2026 Ashoro Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

"Shirafuji Waterfall" is a well-kept secret that you can visit on your way to Lake Onneto. Follow the gravel path from the signpost along the road, and once you park your car, it's about a 5-minute walk to the falls. Head down the steep mountain trail, and once you hear the rushing water, you're almost there. What appears before you is a powerful waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters. With a little effort, you can get right up to the rocky area near the basin, allowing you to feel the spray and the sheer force of the falls with your entire body. The water of Shirafuji Waterfall appears brown year-round due to the volcanic soil and sulfur from Mount Meakan. It's not dirty; it's simply a unique characteristic of this specific waterfall. Since you can easily stop by on a drive to Lake Onneto or Mount Meakan, it's highly recommended for those who want to enjoy rugged, dynamic nature—a striking contrast to the mystical atmosphere of Lake Onneto. ⚠️ Tips before you go · The entrance is a bit hard to spot, and cell reception in the area is poor, so we recommend setting your GPS in advance. · The mountain trail is steep and slippery, so sneakers or hiking boots are best. · Bringing bug spray and a bear bell will give you peace of mind. If you want to experience the roaring cascade, the refreshing mist, and the pristine air of a truly hidden gem, be sure to make a stop here. As it is an untouched, non-commercialized spot, there are no facilities like restrooms or vending machines. We recommend bringing your own drinks and supplies before you visit. 📍 Shirafuji Waterfall (Shirafuji no Taki) Address: Moashoro, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun, Hokkaido

Lake Onneto is located in Ashoro, Hokkaido. Set against the backdrop of Mount Meakan and Mount Akan Fuji, the lake is sometimes called "Goshikinuma" (the Lake of Five Colors) because its water appears blue or green depending on the weather, the time of day, and your viewing angle. When I actually visited, the color of the lake was truly magical—much more mysterious in person than in photos. This isn’t a lake for sightseeing cruises or paddleboarding, but rather a place to quietly gaze, walk, and immerse yourself in nature. Because it remains largely untouched by human development, you can truly feel the raw power of the active volcano, the sounds of the wind, and the natural hues of the lake. I personally love volcanic landscapes, and Lake Onneto perfectly captures that unique charm. From the shores, you can see Mount Meakan and Mount Akan Fuji. More than just a pretty lake, it offers a breathtaking view that lets you feel the raw strength of Hokkaido's nature. The clouds above the mountains move swiftly, and the lake's colors shift rapidly with the weather and changing sunlight—this dynamic beauty is what makes Onneto so captivating. There are walking trails and trekking routes nearby, and even a short stroll reveals different faces of Lake Onneto. If you have time, be sure to also check out the nearby "Onneto Yu-no-Taki Falls." This is a rare waterfall where thermal spring water flows down. It is a globally significant site where you can observe manganese oxides forming on the surface. Designated as a National Natural Monument, it has a special, unique aura unlike any ordinary waterfall. Another spot worth visiting is "Nishiki-numa." It’s a small, reddish-brown pond. The iron-rich water flowing from here into Lake Onneto is said to be one of the reasons behind the lake's mysterious colors. The blue-green waters of Lake Onneto, the reddish-brown Nishiki-numa, and the hot spring flows of Yu-no-Taki Falls. It’s fascinating to see such diverse natural wonders located so close together. The clouds above the mountains move swiftly, and the lake's colors shift rapidly with the weather and changing sunlight—this dynamic beauty is what makes Onneto so captivating. There is so much to love about Lake Onneto. However, keep in mind that Mount Meakan is an active volcano. Before visiting, please make sure to check the latest volcanic activity reports and road conditions. As long as you stay within designated areas and enjoy it safely, Lake Onneto will leave you with an unforgettable, spectacular view of Hokkaido. If you love nature and volcanic landscapes, this is a place you simply must visit at least once. Yu-no-Taki Falls

