sunsets, is best viewed from Nusamai Bridge. Day 2 8:30 Revisit Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland and Watch Red-Crowned Cranes Morning to late morning Visit observation decks you could not see the previous day, or in winter, head to red-crowned crane watching spots. 10:00 Kushiro Shitsugen Area → Lake Akan Area Travel: approx. 1 hour 30 min The atmosphere of the trip shifts from the openness of the wetland to the calm lakeside scenery. 12:00 Lake Akan Area: Lakeshore, Kotan, and Sightseeing Boat Stay: 2–4 hours If the timing works, be sure to watch a traditional Ainu dance performance (check in advance). You can also enjoy lakeside walking trails and the Akan Fishing Tour. 17:00 Check In, Dinner, and Overnight Stay at Lake Akan Onsen Overnight stay Relax in the hot springs. Enjoy the evening view of the lake and morning mist from your accommodation. Day 3 7:30 Morning Walk Along Lake Akan 30–60 min Encounter the morning mist over the lake, an experience possible because you stayed overnight. 9:00 Lake Akan Onsen → Lake Mashu Observation Deck Travel: approx. 1–1.5 hours Stay: 30–60 min Experience the quiet beauty of Mashu Blue. Whether sunny or foggy, the lake has its own expression. 11:30 Lake Mashu → Lake Kussharo Sunayu Travel: approx. 30–40 min Enjoy the unique lakeside experience of digging in the sand and finding hot spring water. 12:30 Lake Kussharo → Kawayu Onsen and Mt. Io / Atosanupuri Travel: approx. 15–20 min Experience the strongly acidic sulfur spring atmosphere. Enjoy footbaths (5:40) or day-use bathing, and also visit Mt. Io, or Atosanupuri, where volcanic smoke rises. 13:30 Lunch and Shopping in Teshikaga / Roadside Station Mashu Onsen Lunch and shopping Conclude the journey with local foods such as Teshikaga ramen and Mashu soba. Do not forget souvenirs such as Mashu melon and Mashu mango. 15:00 Return To Memanbetsu Airport: approx. 1 hour 10 minTo Kushiro Airport: approx. 1 hour 40 min Travel Through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, Connecting Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu You are captivated by the endless expanse of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. At Lake Akan, you encounter the calm time flowing along the lakeshore and the depth of Ainu culture. At Lake Mashu, you stand speechless before a blue lake wrapped in silence. A journey through the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area gently connects each landscape and experience, and before you know it, they become one great travel story. Image source :Mizu-no-Kamuy Area The Mizu-no-Kamuy Area, traveled by connecting Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu, is a destination that leaves memories far deeper than simply visiting tourist spots. For your next trip to Hokkaido, why not choose this area as your destination—a place where you can slowly savor not only beautiful scenery, but also stillness, culture, hot springs, and food? When planning your trip, bus schedules, sightseeing facility hours, and seasonal operations may change, so checking the latest information on official websites before departure will give you peace of mind. Also, depending on your country or region of residence, a visa may be required to enter Japan. Be sure to check before departure. [Official Website] https://untouchedhokkaido.jp/en *This article has been written based on information as of March 2026, under the supervision of the Mizu-no-Kamuy Area. Japan Charm Information SNS "Cool Japan Video" .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". "; } /*.list-style-dot { list-style: "↓"; }*/ .list-style-dot>li::before{ content:"↓ "; } .list-style-dot>li { padding-left: 1.8rem; margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; line-height: 2rem !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } .separation_line { border-width: 0 0 8px; border-style: solid; border-image: url('data:image/svg+xml,') 0 0 100% repeat; width: 216px; margin:auto; margin-bottom: 50px; } .line-height-text { line-height: 3.7rem !important; } .readMoreContainer { position: relative; height: auto; max-height: 300px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.6s; } .readMoreContainer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 0; display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; transition: 1s; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 40%, #efefef 100%); pointer-events: none; } .readMoreContainer.show:after { z-index: -1; opacity: 0; } .readMoreBtn { display: block; margin: 0 auto; padding: 8px 40px; border: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ff1300; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .readMoreBtn:hover { opacity:0.7; } /* ====================== モデルコース ====================== */ .modelcourse-wrap { margin: 24px 0; } .modelcourse-lead { margin-bottom: 20px; line-height: 1.9; } .modelcourse-block { margin: 32px 0 40px; padding: 20px; background: #fdfbfb; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 14px; } .modelcourse-title { margin: 0 0 10px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6; } .modelcourse-desc { margin: 0 0 16px; line-height: 1.9; } .modelcourse-route { margin: 0 0 18px; padding: 14px 16px; background: #fff2f2; border-radius: 10px; } .modelcourse-route-label { display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 