Enjoy winter adventure in East Hokkaido!
#2 Teshikaga Area
February has begun, and temperature below 0℃ are commonplace on the eastern side of Hokkaido.
The area is covered with pure white snow and ice, creating a fantastical world.
You can enjoy a variety of scenery and activities in eastern Hokkaido in the midst of the extremely cold season.
Why not go outside this winter and fully experience nature with your body?
Through out next few posts, we will introduce winter experiences by area in eastern Hokkaido!
▼ Click here for previous articles
#1 Lake Akan Area
https://www.kamuylumina.jp/en/sp/enjoy/enjoy-5840/
Teshikaga Area
The Teshikaga area is home to caldera lakes such as Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu, as well as Mt. Io, which was once used for sulfur mining, and is still an active volcano, creating a landscape that lets you feel the energy of the earth.
We will introduce winter activities to enjoy the scenery of the Teshikaga area during this beautiful time of the year.
▼A sandy beach with hot water spring!?
On the shores of Lake Kussharo, there is a sandy beach called "Sunayu(literally saying sand hot water)'' where hot water gushes out when you dig.
In the summer, you can see people camping along the lakeside, and in the winter, you can see swans visiting to spend the winter.
Lake Kussharo also freezes over, but the warmth from the geothermal heat near the Sunayu area melts part of the lake, creating space for swans to swim.
At dusk, swans create a beautiful scenery with the setting sun in the background.
▼Snowshoeing at Lake Mashu in the way to enjoy beautiful winter
Lake Mashu attracts people with its transparency and "Mashu blue" color. Lake Mashu in winter can be seen from the first observation deck.
From the observation deck, enjoy the Mashu blue color of the lake, which stands out even more in the clear air.
The outer ring of Lake Mashu, which is covered with grass in the summer, is covered in snow during the winter, and you can even walk around it on snowshoes with a guide.
Please note that the national route up to the third observation deck is closed during the winter.
▼Impressive Mt. Io
Sulfur were mined from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, and due to its harsh natural environment, there are only a limited number of plants that can grow naturally, making it rocky. Ainu people, indigenous people of Hokkaido, has called this mountain "Atosa nupuri" meaning naked mountain.
The volcanic smoke rising from between the mountains, the simmering water, and the smell of sulfur that fills the area make it an overwhelming place for visitors.
Snow accumulates in winter, but the area around Mt. Io is melted by geothermal heat, and you can feel the energy of the earth.
What did you think?
Winter in eastern Hokkaido is the season to go outside and experience the beauty, majesty, and strength of nature.
If you happen to visit during this time, be sure to experience winter to the fullest!
Lake Akan Winter Illumination Event Information
LAKE AKAN Winter Illumination
-Mystic cave of Marimo in Lake Akan-
Event Period：2023.12.9-2024.2.29
Time：EVERYDAY 17:00~21:00
Place：Lake Akan Information Center Marimu Hall
(〒085-0467 2-6-20 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan)
＼Share your photo on Instagram for a chance to win prizes！／
How to entry:
1. Follow @akan_tourism_association on Instagram.
2. Take photos of the Marimu Hall illumination.
3. Post the photos on Instagram at #lakeakan
Campaign Period:2023.12.9-2024.2.29
▼Announcement of Winner
Photos posted on Instagram will be screened to determine winners. Winners will be informed by DM from the Akan Tourism Association, and are asked to please reply via DM on Instagram with the required items by the deadline shown in the DM from the Akan Tourism Association.
Lake Akan Winter Illumination
Lake Akan Information Center
Marimu Hall
2-6-20 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, JAPAN