[A Hokkaido Resident's Recommendation: Must-See Scenic Spots in Eastern Hokkaido] Hokkaido isn't just Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate. After driving for hours, you'll find countless landscapes that will make you think, "Is this really Japan...?" ✔︎ Onneto Lake ✔︎ Kaminoko Pond ✔︎ Lake Mashu ✔︎ Road to Heaven ✔︎ Sakura Falls (Cherry Salmon Migration) ✔︎ Wild Deer ✔︎ Shiretoko Sunset ✔︎ Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls Eastern Hokkaido offers breathtaking scenery on sunny days, but even foggy or rainy days are mystical. Lake Mashu, especially with its mist-filled surface, is a fantastic and unforgettable sight. And in the Shiretoko area, herds of wild deer appearing regularly is a truly Hokkaido-like scene 🦌 If you're planning a trip, the hot days of July and August, when you can see the cherry salmon migration, are highly recommended! Cherry salmon are active and you can see lots of them! 🐟 On a Shiretoko cruise, you might even encounter orcas and dolphins! 🐋 (May to September) If you want to enjoy Eastern Hokkaido at a leisurely pace, 3-4 nights or 4-5 nights is enough time to fully experience it! ✨ 【Recommended Route Example 🚗】 Memanbetsu Airport ↓ Lake Mashu/Kaminoko Pond ↓ Sakura Falls (Cherry Salmon Migration) ↓ Shiretoko/Utoro ↓ Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Falls ↓ Shiretoko Cruise ↓ Lake Kussharo/Sunayu (Sand Hot Springs) The travel time is long, but even along the way, you'll be able to feel the scale of Hokkaido! ☺️ Please save this and use it as a reference for your future Hokkaido trip! ✨ #HokkaidoTravel #EasternHokkaidoTravel #Shiretoko #KaminokoPond #LakeMashu #Onneto #RoadToHeaven #ScenicSpots #DomesticTravel #HokkaidoDrive #ShiretokoTourism #LakeKussharo #Sunayu #Japan'sBeautifulScenery #TravelLover

#lake #100 ways to travel A self-driving trip to Hokkaido, crossing the Kushiro Wetlands to the Shiretoko Peninsula, passing the three lakes of eastern Hokkaido, and making a special stop to take in the mysterious and beautiful #AkanMashuNationalPark. #Mashu Lake is one of the three lakes in eastern Hokkaido. It is one of the clearest and most transparent crater lakes in the world. The deep, clear, mysterious and unique blue is called #Mashu Blue. Lake Mashu is a crater lake. Unlike other alpine lakes with dense forests, the lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and covered only with vegetation and grass, giving it an indescribable sense of isolation and loneliness. Although it is not possible to appreciate it up close, there are two observation decks where you can have a bird's eye view from a high vantage point, which is very beautiful. Due to the special topography of Lake Mashu, there are no shops or hotels around it, and transportation to the lake is not very convenient, so the first choice is of course to drive yourself. If you choose to take public transportation, you can first take the train to JR Mashu Station, then take a bus to the Mashu Lake First Observatory, which takes about 30 minutes. #HokkaidoSelf-driving #HokkaidoTravel #HokkaidoEast #Lake #100TravelWays #MashuLakeObservationDeck #CraterLake

Hokkaido Lake Onneto in Akan National Park It is said that the color of the lake changes depending on the time of day and the season, and although I have been there several times, it shows a different face every time. It is a place that you cannot get to without a car. 〒089-3964 Moashoro, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun, Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Amazing view #Forest bathing