8px; padding: 3px 10px; background: #6f4f4f; color: #fff; border-radius: 999px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4; } .modelcourse-route-flow { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px 12px; align-items: center; line-height: 1.8; } .modelcourse-route-flow span { position: relative; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; padding-right: 18px; font-weight: 700; } .modelcourse-route-flow span:not(:last-child)::after { content: "→"; position: absolute; right: 0; color: #7a8f7d; font-weight: 700; } .modelcourse-day { margin: 20px 0 10px; padding-left: 12px; border-left: 4px solid #4f6f52; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6; } /* PCテーブル */ .modelcourse-table-wrap { width: 100%; overflow: visible; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 10px; background: #fff; } .modelcourse-table { width: 100%; table-layout: auto; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; background: #fff; } .modelcourse-table th, .modelcourse-table td { padding: 14px 16px; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; line-height: 1.8; word-break: break-word; overflow-wrap: anywhere; border-right: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2d8d8; box-sizing: border-box; } .modelcourse-table th:last-child, .modelcourse-table td:last-child { border-right: none; } .modelcourse-table tbody tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .modelcourse-table th { background: #f7f3f3; font-weight: 700; white-space: normal; } /* 列幅 */ .modelcourse-table th:nth-child(1), .modelcourse-table td:nth-child(1) { width: 9%; } .modelcourse-table th:nth-child(2), .modelcourse-table td:nth-child(2) { width: 24%; } .modelcourse-table th:nth-child(3), .modelcourse-table td:nth-child(3) { width: 24%; } .modelcourse-table th:nth-child(4), .modelcourse-table td:nth-child(4) { width: 43%; } .modelcourse-step { text-align: center; font-weight: 700; color: #4f6f52; background: #f7f3f3 } .modelcourse-time { white-space: normal; } .modelcourse-place { font-weight: 700; } .modelcourse-highlight { white-space: normal; } .modelcourse-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) td { background: #f7f3f3; } .modelcourse-note { margin-top: 16px; padding: 16px 18px; background: #fdfbfb; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 12px; line-height: 1.9; } /* ====================== タブレット以下 ====================== */ @media (max-width: 991px) { .modelcourse-block { padding: 16px; margin: 24px 0 32px; } } /* ====================== スマホ ====================== */ @media (max-width: 767px) { .modelcourse-block { padding: 16px 14px; margin: 24px 0 32px; } .modelcourse-route { padding: 12px; } .modelcourse-route-flow { display: block; } .modelcourse-route-flow span { display: block; padding: 8px 0 8px 18px; } .modelcourse-route-flow span::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 15px; width: 8px; height: 8px; background: #4f6f52; border-radius: 50%; } .modelcourse-route-flow span:not(:last-child)::after { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 3px; top: 28px; width: 2px; height: calc(100% - 8px); background: #c9d7cc; } .modelcourse-table-wrap { border: none; background: transparent; } .modelcourse-table, .modelcourse-table thead, .modelcourse-table tbody, .modelcourse-table tr, .modelcourse-table th, .modelcourse-table td { display: block; width: 100% !important; min-width: 0 !important; max-width: 100% !important; } .modelcourse-table { border: none; background: transparent; } .modelcourse-table thead { display: none; } .modelcourse-table tr { position: relative; margin-bottom: 14px; padding-top: 44px; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .modelcourse-table td { border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef3ef; padding: 12px 14px; box-sizing: border-box; } .modelcourse-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; } /* PC用の列幅をスマホで完全解除 */ .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-time, .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-place, .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-highlight { width: auto !important; max-width: none !important; white-space: normal; } .modelcourse-table td::before { display: block; margin-bottom: 6px; font-weight: 700; color: #5f6f65; } .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-step { position: absolute; top: 10px; left: 12px; width: auto !important; min-width: 0 !important; max-width: none !important; padding: 8px 10px 0px 10px; border: none; border-radius: 999px; background: #4f6f52; color: #fff; line-height: 1.4; } .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-step::before { content: "STEP"; display: inline-block; margin-right: 6px; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; } .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-time::before { content: "所要時間・目安"; } .