{"id":108017,"date":"2025-02-13T14:22:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T05:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=108017"},"modified":"2025-03-06T12:46:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T03:46:18","slug":"exploring-eastern-hokkaido-in-winter-kushiro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/exploring-eastern-hokkaido-in-winter-kushiro\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Eastern Hokkaido in Winter: A 4-Day Journey Through Kushiro, Akan-Mashu, and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
There is a certain magic to winter in Hokkaido<\/a>, a quiet beauty that reveals itself in the crisp air, the deep snow, and the ever-present dance between the untamed wilderness and warm hospitality. My wife and I had long dreamt of visiting Kushiro and Akan-Mashu in the depths of winter, drawn by the promise of vast wetlands, steaming hot springs, and some of Japan\u2019s most pristine landscapes. Our four-day journey was nothing short of extraordinary, a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and authentic local experiences.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Touching down at Kushiro Airport from Haneda<\/a>, the landscape outside the window was already a world apart with scattered patches of snow covering the ground. The rental car was waiting, and within minutes, we were on the road, the tires crunching over the light snowfall as we headed into town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For lunch, we made our way to Ramen Maruhira<\/a>, a beloved local institution with a history spanning six decades.<\/strong> We squeezed into the tiny eatery, the air thick with the aroma of simmering broth. Opting for both the shoyu<\/em> (soy sauce) and shio <\/em>(salt) versions of Kushiro-style ramen, we savored the delicate, light broths which are a stark contrast to the richer tonkotsu<\/em> variations found in southern Japan. It was simple, comforting, and exactly what we needed before setting off on our first adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fueled and ready, we drove north to Kottaro Wetlands, where the true scale of Hokkaido\u2019s wilderness began to reveal itself<\/strong>. As we drove, the level of snow increased, transforming the landscape into a genuine winter wonderland. Stepping out of the car, the silence was profound, interrupted only by the distant calls of birds. As we trekked through the snow to the Kottaro Wetlands Observation Point, we spotted local deer grazing through the dry grass, their elegant forms blending seamlessly into the frozen landscape. At the summit, the panorama was breathtaking \u2014 a sea of white with a single river snaking through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From there, we descended southward to the famed Hosooka Observatory<\/a>, one of the best viewpoints of Kushiro Wetlands.<\/strong> The sheer vastness was staggering. Below us, the Kushiro River meandered lazily through the open marshlands, disappearing into the distance. We stood in silence, captivated by the stark beauty of the scene, the cold biting at our fingertips as we photographed the ethereal winter landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in Kushiro City, we sought warmth at Robata, a traditional robatayaki<\/em> grill where seafood and vegetables are cooked over an open flame<\/strong>. The heart of the restaurant was the elderly woman tending the grill with practiced ease, serving up perfectly charred fish, scallops, and locally sourced vegetables. The atmosphere was rustic and inviting \u2014 you could feel the decades of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The night wasn\u2019t over yet. Just a short stroll away, we stumbled upon Akachochin Yokocho, a cozy alleyway of tiny bars and eateries glowing with warm lantern light. Ducking into one of the intimate establishments, we sampled local sake, exchanging stories with the bar owner and a few regulars who were eager to share their love for Kushiro. It was the perfect end to our first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rising early, we headed to Tsurui-Ito Tancho Observatory<\/a>, one of the best places to see the magnificent tancho<\/em> or red-crowned cranes.<\/strong> These elegant birds, symbols of longevity and good fortune, stood tall against the snowy fields, their black-and-white plumage striking in the morning light. Seeing them in the wild was unforgettable \u2014 graceful, dignified, and completely at home in the winter landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we watched, the cranes began their dance, a mesmerizing display of bows, leaps, and wing flutters. More than just a courtship ritual, this dance strengthens lifelong bonds, as tancho partner for life. Even long-established pairs continue to perform it, reaffirming their connection year after year. But their movements are also a form of communication, playfulness and a way to express themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once on the brink of extinction, the red-crowned crane remains endangered, with only a few thousand left in the wild. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat felt like a rare privilege, a reminder of both their fragility and resilience. As we left the observatory, we carried with us a deep sense of awe. This moment, watching these birds move in perfect harmony, was the undeniable highlight of our journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a full day of exploration, we checked into Tsurui Mura Shitsugen Onsen Hotel,<\/a> a tranquil retreat offering the perfect blend of relaxation and nature.<\/strong> Soaking in the steaming onsen after a day of being out in the cold was exactly what we needed. Dinner that night was a simple but delightful French course meal, a refined contrast to the rugged wilderness surrounding us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before dawn, we made our way to Otowa Bridge, an iconic location to witness the tancho waking from their nesting place by the river.<\/strong> As the sun rose, golden light filtered through the trees, illuminating the scene as the cranes waded through the water, searching for food. It was a breathtaking moment, one that we captured through countless photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After an unforgettable morning, we drove to Lake Kussharo<\/a> and hiked up to a viewpoint overlooking one of the world\u2019s largest calderas<\/strong>. The panoramic view was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to Hokkaido\u2019s volcanic past.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDay 1: Arrival in Kushiro and the Wild Wetlands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Day 2: The Dance of the Cranes and a Relaxing Onsen Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Day 3: Sunrise at Otowa Bridge and Ainu Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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