Tours
Drift ice, swans, red-crowned cranes and a frozen Lake Akan: 5 days of winter scenery found only in eastern Hokkaido
Eastern Hokkaido, known as "Doto," is at its best in winter. Drift ice covers the Sea of Okhotsk, whooper swans rest on Lake Kussharo, red-crowned cranes dance in the snowfields, and Lake Akan freezes over completely. Fly from Sapporo to eastern Hokkaido, then travel by private vehicle through Abashiri, Teshikaga, Akan, Tsurui and Kushiro on an efficient winter loop. Starting in Sapporo and ending in Kushiro means you never have to retrace your route.
- Travel style: Sample private itinerary for individuals and small groups (2–9 guests, private vehicle)
- Best time: Late January to the end of February (drift ice, cranes and ice activities on Lake Akan all at once)
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
- Areas: Sapporo, Abashiri, Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu, Lake Akan, Tsurui, Kushiro
Tours
Eastern Hokkaido Winter Tour: 5 Days
A sample 5-day, 4-night winter itinerary from Sapporo to Kushiro, featuring the drift ice icebreaker, swans, Lake Mashu, ice activities on Lake Akan and red-crowned crane watching.
Arrive at New Chitose Airport, Transfer to Sapporo
Your private driver will meet you at New Chitose Airport and take you to your hotel in Sapporo (about 60 minutes). The rest of the day is free. For dinner, try Genghis Khan grilled lamb or soup curry in Odori or Susukino.
Accommodation:Sapporo
Fly to Eastern Hokkaido & Drift Ice Icebreaker "Aurora"
Take a domestic flight from New Chitose Airport to Memanbetsu Airport (about 50 minutes; the JR limited express takes about 6 hours, so flying is recommended). Drive to Abashiri and board the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker "Aurora" for a cruise of about one hour. It usually operates from January 20 to the end of March, and drift ice is most likely around February (on days without drift ice, the cruise heads toward Cape Notoro instead).
↓ approx. 20 min
At the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo (Drift Ice) Museum on Mt. Tento (winter hours 9:00–16:30), touch real drift ice in the cold room and enjoy views over the Sea of Okhotsk from the observation deck.
Accommodation:Abashiri (Lake Abashiri hot spring area)
Bihoro Pass, Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu to Lake Akan
Take in a panoramic view of frozen Lake Kussharo from Bihoro Pass.
↓ approx. 30 min
At Sunayu on Lake Kussharo, see whooper swans up close as they spend the winter here.
↓ approx. 20 min
Visit Mt. Io, an active volcano that still vents steam, then Lake Mashu First Observatory (8:30–17:00). On clear days, the frost-covered trees against the deep blue lake are stunning.
↓ approx. 1 hour
Arrive at Akanko Onsen in the evening. At night, watch traditional Ainu dance and "Lost Kamuy," a performance that combines Ainu dance with digital art, at the Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor. From February to early March, fireworks are usually launched over the frozen lake.
Accommodation:Akanko Onsen
Ice Activities on Lake Akan & Red-crowned Cranes in Tsurui
In the morning, head out onto frozen Lake Akan for smelt ice fishing (your catch is fried as tempura) or a snowmobile ride (usually January to March, 8:00 to sunset, depending on ice conditions).
↓ approx. 1 hour
Watch red-crowned cranes at Tsurumidai in Tsurui Village. Feeding usually takes place from early December to the end of February, and many cranes gather around 13:00–14:00. At the Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary (October–March, 9:00–16:00; closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some other days), you can watch from a warm indoor room.
↓ approx. 40 min
View the snowy Kushiro Wetland from the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory (October–March, 9:00–17:00), then continue to Kushiro. For dinner, try robatayaki, a local specialty.
*On operating days in January and February, a ride on the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen steam train (Kushiro 11:05 → Shibecha 12:35) can be added.
Accommodation:Kushiro
Depart from Kushiro Airport
Start the morning at Kushiro Washo Market (Mon–Sat 8:00–17:00, closed Sundays) with katte-don, a rice bowl topped with the seafood of your choice. Then transfer by private vehicle to Kushiro Airport (about 45 minutes) for your flight home via Haneda or New Chitose.