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-place::before { content: "場所"; } .modelcourse-table td.modelcourse-highlight::before { content: "見どころ・過ごし方"; } .modelcourse-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) td { background: transparent; } .modelcourse-note { padding: 14px; } } /* ====================== アクセス全体 ====================== */ .access-wrap { margin: 24px 0; } .access-lead { margin-bottom: 20px; line-height: 1.9; } /* ====================== 選択カード（車 / 公共交通） ====================== */ .access-choice-grid { display: block; margin: 0 0 28px; } .access-choice-card { margin-bottom: 14px; padding: 16px 18px; background: #f8fbf9; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 12px; } .access-choice-label { display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 4px 10px; background: #4f6f52; color: #fff; border-radius: 999px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4; } .access-choice-card p { margin: 0; line-height: 1.8; } /* ====================== セクション ====================== */ .access-section { margin: 0 0 28px; } .access-section-title { margin: 0 0 14px; padding-left: 12px; border-left: 4px solid #fab8b8; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6; } /* ====================== アクセス拠点（縦並び） ====================== */ .access-hub-grid { display: block; } .access-hub-card { margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 18px; background: #fff; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 12px; } .access-hub-title { margin: 0 0 8px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.6; } .access-hub-time { margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 8px 10px; background: #fff2f2; border-radius: 8px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.7; } .access-hub-card p { margin: 0; line-height: 1.8; } /* ====================== 移動手段（縦並び） ====================== */ .access-method-grid { display: block; margin: 0 0 24px; } .access-method-card { margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 20px; background: #fdfbfb; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 14px; } .access-method-sub { margin: 0 0 14px; color: #430303; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.7; } /* ====================== 時間リスト ====================== */ .access-time-list { margin: 0 0 16px; padding: 0; list-style: none; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .access-time-list li { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; padding: 12px 14px; background: #fff; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2d8d8; line-height: 1.8; } .access-time-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; } .access-time-list span { flex: 1; } .access-time-list strong { white-space: nowrap; color: #430303; font-weight: 700; } /* ====================== 本文 ====================== */ .access-method-card p { margin: 0 0 12px; line-height: 1.9; } .access-method-card p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; } .access-method-note { padding: 12px 14px; background: #fdfbfb; border-radius: 10px; } /* ====================== 補足ボックス ====================== */ .access-tip-box { padding: 16px 18px; background: #fdfbfb; border: 1px solid #e2d8d8; border-radius: 12px; line-height: 1.9; } /* ====================== タブレット以下 ====================== */ @media (max-width: 991px) { .access-hub-card, .access-method-card { padding: 16px; } } /* ====================== スマホ ====================== */ @media (max-width: 767px) { .access-choice-card, .access-hub-card, .access-method-card, .access-tip-box { padding: 14px; } /* スマホでは縦積み表示 */ .access-time-list li { display: block; } .access-time-list strong { display: block; margin-top: 4px; } } /*モデルコース*/ .mc { max-width: 760px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 2rem 1.5rem; } /* 注記 */ .transport-note { color: #993c1d; background: #faece7; border: 0.5px solid #f5c4b3; border-radius: 8px; padding: 9px 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.6; } .transport-note .sub { } /* コースブロック */ .course-block { margin-bottom: 2.5rem; } .course-title { font-weight: 500; color: #993c1d; background: #faece7; border: 0.5px solid #f5c4b3; border-radius: 8px; padding: 9px 14px; margin-bottom: 1rem; } .course-title .sub { font-weight: 400; margin-left: 6px; } /* 日ラベル */ .day-block { margin-bottom: 1.25rem; } .day-label { font-weight: 500; color: #993c1d; padding: 4px 10px; border-left: 2px solid #d85a30; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 1.4; } /* タイムライン */ .timeline { position: relative; padding-left: 60px; } .timeline::before { content: ''; position: absolute; left: 51px; top: 8px; bottom: 8px; width: 1px; background: #e5e5e5; } .step { position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px; } .step-time { position: absolute; left: -94px; top: 10px; font-weight: 500; color: #993c1d; text-align: right; width: 57px; line-height: 1.3; } .step-dot { /* position: absolute; left: -10px; top: 13px; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: #d85a30; border: 1.5px solid #fff;*/ } .step-dot.end { /* background: #b4b2a9;*/ } /* カード */ .step-card { background: #fff; border: 0.5px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 8px; padding: 9px 12px; } .step-head { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; justify-content: space-between; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 4px; } .step-place { font-weight: 500; color: #222; line-height: 1.4; flex: 1; min-width: 0; } .badges { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 3px; flex-shrink: 0; max-width: 46%; } .badge { background: #faece7; color: #993c1d; border-radius: 6px; padding: 2px 7px; white-space: normal; text-align: left; line-height: 1.4; } .badge.end { background: #f3f3f3; color: #777; } .step-desc { color: #666; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 0.5px solid #e8e8e8; padding-top: 