Driving across the frozen lake in your own vehicle! If you come to Lake Akan in winter, you absolutely must try this: "Ice ATV" 🚀 🏎️ Maximum exhilaration! Driving across a silvery circuit Simple operation—just grip the accelerator. You can ride right away even without a reservation! The unique, bumpy feeling on the ice, unlike ordinary ground, is addictive. The feeling of freedom as you drive towards Mount Akan Fuji (Mount Oakan) is truly extraordinary ✨ 🧤 The appeal is that you can just drop by empty-handed Free rental available! They lent me orange gloves. It's great that you can experience it on the spur of the moment, even without special equipment 👍 For less than 500 yen per lap (from 300 yen), this thrill and spectacular view are an absolute bargain. 💡Honestly, because you're driving with the wind in your face, "It's so cold it hurts your face!" Lol. But it was so much fun I forgot about the cold. I asked a staff member to take a picture of me with the buggy 📸 It was a great memory 😊 📍 Ice Land Akan (Special venue on the ice of Lake Akan) Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido #LakeAkan #HokkaidoTrip #IceBuggy #IceLandAkan #WinterActivities #DomesticTravel #QuadRider

In Hokkaido, Japan, November marks the start of the snowy season, bringing many winter-exclusive attractions. Let me first share the Platinum Blue Pond with you. It looks stunning when illuminated at night, and the snow-covered surroundings make it even more magical. For accommodation, staying around Biei is more convenient. The night before, we chose to stay at Yadoru Onsen. The hot spring here has excellent water quality and offers a tranquil atmosphere. The next morning, we headed towards the Blue Pond, enjoying the journey along the way.

🌅 Dreaming of a tranquil escape in Kushiro and Ashoro? Lake Akan is the ultimate lakeside retreat for nature lovers and those who crave authentic Japanese experiences. Nestled by the water’s edge, the resort is easily reached via the Akan Bus from JR Kushiro Station, making your journey seamless and scenic. Hotel Recommendation🏨: The Forest Akan Tsuruga Resort Once you arrive, the real treat begins: step onto traditional tatami mats, settle into spacious rooms, and prepare for relaxation. Each room features a private hot spring bath, perfect for soaking in the calm after a day of adventure.🛁 The highlight here: panoramic Lake Akan views right from your room, framed by dramatic mountains—especially magical at sunset! 🌅 📸Have your camera ready by the window for breathtaking shots with the lake, clear skies, and distant peaks. Evenings shine at the resort’s onsen, where you can unwind in soothing hot springs and gaze out across the shimmering lake. 🌟Highlights🌟 Don’t miss a stroll to nearby Ainu Kotan Kushiro village for a taste of regional culture and mystical forest walks. Visit the rich sulfur mud volcano, Bokke, as you take a stroll through the park near the visitor centre! The area is alive with wildlife—a chance deer sighting is not uncommon as you explore!🦌 💡Pro tip: Book a room facing🪟 the lake to catch the best sunset colors. And, after your soak, take an early morning walk around Lake Akan for peaceful views and fresh mountain air. #Kushiro #HotSpringHotel #LakeView #NatureEscape #JapanTravel #hokkaido #japan #scenery

Wengen Swamp is a dazzling gem hidden in the Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido. Its name comes from the Ainu language, meaning "ancient lake" or "vast swamp," and it is famous for its mysterious beauty and ever-changing colors—the water shifts from emerald green to deep blue depending on the weather, season, and viewing angle.

Exploring Akan-Mashu National Park was one of the most surreal parts of our Hokkaido journey. As we walked through the park, we were greeted by dramatic landscapes—steam rising from the ground, and sulphur pits scattered across the terrain like something out of a sci-fi movie. The smell of sulphur was strong but bearable, and it really added to the “otherworldly” experience. The terrain was rugged yet strangely beautiful. We could see and hear the hissing vents releasing steam from beneath the earth—it’s a reminder that Hokkaido is a land shaped by volcanic power. The geothermal activity here is intense, and seeing it up close felt raw and awe-inspiring. Apart from the geothermal areas, the natural beauty of the surrounding forested mountains and clear skies made the whole experience even more memorable. We didn’t venture too far into the hiking trails since we were short on time, but the accessible parts of the park still gave us a solid taste of nature’s raw energy. Akan-Mashu is a place that leaves an impression—it’s wild, untamed, and worth a visit if you love nature with a bit of dramatic flair. #summervacay #AkanMashuNationalPark #HokkaidoNature #SulphurSprings #VolcanicJapan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

