Schauwecker's Japan Travel Blog
by Stefan Schauwecker, webmaster of japan-guide.com |  |
This blog is intended to record some of my travel activities in Japan.
2011/06/29 - Eastern Hokkaido Report Trip
On a three day trip to Eastern Hokkaido, we checked on the current state of a few tourist spots in Shiretoko National Park which are subject to new regulations from this year. And we re-visited Lake Mashuko in nearby Akan National Park.
Departing from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport
After years of closure, the 10km dirt road to the Kamuiwakkayu Falls was reopened to private traffic this June
Climbing the Kamuiwakkayu Falls
To our great disappointment, the upper, most attractive section of the river remains closed to tourists
We spent the first night in the coastal town of Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula
Impressions from Utoro
Impressions from Utoro
We participated in a sightseeing cruise the following morning
Sightseeing Cruise along the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula
We were able to spot as many as 15 brown bears from the boat
As well as a resting sea lion and a few dolphins
Lunch (ikura uni donburi)
A 800 meter long elevated board walk was constructed for viewing the first of the Shiretoko Five Lakes
New regulations for using the regular walking trails around the five lakes were put into effect this year
On the next day we visited Lake Mashuko in Akan National Park, often considered Japan's most beautiful lake
We walked along the attractive hiking trail which leads partially around the large caldera lake
When visiting Lake Mashuko, don't miss nearby Sulfur Mountain (Iozan)
Sulfur vents at Iozan
Sulfur vents at Iozan
Poor public transportation makes car rental almost a necessity in Akan National Park - a pleasant one