6px; } /* レスポンシブ */ @media (max-width: 480px) { .mc { padding: 1.25rem 1rem; } .timeline { padding-left: 48px; } .timeline::before { left: 44px; } .step-head { display: block; } .step-head .badges { margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; } .step-time { left: -56px; width: 44px; } .step-dot { left: -10px; } .step-place { } .badges { max-width: 65%; } .badge { padding: 2px 5px; } .course-title { } .course-title .sub { display: block; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 3px; } } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". "; } /*.list-style-dot { list-style: "↓"; }*/ .list-style-dot>li::before{ content:"↓ "; } .list-style-dot>li { padding-left: 1.8rem; margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; line-height: 2rem !important; margin-top: 1rem !important; } .separation_line { border-width: 0 0 8px; border-style: solid; border-image: url('data:image/svg+xml,') 0 0 100% repeat; width: 216px; margin:auto; margin-bottom: 50px; } .line-height-text { line-height: 3.7rem !important; } .readMoreContainer { position: relative; height: auto; max-height: 300px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.6s; } .readMoreContainer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; z-index: 0; display: block; width: 100%; height: 100%; transition: 1s; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 40%, #efefef 100%); pointer-events: none; } .readMoreContainer.show:after { z-index: -1; opacity: 0; } .readMoreBtn { display: block; margin: 0 auto; padding: 8px 40px; border: 0; color: #ffffff; background-color: #ff1300; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; margin-bottom: 20px; } .readMoreBtn:hover { opacity:0.7; } const readmore = document.querySelectorAll('.readMoreInner'); Array.from(readmore).forEach(function(more){ const btn = more.querySelector('.readMoreBtn'); const content = more.querySelector('.readMoreContainer'); // ボタンクリックでイベント処理 btn.addEventListener('click', () => { if(!content.classList.contains('show')){ content.style.maxHeight = content.scrollHeight + 'px'; content.classList.add('show'); btn.innerText = '閉じる'; } else { const posY = 0; content.style.maxHeight = '300px'; content.classList.remove('show'); btn.innerText = 'もっと見る'; window.location.href = "#readMoreBlock"; } }); }); { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "水のカムイ観光圏", "url": "https://untouchedhokkaido.jp/en/" } }

Geisha Culture Is Not Just in Kyoto. Discover Japanese Elegance in Hachioji, Tokyo “Aren’t geisha only found in Kyoto?”Many people may believe that. However, there are still areas in Tokyo where geisha culture continues to thrive. One such place is Hachioji City, the gateway to the Tama region of Tokyo. This area is home to a hidden world of authentic geisha known as “Hachioji Geisha.” We introduce a short film titled “Tokyo TAMA Hachioji Geisya Short ver.” The film is less than a minute long and shows scenes such as walking in the rain with wooden clogs, white face makeup, shamisen performances, and graceful dancing. It captures the quiet and dignified beauty of Japan as if time has stopped. While staying in Tokyo, you can feel a cinematic and extraordinary Japanese experience. This video draws you into the fascinating world of Hachioji Geisha. The Hidden World of Hachioji Geisha in Tokyo Photo: Kurobei Street in the Geisha District of Hachioji City, Tokyo The origins of Hachioji Geisha go back to the early Meiji era. Hachioji prospered as a post town along the Koshu Highway. With the growth of the textile industry, a geisha district emerged to entertain merchants. Today, traces of that culture still remain in places like Kurobei Street. Hachioji Geisha are known for their close ties to the local community and their dedication to the traditional arts. They focus not only on elegance but also on offering refined hospitality. Through continuous training in dance and shamisen, they preserve and pass on true Japanese artistry. Unlike in Kyoto, where tourism is more developed, here you can experience the real and local culture of geisha that is loved by the community. Behind the Scenes with Hachioji Geisha Photo: Maiko The video begins with a close-up of feet walking through a rainy alley in wooden clogs. The sound of footsteps on the wet stone path brings a sense of quiet and tension. The next scene shows a geisha applying white powder in front of a mirror. Her focused expression, neatly arranged hair, and colorful kimono appear more like a ceremony of wearing tradition rather than preparing for a performance. You will also see hands playing the shamisen, dancing practice with a fan, and hospitality in a tatami room. Each scene is calm and beautiful, capturing the viewer's heart. This is a true expression of Japanese beauty. What stands out here is not a performance created just for show, but genuine movements that are part of everyday life. When Can You Invite a Geisha? This Unique Cultural Experience Is Open to Everyone “Aren’t geisha only for business receptions or corporate clients?”Hachioji Geisha challenge this image. Today, more people are booking geisha experiences for personal or tourism purposes. For example, some people offer a special evening with a geisha as a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or their parents. As the number of international tourists increases, there