Hello everyone! This time, I'll report on my experience going to the "Ashoro Furusato Rawanbuki Festival" held in Ashoro Town on a family trip to Obihiro, Hokkaido😊 🥬 Do you know Rawanbuki? "Rawambuki" is a type of butterbur that grows so tall it exceeds the height of a person, and is famous as a specialty of Ashoro Town! This festival is full of local charm and allows you to enjoy Rawanbuki to the fullest. 📍 The venue is on the grounds of the roadside station "Ashoro Ginga Hall 21" The event is held in the outdoor space of the roadside station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21, so it's easy to access. The parking lot is also large, making it perfect for stopping by during your trip. 🍴 A wide variety of Rawanbuki dishes! Food lovers will be very satisfied The festival stalls offer a wide variety of rice dishes made with Rawanbuki! Everything was rich in flavor, and I was very satisfied with the taste that can only be eaten here✨ In addition, there were many Ashoro specialties and local gourmet foods, and I couldn't stop eating (lol) 👨👩👧👦 Children were delighted! There are also plenty of play areas for families What's great for families with children is that there are spaces where children can play to their heart's content, such as a fluffy dome and a ring toss corner! Parents and children could enjoy the whole day without getting bored of the festival✨ 🎉 Interacting with local people is also attractive! Bingo tournament and mochi throwing In the afternoon, there was a bingo tournament, and the whole venue was excited about winning luxurious prizes! Unfortunately, we didn't win (lol), but it was an exciting time for everyone. The last part was mochi throwing and bread throwing! Everyone was so engrossed in picking them up, and it was a great finale that made you feel a sense of unity with the locals. 📝 Summary: Be sure to stop by during your trip to Obihiro! The Ashoro Furusato Rawanbuki Festival was a really fun festival where you can really feel the local charm! It's about an hour's drive from Obihiro, so it's just the right distance to stop by during your trip. It was a perfect day for a family trip, with delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and events that kids can enjoy😊 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Obihiro #Ashoro #Trip with kids #Domestic travel #Tourism

