Eastern Hokkaido travel guide: Choosing a base in Kushiro, Akan or Shiretoko
Plan Eastern Hokkaido in three areas, from Kushiro Marsh and Lake Akan to Shiretoko, with official Akan Bus and Shari Bus route information for each region.
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Eastern Hokkaido (道東) is the eastern part of Hokkaido. Its natural attractions are spread out and should not be assumed to fit into one day. This page provides starting points for three areas: Kushiro, Lake Akan and Shiretoko. Return to the Hokkaido travel guide.
Key points
- Kushiro Marsh (釧路湿原) is Japan’s largest wetland and a habitat for red-crowned cranes and other wildlife.
- Lake Akan (阿寒湖) is associated with hot springs, lakeside scenery and Ainu cultural activities.
- Akan Bus operates routes from Kushiro to Lake Akan Onsen and other parts of Eastern Hokkaido.
- Shari Bus lists routes serving Shari, Utoro (ウトロ), the Shiretoko Nature Center and Shiretoko Five Lakes.
Three areas
| Area | Features in official information |
|---|---|
| Kushiro (釧路) | Kushiro Marsh |
| Lake Akan | Hot springs, the lake and Ainu culture |
| Shiretoko (知床) | Public transport access around Shari and Utoro |
Feature articles
- Kushiro Marsh views and boardwalks: Choosing viewpoints and seasonal hours
- Lake Akan walking and culture: Cruises, marimo and hot springs
- Shiretoko Five Lakes trail rules: Brown bear season and vegetation protection period
- Eastern Hokkaido driving route: Planning Kushiro, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu and Shiretoko in sections
More pages
- Eastern Hokkaido attractions: Kushiro Marsh, Lake Akan and Shiretoko Five Lakes
- Eastern Hokkaido transport: Kushiro Airport, Lake Akan and Shiretoko buses
Notes
- The official sources do not provide one uniform journey time between these three areas, so no such figure is given here.
- Fares, times and services vary by season. Each page includes official sources and dates checked.
- For rental cars, see Car rental procedures.
Sources
- 環境省｜釧路濕原國立公園 (www.env.go.jp, checked 2026-10-28)
- 北海道觀光振興機構｜阿寒湖 (www.visit-hokkaido.jp, checked 2026-10-28)
- 斜里巴士｜路線巴士 (www.sharibus.co.jp, checked 2026-10-28)
- 阿寒巴士｜路線 (www.akanbus.co.jp, checked 2026-10-28)
More about Eastern Hokkaido travel guide: Choosing a base in Kushiro, Akan or Shiretoko
- Eastern Hokkaido attractions: Kushiro Marsh, Lake Akan and Shiretoko Five LakesCompare wetland viewpoints and boardwalks in Kushiro, cruises and marimo at Lake Akan, and the seasonal guided-access rules at Shiretoko Five Lakes.
- Eastern Hokkaido transport: Connecting Kushiro Airport, Lake Akan and ShiretokoCompare Akan Bus airport fares and journey times, the seasonal Shiretoko Line timetables, and sightseeing buses linking Kushiro, Akan, Mashu and Utoro.