are also geisha experience tours and traditional entertainment plans for visitors from overseas. In Hachioji, you can find long-established restaurants and Japanese dining venues with both history and elegance. These places offer geisha experience plans that are formal yet comfortable even for first-time guests. You can enjoy a special time with a geisha at the following venues: Sukiyaki Kappo Sakafuku (Founded in 1910) Address: Yokoyama-cho 6-10, Hachioji City Phone: 042-642-0545 Official website: https://sakafuku.jp Sushi-Chu (Founded in 1882) Address: Minami-cho 5-11, Hachioji City Phone: 042-622-1060 Kappo Inaki (Founded in 1906) Address: Yoka-cho 5-17, Hachioji City Phone: 042-622-1756 Official website: http://www.kappo-inaki.com/index.html Each restaurant offers authentic cuisine, atmosphere, and hospitality. Spending an evening with a geisha in this traditional setting will surely become a memorable experience. Hachioji also has six active geisha houses. If you are interested, it is a good idea to contact one of them for reservations. Young Geisha Are Preserving and Evolving Tradition You may be surprised to learn that some Hachioji Geisha are in their 20s or 30s. Although there was a time when activities were limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now sharing information through social media and participating in events. They are working hard to protect tradition while trying new things. この投稿をInstagramで見る 八王子芸妓組合(@hachioji_odori_official)がシェアした投稿 For example, the video includes scenes of dancing and singing in the rain. These dreamlike and poetic expressions are a modern way of presenting tradition. This shows that the effort is not just to preserve the culture, but also to continue it by attracting interest in new ways. This is why Hachioji Geisha continue to shine as a living cultural tradition. How to Get to Hachioji from Tokyo Station From Tokyo Station, take the JR Chuo Line “Special Rapid” train to Hachioji. The trip takes about 55 minutes without transfers.You can also transfer to the JR Chuo Line Rapid at Shinjuku Station.From Hachioji Station, exit the north gate and walk straight along Nishi-Hoshasen Euro Road. After entering the Nakamachi area, you will reach Kurobei Street in about five minutes on foot.Along the way, you will find scenic spots such as “Soto Terrace,” making the walk enjoyable. Discover the Real Japan in Hachioji. Check Out Kurobei-kai for More Information When thinking of sightseeing in Tokyo, places like Asakusa and Ginza often come to mind. However, if you visit Hachioji, you will find an unknown and authentic side of Japan. We encourage you to step into the world of Hachioji Geisha.You may find a quiet and moving experience waiting for you. Official Website of Hachioji Geisha “Kurobei-kai” ▼ https://hachioji-kurobei.com/

Kanazawa City, a Place Overflowing With History This video, titled "[4K] Kanazawa JAPAN｜Kanazawa Sightseeing｜Kenroku-en｜Hyakumangoku Matsuri｜Higashi Chaya District｜Beautiful" (［4K］Kanazawa JAPAN 金沢観光 兼六園 百万石まつり ひがし茶屋街 Beautiful), was created by "Discover Nippon." Enjoy scenes of Kanazawa’s popular sightseeing areas and lively festivals in high 4K quality. Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku area of Japan (北陸地方, hokuriku chiho) is a popular place for sightseeing. The city is easily accessible, with Kanazawa Station linked to Tokyo Station through the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The trip by shinkansen takes around 3 hours, making it possible to plan a one-day trip. This video will introduce Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Garden (兼六園, kenrokuen), the Hyakumangoku Festival at Oyama Shrine (尾山神社の百万石まつり, oyama jinja no hyakumangoku matsuri), Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, kanazawa-jo), and the Higashi Chaya District (ひがし茶屋街, higashi chayagai). Learn about the charms of Kanazawa! Kenroku-en Garden, the Representative Sightseeing Destination of Kanagawa Photo：Kanazawa Kenroku-en Light Up Autumn Stage Kenroku-en Garden is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kanazawa. The garden can be seen from 0:42 of the video. The garden was built in 1676 by Maeda Tsunanori (前田綱紀), the feudal lord at the time. It was originally meant to be used as a villa. On the grounds of Kenroku-en, you can see old-fashioned Japanese-style gardens. In addition, the view in the gardens changes depending on the season. In fact, Kenroku-en’s blooming cherry blossoms in spring have earned it a spot on the list of "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Areas of Japan." Kanazawa Castle, One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles Photo：Kanazawa Castle at dusk When visiting Kanazawa, one spot you definitely don't want to miss is Kanazawa Castle. The castle can be seen from 3:33 in the video. It was built by feudal lord Maeda during the Edo period (1603~1868), and is ranked as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Castles." Sadly, due to numerous fires in the past, much of the castle has been destroyed. The current outer citadel and castle walls have been rebuilt, and work is ongoing to restore the rest of the castle to its former glory. At the beginning of every year, the Kaga Hashigo Nobori (加賀はしご登り, kaga hashigo nobori), or "Kaga ladder acrobatics," is held. This is a proud tradition with a history