Activities in Eastern Hokkaido

Hello, my name is Tsuyama of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel writer. Do you have any plans for a long vacation?

This time, we will introduce activities that families can enjoy in the Eastern Hokkaido area based on the recommendations of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel staff!

Eastern Hokkaido is a place where you can enjoy a vast nature experience, contact with wildlife, and Ainu culture, including the Shiretoko area, a World Natural Heritage Site.

In Eastern Hokkaido, there will be fathers and mothers who want to give their children a memorable natural experience. However, there are many activities in Eastern Hokkaido, and many people are wondering what to choose from.

If your kids get tired or injured on a harder schedule than you can imagine, it will ruin a fun journey!

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the charm of the Eastern Hokkaido area, recommended activities for each season, necessary preparations and expenses, based on the recommendations of the staff of Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel, who knows all about the Eastern Hokkaido area.

Please refer to this article to plan a trip to Eastern Hokkaido that will be very satisfying with your family!

Selected as a World Natural Heritage! Attractions and Spots in Eastern Hokkaido
Source: Hokkaido Official Sightseeing Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Eastern Hokkaido area is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido and is rich in nature, including Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, which is only five in Japan.

The equivalent of a vast area divided into four jurisdictions, Abashiri, Tokachi, Kushiro, and Nemuro, is a place where you can enjoy the rich nature, wildlife, hot springs, and gourmet of the four seasons.
Here, we will introduce some of the most popular sightseeing spots in each region!

Part 1. Abashiri area

Abashiri Prison Museum

Source: Abashiri Prison Museum official website

A museum where you can experience the Abashiri Prison, which was used from Meiji period until 1984.

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Five lakes in Shiretoko National Park are surrounded by old growth forest and are home to many wildlife. You can experience the richness of nature, such as brown bears and traces of woodpecker.

Part 2. Tokachi area

Tokachi River hot-spring village
Source: Tokachigawa Onsen Tourism Association official website

It is a hot spring resort scattered along the Tokachi River, boasting beautiful scenery and abundant hot water. In addition, hot water called mall hot water (hot spring containing organic matter of plant origin), which has been selected as a Hokkaido heritage, has excellent skin beauty effect.

Tauschbetz River Bridge
Source: Tauschbetz River Bridge| Facility Guide

It is a stone arch bridge that was once used as a railway bridge. In winter, the lake surface freezes, and you can see fantastic sights of bridges appearing from the water.

Part 3. Kushiro area

Kushiro Marsh

It is Japan's largest wetland and is home to many flora and fauna. The view from the sightseeing boat and observation deck is beautiful.

Lake Akan

This lake is located in Akan National Park, where you can see the natural monument Marimo. There are also facilities to enjoy the hot-spring resort and Ainu culture.

Part 4. Nemuro area

Lake Furen
Source: Lake Furen – Sightseeing Spots

It is a place where swans fly, and you can observe many wild birds. There are promenade and observation deck on the lakeside, and you can go around the lake by boat.

Hanasaki Port
Source: ◆Hanasaki Port, Kurumaishi – Nemuro-shi Tourism Association

You can buy fresh seafood at the fishing port in Nemuro city. Hanasaki crab is also famous.

From the great nature of World Heritage to hot springs and seafood gourmets, Eastern Hokkaido is an area filled with many essential points for family trips!

If you would like to know more about sightseeing spots in Eastern Hokkaido, please refer to the following article as well.

Reference article: 【Sightseeing Eastern Hokkaido in summer】 A thorough explanation of transportation, budget, and sightseeing spots that you want to know during your family trip!

Summer and winter activities in Eastern Hokkaido for families

From the many activities in Eastern Hokkaido, we will introduce summer and winter activities that are perfect for family trips.

If you look at this, you will see everything from the outline, target, and cost, so be sure to look for your favorite activities!

Part 1.  3 Summer Activities

1. Shiretoko Eco Tour and Nature Guided Tour

Overview: This is a guided tour where you can observe the magnificent nature of primeval forests and wildlife such as Hokkaido Sika Deer on the Shiretoko Peninsula in World Heritage.
Organizing company: Shiretoko Kiyosato-cho Ueneusal Midori、Shiretoko Nature OfficeEtc.
Target Age: From 0 years old (depending on course)
Cost: Adults 3,000 yen ~, elementary school students and younger 2,500 yen ~ (depending on course)
Time From about 1.5 hours (depending on the course)
Supplement: The guide will be handled by professionals who are familiar with nature and animals, and will proceed with routes and paces that take child safety into consideration.