"Hot spring foot bath" at Ashoro Satomigaoka Park The foot bath at Satomigaoka Park, a popular family park in Ashoro Town, Tokachi, is an authentic one that uses hot spring water. Following the large playground equipment, water play, and water play area, there is a healing spot that adults will also enjoy . ⸻ 🌀 Charming points of the foot bath · A large donut-shaped foot bath with a diameter of 10m: Can be used by 100 people at once, including the outer and central spaces . · A weak salt spring with a perfect temperature of about 39°C: Warms you to the core, allowing you to relax . · There is also an indoor space, so it is OK in winter: The outer perimeter is closed in winter, but the interior is open all year round. On cold days, you can enjoy just the foot bath indoors . · An area linked to the park facilities: Perfect for parents to relax while their tired children rest in the hot spring . #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Satomi-ga-oka Park, Ashoro Town About an hour's drive from Tokachi/Obihiro. Satomi-ga-oka Park, located in Ashoro Town, is a large leisure spot that can be enjoyed not only in summer but also in spring and autumn. The vast grounds are full of ideas for families to play in all day, from water play, fluffy domes, large play equipment, and foot baths . ⸻ 🏰 Fluffy domes · Two sizes installed: Small dome (for 3-6 years old) and large dome (for 6-12 years old) for fun according to age . · Seasonal/free: Free use from late April to the end of October, 9:00 to 18:00 . ⸻ 💧 Waterway (water play area) · Safely designed waterside area: A shallow flowing waterway makes it safe for small children. You can enjoy a variety of play activities such as water guns and stone bridges . · Limited time only: This is also open from late April to late September. It's the best season for splashing around in the water . ⸻ 🛝 Large playground equipment & roller slide · Roller slide about 51m long: You can play actively with slope climbing, hold climbing, and a Tarzan rope . · Plenty of playground equipment for small children: Small children can spend time here safely. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Ashoro-cho Satomi-ga-oka Park is the perfect stopover for a family trip to Obihiro. Located about an hour's drive from Obihiro, it has a variety of playground equipment and water play areas where children can have fun to their heart's content. It's also recommended as a place to refresh yourself during a long drive! This time, we will introduce the attractions of the park that are great for families on a trip. 1. Full of excitement! Have fun on the long roller slide The highlight of Satomi-ga-oka Park is the long roller slide! It's full of speed, and the excitement of sliding down is unstoppable. Children slide down it over and over again and have a great time. 2. Enjoy jumping in the fluffy dome ♪ The park also has a fluffy dome that is very popular with children. It is a spot where you can jump, bounce, and play energetically on the soft dome. 3. Have fun cooling off in the water play area in the summer The water play area is great in the hot season! There are small fountains and water streams, so children can play and cool off while getting their feet wet. It's perfect for a little cool down during your trip. Mom and Dad can also dip their feet in the water and refresh themselves. 4. Basic facilities for peace of mind even during your trip Satomigaoka Park is equipped with toilets and parking, so families can use it with peace of mind. There are also several benches in the park, so you can take a short break while watching over your children playing. Since it has the minimum necessary facilities, it is a perfect place to stop by during your trip. 5. About 1 hour from Obihiro! Perfect for a short drive that the whole family can enjoy It is about an hour's drive from Obihiro, so it is a nice point that you can easily stop by while driving. After playing a lot at the park, it is also recommended to relax at the hot springs and tourist spots in the surrounding area. It is a spot that will make your day of family trip even more fulfilling. Summary Ashoro Town Satomigaoka Park is a playground where children can be the main characters, perfect for stopping by during a family trip to Obihiro. There are long roller slides, a fluffy dome, a water play area, and other facilities that children will love, so if you want to get some exercise or let your children play during your trip, be sure to visit! I'm sure it will become one of your fondest memories. 📍Location: Satomigaoka, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun #Hokkaido #HokkaidoDrive #Tokachi #Obihiro #Ashoro #Tripwithkids

Located in Ashoro Town, Tokachi, Hokkaido 📍Ashoro Animal Fossil Museum The admission fee is cheap, and although it is a compact museum, it is well worth seeing🙆♀️ There are Ashoro Town's Ashoroa and a large whale skeleton🤭 There are many experiences here, and you can excavate mini fossils for as little as 200 yen! There is also an experience of excavating mini gems, and there is also a premium version! There are quite a few types of excavation, so you will want to collect them😆 You can also make replicas, and for 500 yen you can make replica models of dinosaurs🦖 and fossil models that are the same as actual fossils! It takes time to harden, so you should complete the model making experience before visiting the museum If you have time left, I recommend the excavation experience! #absolutely free trip #Hokkaido trip #domestic trip #museum #fossil #trip with children

If you want to ski, don't miss Lake Akan Ski Resort (📍Lake Akan Ski Area) with the snow-capped mountain view! Although the snow trail design is relatively simple, only left and right two snow trails, but people are really super few, hanging chairs do not wash the queue directly up 😆 There are two points halfway up the mountain and the top of the mountain can go down, the right slope is gentle and the left side is steep Opening hours 08:30-16:00 If you need to rent ski equipment, go to the left building, below the restaurant - 1 floor can rent Only drawback: inconvenient transportation 🙂‍↕️ We stayed in Heya forest, hotel to and from the ski resort only one bus per day (9:40 departure, 15:00 return, refer to the timetable in Figure 5) The playability of Lake Akan is quite high in winter. In addition to skiing, you can also ice fishing/snowmobile/hiking, stroll around the hot spring street in the evening, and there are fireworks every night before mid-March🎆 If you have time, you can stay 2-3 days to experience!