of more than 300 years. The magnificent demonstration of traditional Japanese culture can be seen at 3:39 in the video. The Higashi Chaya District - Kanazawa’s "Mini-Kyoto" Photo：Higashi Chaya District This area can be seen at 1:00 of the video. The Higashi Chaya District can be found in what was formerly the castle town of Kanazawa. The district retains its Edo-period design and atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they’ve traveled back in time. At night, the paper lanterns of the low-roofed wooden houses and former samurai residences light up beautifully, and you can hear geisha singing along to the music of the shamisen and Japanese drums. Yukata and kimono rental shops are also available, making it possible for visitors to immerse themselves even more fully in the historical atmosphere while strolling around the district. There are also many cafes and souvenir shops where you can eat or shop to your heart’s content. The Higashi Chaya District is definitely a must-visit area. The Festivals of Kanazawa City Photo：Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Procession Every year in June, the Hyakumangoku Matsuri (Festival) is held at Oyama Shrine. The shrine is located right in the center of the city, and the festival is the largest in Ishikawa Prefecture. The festival lasts for 3 days, drawing more than 4 million visitors annually. It can be seen at 3:05 in the video. The highlight of the festival is the Hyakumangoku Procession (百万石行列, hyakumangoku gyoretsu), a reenactment of the entrance of feudal lord Maeda Toshiie (前田利家, maeda toshiie) into Kanazawa Castle. The magnificent procession is made up of 2,500 people, including locals dressed in Edo-period armor, Japanese drum performers, and falconers. Besides the procession, there are also tea-drinking ceremonies and lantern-floating ceremonies as well, and the festival can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The ethereal beauty of the lanterns floating on the water can be seen at 6:32 in the video. Summary of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa City, also known as the "Kyoto of Hokuriku," is an area steeped in history reminiscent of the Edo period. The city is also well-known for its traditional crafts, such as the Kanazawa-Haku (金沢箔, kanazawa-haku), Kutani ware (九谷焼, kutani-yaki), as well as Kaga-yuzen fabric dyeing (加賀友禅, kaga yuzen). If you're traveling to Kanagawa, definitely use this video and article as a guide. Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh, delicious seafood and hot springs as well. We hope this video and article have given you an idea about what Kanagawa has to offer! 【Official Website】Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa City, City Hall Homepage https://www.city.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/index_e.html 【Official Website】Kanazawa Sightseeing・Tourism Information Site https://visitkanazawa.jp/

Mishima Skywalk, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture: Video Introduction Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture This video, titled "Mishima Skywalk Facility Introduction" (三島スカイウォーク　施設紹介), was uploaded by "[Official] Mishima Skywalk" (【公式】三島スカイウォーク). The video introduces various facilities and attractions at Mishima Skywalk in Mishima, Shizuoka. If you're looking to get active, take a break and enjoy the scenery, or just see what kind of souvenirs you can find when visiting, be sure to check out this video before you go! Home to the Longest Walkable Suspension Bridge in Japan Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Located in Mishima, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai Region, Mishima Skywalk (officially named Hakone Seiroku Mishima Suspension Bridge) opened in December 2015. Located along Japan National Route 1 leading to Hakone Pass, it's known as a spot with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay on clear days. With easy access to Hakone, Izu, Atami, and other tourist spots, it's one of the best sightseeing courses around Mount Fuji. Ziplines, Outdoor Activities and More! Everything to Do at Mishima Skywalk! Photo：Mori no Kitchen at Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Mishima Skywalk is located beyond the South Gate. The south area is from the parking lot to the suspension bridge (Mishima Skywalk), and the north area is after crossing the bridge. Here, we'll introduce places where you can enjoy the scenery, delicious food, and souvenirs so you can have fun at at your own pace. At Sky Garden in the south area, you can enjoy a light meal while admiring the flowers blooming all over the ceiling. The original Mishima croquettes from Mori no Kitchen are a popular menu item. [Video] 0:06 - Sky Garden (South Area) [Video] 1:09 - Mori no Kitchen (South Area) From the observation deck in the north area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the suspension bridge and the majestic Mt. Fuji. In addition, Tree Tree Tree in the north area has a café, a store where you can buy souvenirs, an exhibit about the suspension bridge, and a reception desk where you can sign up for various activities. [Video] 2:04 - Observation Deck (North Area) [Video] 3:22 - Tree Tree Tree (North Area) For those looking to get active and have fun with friends and family, we recommend the Long Zipline. This is a thrilling 