I also participated in a tour of Mr. Weneusal Midori in winter. With a very experienced guide, I was able to enjoy the scenery of World Heritage with peace of mind!

2. Kushiro Marsh Canoe Experience

Source: Black River official website

Overview: It is a tour where you canoe down the Kushiro River flowing through Kushiro Marsh and enjoy the beautiful nature of Ezojica red-crowned crane.
Organizing company: Black River (Black River)、Kushiro Marsh & RiverEtc.
Target Age: From 3 years old (depending on course)
Cost: Adults 6,000 yen ~, junior high school students and younger 4,000 yen ~ (depending on course)
Time From about 1.5 hours (depending on the course)
Supplement: We will prepare all rain gear, sandals, life jackets, etc. that are indispensable for children.

3. Tokachi Plains Hot Air Balloon Experience

Overview: This is a tour where you can get on a hot air balloon at Tokachi Plains early in the morning and enjoy a large panorama of the Hidaka Mountains and beautiful fields that spread below your eyes.
Organizing company: Tokachi Nature Center
Target Age: From 2 years old
Cost: Adults 2,300 yen, Children: 1,800 yen (from 2 years old to 6th grade)
Time From about 5 minutes (depending on congestion)
Supplement: There is little shaking, so you can easily enjoy the superb view with your child.

Part 2. 3 Winter Activities

1. Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora
Source: Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora Official Homepage

Overview: A huge cruise ship sailing off the coast of Abashiri, rushing through the drift ice of Sea of Okhotsk. Sometimes you can encounter precious wildlife such as steller's sea eagle and seal.
Organizing company: Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Orora
Target Age: From 0 years old
Cost: 4,000 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for elementary school students, free for children under elementary school students
Time About an hour~
Supplement: Because it is a large ship, it is safe even for small children with little shaking.

2. Shiretoko Drift Ice Walk

Overview: It is an experience of walking on drift ice in the extremely cold sea. You can explore the world of ice with a professional guide wearing waterproof suits and boots.
Organizing company: MEPS、Godzilla Rock SightseeingEtc.
Target Age: Elementary school students or older
Cost: Adults and children from 6,000 yen
Time About 1.5 hours~
Supplement: Special dry suits and winter clothes are available free of charge. If you have the physical strength to hike in elementary school students or older, you can participate.

3. Special Natural Monument red-crowned crane Watching Experience

Overview: You can observe the red-crowned crane, a special natural monument that gathers at feeding grounds, which are only installed during the winter season, with instructions from the guide.
Organizing company: Kushiro Marsh Canoe Tour and Nature Guide ReRa
Target Age: From 2 years old
Cost: Adults 17,000 yen ~, Children 1,500 yen ~
Time About 3 hours~
Supplement: With the guidance of a veteran guide who knows the red-crowned crane spot, you can meet red-crowned crane with a high probability.

In the Eastern Hokkaido area, there is basically a pick-up if you join a tour, but renting a car will not only facilitate smooth access to the Shiretoko area and sightseeing spots, but also make it easier for families to travel.

Reference article: 【The secret of Eastern Hokkaido Drive】 Recommended by the locals! Best Routes for Family Travel and 3 Ways to Enjoy

If you want to enjoy World Natural Heritage in Eastern Hokkaido, go to Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel!

How was it? This time, we introduced recommended activities in Eastern Hokkaido together!

Finally, I am interested in the World Heritage “Shiretoko” of Eastern Hokkaido! I would like to introduce a recommended hotel to your father and mother. That's Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel!

At Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel, car rental arrangements can be made for 30% off for guests only, making it very convenient for family trips.

In addition, we have the following facilities where both children and parents can enjoy the fullest at the hotel!

・All spacious rooms over 30 square meters
・Room bath for families without hesitation (East Building)
・Children's pool and sweets buffet
・More than 80 kinds of buffets focused on local ingredients
…Etc.

Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel offers the best hospitality that your family can enjoy! Please refer to this article to plan a fun family trip in Eastern Hokkaido.