Teshikaga - Explore the unspoiled nature of Akan Mashu National Park
Duration3 days
TypeAdventure
Embark on an authentic journey inside the rich nature of Eastern Hokkaido.
Nestled in Eastern Hokkaido, Teshikaga invites you to experience nature’s wonders at their finest.
From Lake Mashu, one of the clearest lakes in the world,
and Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake,
Teshikaga Town offers untouched natural experiences
and a rare opportunity to connect with unspoiled landscapes.
Itinerary highlights
Enjoy canoeing down the Kushiro River headwaters with a local guided tour
Join an exclusive guided trekking tour that visits the restricted access Mt. Atosanupuri
Traverse the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail with a local expert guide that introduces you to Teshikaga’s peculiar flora and fauna, where you can see alpine plants up close even on this lowland path thanks to the caldera ecosystem.
Unwind and warm yourself at Kawayu Hot spring Area with its numerous free footbaths, and enjoy local delicacies at your hotel
From Kushiro Marshlands to Lake Mashu
Reach Kushiro Airport for lunch time from Tokyo Haneda with a direct flight and start your journey by hopping into a rental car to enjoy fully the spectacular unspoiled landscapes of Kushiro Marshlands on your way to Teshikaga.
Your first stop will be the Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, where you can sip an hot drink at the cafe in the terrace building while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the deep blue shade of Lake Mashu, Mt. Kamui and the little island of Kamuishu during sunset time.
At evening, enjoy a stroll around the Kawayu Hot Spring area where free footbaths, with strongly acidic water, awaits you for a moment of relaxation.
A lit up walking path along the river brings you to your accommodation for the rest of your stay in Teshikaga, the Kawayu Daiichi Hotel Suikazura.
Enjoy a kaiseki cuisine with local fresh ingredients and hotel facilities including onsen spas and free access all-you-can-drink lounges.
Suggested attractions
Lake Mashu National Park
Breathtaking view of the lake and the entire caldera of Akan-Mashu National Park.
Suggested accommodations
Kawayu Daiichi Hotel Suikazura
Beautiful onsen hotel with cozy lounges and rooms and one of the best buffet meals in Hokkaido.
Wakkanupuri Resorts
The inn named "Rera" (meaning "wind" in Ainu language) stands on the shore of a lake, which is covered with splashing waves on windy days.
Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail and Lake Kussharo
On your second day in Teshikaga, meet your local guide at the Kawayu Visitor Center and start your light-trekking guided tour of
Tsutsujigahara Nature trail. Learn about Teshikaga’s peculiar flora and fauna while traversing a forest filled with Sakhalin Spruce and Mongolian Oak.
Not only you will be amazed by the beautiful autumn foliage, but thanks to the caldera ecosystem, you will be able to see alpine plants up close even on this lowland path.
At the end of the trekking tour, enjoy your lunch at Auberge Sora, a warm cottage surrounded by abundant nature offering a french-cuisine with local ingredients.
After your lunch, reach the shores of Lake Kussharo and enjoy a canadian canoeing tour through the clear spring water of Kushiro River.
During the course, you can admire the distinctive scenery of a headwater area with the Kagami no Ma (“mirror room”) and the so-called Hidden Swamp wetlands.
If you are lucky enough, you may even spot some of the local fauna such as deer, foxes, and seasonal birds.
On your way back to the hotel, stop by a local museum dedicated to Ainu culture and learn more about the customs of these people who have dwelled in these lands for centuries.
At evening, you will be back at your hotel for a buffet dinner and some spa time!
Suggested attractions
Auberge Sora
A warm cottage surrounded by abundant nature offering a french-cuisine with local ingredients.
Canadian Canoeing on the Kushiro River
Canadian Canoeing guided tour through the clear spring water of Kushiro River.
Tsutsujigahara Nature trail
light-trekking guided tour of Tsutsujigahara Nature trail where you will learn about Teshikaga’s peculiar flora and fauna while traversing a forest filled with Sakhalin Spruce and Mongolian Oak.
Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum
Local museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan.
Suggested accommodations
Kawayu Daiichi Hotel Suikazura
Beautiful onsen hotel with cozy lounges and rooms and one of the best buffet meals in Hokkaido.
Wakkanupuri Resorts
The inn named "Rera" (meaning "wind" in Ainu language) stands on the shore of a lake, which is covered with splashing waves on windy days.
The symbol of Teshikaga: Mt. Atosanupuri
On your last day in Teshikaga, you are finally all set to join a light trekking tour of Mt. Atosanupuri, an active volcano located in the Hokkaido's Akan-Mashu National Park.
Its name literally meaning “Bare Mountain” in the indigenous Ainu language, as it perfectly reflects its dramatic landscape of rocks and sparse vegetation.
Formerly a sulfur mine, the mountain has a vast concentration of sulfur and thousands of fumaroles, which emit smoke plumes in a mystic atmosphere that you may have never experienced before.
For lunch time, stop by Poppotei famous for its Mashu pork rice bowl made with Hokkaido pork loin.
Proceed your journey to the last spot of this itinerary, the Kami no Ko pond, a beautiful small pond characterized by a clear, blue color associated to Japanese gods.
For evening, you may proceed your Hokkaido's journey to the remote eastern region of Shiretoko, distant only 1h30 drive from Teshikaga city,
and collect more unforgettable memories with our tailor-made wildlife watching guided tours! Browse our itinerary ideas to get inspired!
Suggested attractions
Mt. Atosanupuri Trekking Tour
Light trekking tour of Mt. Atosanupuri,
an active volcano located in the Hokkaido's Akan-Mashu National Park.
Kami No Ko Pond
Beautiful small pond in Teshikaga characterized by a clear, blue color associated to Japanese gods.
Poppotei
Tasty Mashu pork rice bowls and vegan ramen
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