560-meter round-trip zipline that takes you downhill in a single bound while enjoying views of the cityscape and Mt. Fuji. [Video] 2:37 - Long Zipline (North Area) In addition, Forest Adventure (North Area), an athletic facility in the forest, offers three courses with varying difficulty levels. Moreover, Cliff Challenger features a 10-meter-tall climbing wall that beginners and advanced climbers can enjoy. [Video] 2:56 - Forest Adventure (North Area) [Video] 3:13 - Cliff Challenger (North Area) Other facilities and activities include Dinosaur Adventure, E-bike trail tours, and more. [Video] 1:54 - Dog Run [Video] 2:27 - Flower Drop [Video] 1:44 - Segway Guided Tours Mishima Skywalk: Hours, Tickets, Parking, and Other Information Photo：Kicoro, the mascot of Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture The Mishima Skywalk suspension bridge takes less than 10 minutes to cross each way, accounting for time spent admiring the scenery and taking photos. In the north area, there's also a walking path called Kicoro Forest, an observation deck, and a number of stores, so it can take more than an hour if you take your time and fully explore the area. [Video] 2:13 - Kicoro Forest If you plan to participate in any of the activities, be sure to plan your schedule to allow for the time required for each activity. The facility also offers discounts for those with disabilities, and package tickets for the suspension bridge and activities in the area, so be sure to check out the official website for details on how to save money. You can also get a discount by showing your Hakone Freepass. A free parking lot is located at the south gate side and can accommodate up to 400 vehicles. Tickets for Mishima Skywalk: Adults - 1,100 yen Junior high school students - 500 yen Elementary school students - 200 yen ※Infants are free of charge ※Prices may change due to events and time of year. ※Other activities in the facility are charged separately. Mishima Skywalk is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, and is open all year round. ※Hours may change due to events and/or weather. Other Services Available at Mishima Skywalk: Strollers - 500 yen Dog Carts - 500 yen ※Dog rental carts are only available for dogs under 25 kg and of a size that will fit in the cart. You may bring your own cart if it is less than 70 cm wide. Cages, bags, and carrying pets are not allowed. Raincoats - Free Things to Do Near Mishima Skywalk Photo：Mishima Taisha Shrine, Shizuoka Prefecture Here, we'll introduce some things to do near Mishima Skywalk. ※The travel time by car from Mishima Skywalk is listed in parentheses. [Sightseeing spots on the Shizuoka Prefecture side] Yamanaka Castle Ruins (6 minutes) The nearest historical site from Mishima Skywalk. Nearby is the cobblestone path of the old Hakone Highway, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868). Mishima Taisha Shrine (20 minutes) This shrine is famous as the shrine where Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for the revival of the Minamoto clan. Kakita River (25 minutes) The Kakita River is one of the three clearest streams in Japan and was selected as one of the 100 Famous Bodies of Waters. It's well worth a visit to see its cobalt-blue water! [Sightseeing spots on the Kanagawa Prefecture side] The Hakone Barrier (15 min.) This is a reconstruction of the Edo period (1603-1867) barrier station, which provides visitors with a glimpse of what travel would have looked like back in the day. Hakone Shrine (20-25 minutes) This shrine was revered by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's visited by many worshippers every year as a power spot in Hakone. Summary of Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture We hope you enjoyed this introduction to Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka Prefecture. Although people tend to focus on the views and activities from the suspension bridge, the park also offers a wide range of facilities to enjoy. Consider taking a leisurely stroll through the park. In 2023, the "Hydrangea Festival" will be held from June 10 to July 14, and there will be night lighting on weekends and Saturdays. Be sure to check the official website for more details. 【Official Website】Mishima Skywalk – Enjoy a View of Mt. Fuji From the Longest Suspension Bridge in Japan 【TripAdvisor】Mishima Skywalk (Mishima Suspension Bridge)

Kanagawa Yugawara Onsen", Yugawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Video introducing festivals and other events This video, titled "Yugawara Onsen, SIghtseeing PR Video," was made by "yugawaraonsenkanko" to introduce events at Yugawara Onsen Kanagawa, in Japan's Kanto region. Yugawara Onsen in Yugawara machi, Kanagawa, takes about 60 minutes to get to from Yokohama. It has gained popularity as an Onsen resort among tourists in the Kanto region. Yugawara Onsen is a scenic tourist resort overlooking Sagami Bay and surrounded on three sides by the Hakone Outer Rim Mountains, Izu, and Atami. Yugawara Onsen is also known as the "City of Four Seasons," with its beautiful seasonal scenery, and many events are held throughout the year. It’s especially popular among women because of its easy access by train. Here we introduce recommended sightseeing locations and events where you can experience Japanese culture to your heart’s content. The