The city of Kushiro is the gateway to the rest of the cities and towns in Eastern Hokkaido. The Kushiro Marshland, designated as a National Park, is the largest wetland in Japan and a habitat for the Japanese Cranes, which are Japan's Special National Natural Monument. Due to time constraint, the wetland was not part of the itinerary.
Nusamai Bridge:
On this bridge stands 4 sculptures representing 4 seasons: Spring, Summer,
Autumn and Winter.
Clock:
This large clock sits on the slope and blends into the backdrop of the
Nusamai Bridge.
Bird's-eye-view of the city of Kushiro:
This photo was taken from an observatory deck of the tallest building in
Kushiro (no charges required). It's wasn't my intention to explore Kushiro
thoroughly hence this observatory deck wasn't part of my itinerary. We
chance upon this place when a Japanese old lady tried to ask for
directions from me, a foreigner in Hokkaido. When she realised the truth,
she volunteered to direct me to this deck where the entire Kushiro could
be captured in 360 degree panoramic view. She is really a sweet and
friendly lady!
Akan National Park - Lake Akan 阿寒湖
The natural beauty of Hokkaido has entered into its peak at this point of the Hokkaido tour. Volcanoes, vast lakes and forest are characteristics of this area. Public transport are not extensive and it would preferably be better to rent a car to explore the untouched beauty of nature in Eastern Hokkaido extensively.
Lake Akan 阿寒湖:
This caldera lake is 26 km in circumference and 44.8m deep. Marimo, a rare
sperical-shaped green algae, inhabits in Lake Akan.
Mt O-Akan:
The dominant volcano, stands 1,371m high, sets beautifully in the
background of the frozen Lake Akan.
Lake Akan 阿寒湖:
The area is part of the Akan National Park. During winter, winter
activities such as snow-mobiling, skating , skiing and ice-fishing takes
place on this large frozen lake.
Lake Panketo & Lake Penketo from afar:
This photo is taken the Sokodai (雙湖台) observatory deck off Route 241. These 2 lake,
together with Lake Akan and 2 other lakes are originally one large lake.
They were broken into 5 lakes from the eruption of Mt O-Akan.
Lake Akan's Ainu Kotan Village:
The souvenir shops sell mainly timber handicrafts crafted mostly by the
Ainu people.
Lake Akan's Ainu Kotan Village:
Inside the building, traditional Ainu dances, which have been designated
as important intangible cultural assets, are performed.