⁡ 【Hokkaido / #HappyCheeseFactory】 A cheese shop on the mountain in Ashoro Town, west of Lake Akan. @shiawase.cheese The refreshing greenery was so pleasant that I ended up staying there for a while while enjoying my coffee and ice cream. ⁡ I was given milk to make cheese, and it was so delicious that I wondered what kind of milk I had been drinking until now. ⁡ It seems that cheese reflects the scent of the grass that the cows eat and their physical condition, and one of the joys is that the taste changes depending on the season. I was shocked to realize that the standardized cheese sold at supermarkets is actually unnatural. ⁡ I took home the cheese that won the Japanese Grand Prix. I still treasure it because I didn't want to waste it, so I'm looking forward to enjoying it in luxury~☺️ ⁡ #DomesticTravelTrip

What should you know before your first trip to Hokkaido? Check out this article for everything you need to know before you go. When it comes to traveling to Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is probably skiing in winter. However, Hokkaido is a summer resort with mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and abundant natural resources. It is a vast land with a sparse population and rich products, where people carefully protect the most primitive and natural land and ecology. If you want to eat and play naturally in Japan, Hokkaido is the place to be! Tourist Areas Central Hokkaido: Including Sapporo and Otaru, this is the most densely populated central area, where you can experience the bustling yet uncrowded Sapporo and the retro and romantic Otaru. Southern Hokkaido: Including Hakodate and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the former has the famous historical building Goryokaku, and the latter is known as the Natural Volcano Museum. The famous Niseko Ski Resort will be explained separately in the skiing section. Eastern Hokkaido: Mainly composed of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Akan-Mashu National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, it is the best area to experience the "great" nature of Hokkaido. Travel Time Hokkaido is a highly seasonal destination. Although there are sights to see and outdoor activities to enjoy all year round, it is important to know your "goal" in advance. Peak Season February: The peak skiing season, and also the time of the "Three Great Winter Festivals" (Sapporo Snow Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival). Accommodation prices in Sapporo and nearby ski resorts may increase by 50% to 200%, so be sure to book in advance.

I think it's okay to assume that most unfamiliar katakana words you see in Hokkaido are Ainu words. Onneto means old swamp, big swamp. Onneto is the lake at the westernmost end of Mashu National Park. The color of the lake can appear emerald green or dark blue depending on the season, weather, and where you look, and it was emerald green when I visited. Onneto reflects Meakan-dake and Akan-Fuji majestically towering behind it like a mirror, creating a very beautiful sight. #AkanMashuNationalPark #Onneto #0YenTripAutumn ──────────────────── Facility name: Onneto, Mashu National Park Address: Moashoro, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun, Hokkaido ──────────────────────

After visiting Owakudani in Hakone, this time I went to Sulfur Mountain in Akan-Mashu National Park in Hokkaido. The sulfur smell is very strong, and combined with the hot weather, it's only suitable for viewing from a distance or staying nearby for a few minutes. For those who can't tolerate the sulfur smell, there's a nearby Sulfur Mountain shop with a small information center. It also provides chairs, so you can safely and comfortably view Sulfur Mountain through the glass indoors. Although Sulfur Mountain is smelly, it's still a great place to visit. 📍Akan-Mashu National Park 1-1-1 Akan Lake Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan 085-0467

#Tourism Akan National Park Onneto While driving to Mikuni Pass, a famous photo spot, we visited a beautiful lake called Lake Onneto, located in Moashoro, Ashoro-cho, Ashoro-gun, Hokkaido. It is quite far from the main road, so you need to drive to get there. This is my personal opinion, but honestly, it was better than the foggy Lake Mashu, which is famous in Hokkaido. If you choose the right spot, there is less influence from the wind and you can take beautiful photos of the mountains reflected on the water. Please stop by to see the beautiful and majestic nature of Hokkaido.