video introduces a lot of events and festivals. While it's of course an attractive sightseeing spot year round thanks to its hot springs and natural scenery, but in this article we'll mainly be focusing on events shown in the video. Without further ado, let's take a look at what Yugawara has to offer! Yugawara's historical sightseeing event "Samurai Procession The video from the beginning shows the "Minamoto no Yoritomo Flag-raising Samurai Procession". Usually held on the first Sunday of April, the 2024 event was held on Sunday, April 7. About 200 warriors parade through the town from Gosho Shrine to Sakuragi Park, imitating the flag raising of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Dohi Sanpei. The Dohi Festival is also held on the same day at Joganji Temple. Yukake Matsuri, a festival unique to hot spring resorts The "Yukake Matsuri" is a festival unique to the hot spring resort where people pour hot spring water over each other while carrying portable shrines. You can watch it from 0:27 of the video. Barrels and pails filled with hot water are set up along the streets of the hot spring resort, and spectators pour hot water over the portable shrine and its bearers with great vigor. The festival is said to be a reenactment of the ritual of pouring hot water on the portable shrine to pray for its safety during the Edo period (1603-1868). The "Yugake Matsuri" is usually held on the fourth Saturday in May, and in 2024 it was held on Saturday, May 25. Firefly Festival "Firefly Party" in Yugawara The Firefly Festival "Firefly Party" is usually held at Manyo Park from late May to mid-June. Fireflies are nurtured in firefly huts and released by local elementary school students, creating a fantastic sight as they cast their beautiful light along the water's edge in the park. Don't miss the heroic Tezutsu Fireworks! Fireworks Display in Yugawara Onsen In summer in Yugawara, visitors can enjoy the powerful and heroic Tezutsu Hanabi (handheld fireworks) and Uchiage Hanabi (fireworks launched by hand). The Enshu Tezutsu Fireworks number about 100, and the sight of them shooting high into the air supported by the hands of the pyrotechnicians is sure to impress! The fireworks launched from the park are so close that they are said to be the closest fireworks display in Japan. Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 Time: Tezutsu fireworks 20:20-20:40 　　　Fireworks 20：40～21：00 Before the fireworks begin, visitors can watch a taiko drum performance. Yassa Festival, a summer festival in Yugawara Onsen Photo：Yugawara station Yugawara Onsen, overlooking Sagami Bay and surrounded on three sides by Hakone's outer rim, Izu, and Atami, is a scenic, nature-rich tourist destination. Yugawara Onsen, with its beautiful seasonal scenery, hosts many events and flourishes year round. The summer festival of Yugawara Onsen is the Yugawara Yassa Festival in early August.During the festival, a dashi (festival car) and dancers wearing yukata (informal cotton kimono) walk around in an Ohayashi (Japanese orchestra) among the refreshing sea breeze in the night of Yugawara. It's truly an awesome sight. This can be seen at 3:04 in the video. Be sure to watch the video to see the summer festival, a long held tradition in Japan. The 2023 event was held on August 2 and 3, 2023; information on the 2024 event has not been announced at this time, so please check the official Yugawara Onsen tourist website. Seasonal Views at Yugawara Onsen, Kanagawa Photo：Yugawara Plum Garden There are many places where you can feel the changing of the seasons in Japan. Nearly 4,000 plum trees bloom in early spring at the Yugawara Plum Garden in Makuyama Park. You can see fireflies around Oku Yugawara during the summer solstice as well. In autumn, you can enjoy the beauty of the crimson foliage at sightseeing locations, such as Manyou Park and Gojo shine. There are a lot of Instagrammable spots in Yugawara Onsen area as well, thanks to the rich in natural scenery. Apollo sou in Yugawara Onsen has a mandarin bath, and you can also enjoy taking a foot bath in Manyou Park. Create unforgettable memories by visiting these hidden gems in Yugawara. Yugawara is also home to some of the delicious ramen in the country, so if you're looking to grab a bite to eat, definitely consider adding some noodles to your trip. Summary of Yugawara Onsen, Kanagawa Yugawara Onsen is an attractive tourist spot where you can enjoy a taste of good old Japanese culture. One of the charms of the Yugawara Onsen area is that you can stay at a hotel or Japanese inn or even visit it on a day trip from the Kanto region. Come sightseeing in Yugawara Onsen, and see with your own eyes the picturesque scenery and spectacular festivals introduced in the video. In the past, a samba parade was also held, parading through the hot spring resort area at night with spectacular dancing. When you visit Yugawara Onsen in Kanagawa Prefecture for sightseeing, why not check the official Yugawara Onsen tourist website for the schedule of events and festivals to be held, and make your own plans? There's a million different ways to enjoy your trip to Yugawara Onsen! 【Official Website】Kanagawa Prefecture, Yugawara Town Hall Official Website http://www.town.yugawara.kanagawa.jp.e.td.hp.transer.com/ 【Official Website】Yugawara Hot Spring Resort http://yugawara-resort.com/