This Route's Coordinator

This Drive's Route

Kushiro Shitsugen-Akan-Mashu Scenic Byway

This route includes world-class tourist destinations like Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park. It consists of four areas: the Kushiro Wetlands area, centered around the Ramsar-designated wetland with its untouched nature; the Lake Akan area, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery and home to marimo moss balls; the Teshikaga area, which includes the mysterious Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo, both encircled by primeval forests; and the Nakashibetsu area, where rolling pastures and grid-like windbreak forests create a unique sense of openness.

Let's Hit the Road!

1 900 Sogen (Kyumarumaru Sogen) Grassland

Located at the southern end of Teshikaga Town, 900 Sogen is a vast, 1,440-hectare municipal ranch.
The scenery is outstanding, but what I really recommend here is park golf. It's a full-fledged course officially recognized by the International Park Golf Association, and you can rent clubs and balls at the rest house.
The rest house is also a certified Scenic Cafe, where you can enjoy local delicacies like the Ezo Sika Deer Burger and Mashu soba noodles♪

2 Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is an absolute must-see.
The Mashu First Observatory is about 10 km from the center of Teshikaga Town, and the Mashu Third Observatory is a few kilometers further north.
While the First Observatory is bustling with tourists, I personally love the deep blue of the lake, the "Mashu Blue," seen from the Third Observatory on a clear day! I've taken countless photos, but they can't compare to the real thing.

3 Mount Io

Descending from the north side of the Lake Mashu observatories, you'll arrive near Kawayu Onsen. South of Kawayu Onsen is Mount Io, where sulfur was once actively mined.
As you walk from the rest house towards Mount Io, you can feel vibrations and hear sounds underfoot, and the smell of sulfur intensifies dramatically.
I recommend taking a close look at the sulfur crystals (iouka), but be very careful not to get burned.

4 Bihoro Pass

Bihoro Pass is the definition of a grand panorama. From the 525-meter-high observatory, Lake Kussharo spreads out before you, and beyond the lake, you can see Mount Io, which we just visited, and Mount Mashu, which cradles Lake Mashu.
The route from the Kussharo area on the shore of Lake Kussharo, over the summit of Bihoro Pass, to the Fukuzumi area of Bihoro Town offers one of the most beautiful scenic drives in all of Hokkaido!

5 Kaiyodai Observatory

Kaiyodai, known as a sacred spot for motorcyclists. The horizon stretches out before you in a truly impressive panorama.
The road on the east side of the entrance to Kaiyodai is called the Nakashibetsu Milk Road, a viewpoint where you can see a straight road with rolling hills stretching far into the distance.
When you get to Kaiyodai, you have to try the honey soft-serve ice cream from Cafe Kaiyodai inside the observatory! The gooey honey is chilled by the soft-serve, creating an exquisite texture!

Conclusion

This route is packed with spectacular views you can only find here in Hokkaido, and it's made the Domingo editorial team want to go for a drive right away.
Make the most of Hokkaido's short summer and enjoy a drive!

Please enjoy your drive while taking thorough precautions against infectious diseases.