Day 1

Spot 1 Kawayu Eco Museum Center 10:00
Preparations for your tour

The center’s knowledgeable staff introduce notable features of the tour

Checking important precautions and safety procedures

There is nowhere better to start your journey than at the Kawayu Eco Museum Center. Fascinating exhibits detail the dramatic formation of the surrounding landscape and its sulfur-mining history. Book a short tour with the informative staff to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s nature and history. In addition, take your time to relax in one of the cozy rest areas, or peruse the unique gifts in the Aka-ezo-matsu (Sakhalin spruce) themed shop. After, you can warm yourself beside the wood stove in the lounge or in the atmospheric café upstairs. Rental boots and jackets are also available for your convenience.
More Information (Link to Japanese Page)

(From Eco Center, by car 5 minutes or walk 25 minutes)

MOKMOK Resthouse at Mt. Io 11:00
Learn the story of Mt. Io, and feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth

Mt. Io Museum

The highly sulfurous mountain once had a flourishing mining industry

Just 2 kilometers from the Kawayu Eco Museum sits the striking volcano known locally as Iozan. The original name given by the native Ainu people is Atonsanupuri, meaning ‘naked mountain’. This spot is particularly renowned as a place where visitors can observe and experience steaming sulfur vents so close that they envelop groups of people in clouds of smoke. The parking area and resthouse called MOKMOK, newly renovated in 2023, provide ample space to take in the dramatic views at your leisure. Inside the resthouse, you will also find a gift shop, food stalls, as well as an exhibition detailing Mt. Io’s rich mining history.
More Information (Link to Japanese Page)

Eat Local Lunchtime

Teshikaga has a bounty of fresh local produce including Mashu soba noodles, named after the nearby famous caldera lake. Delicious locally sourced meats and vegetables are combined with expertise to make unique dishes for all to enjoy. For some recommendations on the array of restaurants and menus on offer, please refer to the “MADE in Teshikaga” guidebooks below.

• MADE in Teshikaga Guide Vol.1 (Japanese)
• MADE in Teshikaga Guide Vol.2 (Japanese)
• MADE in Teshikaga Guide Vol.3 (Japanese)
• MADE in Teshikaga Guide Vol.4 (Japanese)

Spot 3 Kussharo Lake Snowshoeing 13:00 – 16:00
Transportation to and from Kawayu Hot Springs available

Winter offers a special opportunity to explore the forests of Lake Kussharo by snowshoe. As the lake freezes over, silence reigns in the woods and animals leave only footprints of their passing in the snow – a truly magical experience. For those unused to driving in winter conditions, we recommend a plan that includes transportation.
More Information (Link to Japanese Page)

Spot 4 Kawayu Rock Terrace 16:30
Hotel check-in and evening stroll to Kawayu Rock Terrace

Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Kawayu Hot Springs, Kawayu Rock Terrace is a symbolic representation of the nearby Mt. Io and the Kawayu resort. The magnificent sight of billowing steam rising from the very same bedrock that stretches to the volcano is a powerful image. Observing closely, you will see many square shaped vents gushing highly acidic sulfur steam into the clear, cold night sky. Witness the real origins and thermal power of a Japanese onsen before heading to dinner and a relaxing hot spring bath.
More Information (Link to Japanese Page)

Day 2

SPOT 5 Canoe down the source of Kushiro River 9:00
A magical journey down a winter river through freezing mist

Despite the freezing temperatures, the movement of water down Kushiro River is rapid enough to prevent the formation of surface ice. Cold frosty mist smokes from the surface of the river and coats the riverside trees with shimmering ice crystals. Experienced guides are at hand, so simply dress in your warmest clothes, sit back and admire the breathtaking scenery.
More Information (Link to Japanese Page)

Mashu Soba Lunch

Traditional and local Mashu soba noodles are named after the nearby famous caldera lake, Lake Mashu. Fragrant noodles in hot, savory broth are the prefect lunch remedy to warm you up after a cold morning spent outside.
Mashu soba restaurants (Link to Japanese Page)

SPOT 6 Hometown History Museum 13:00
Get to know the local history and culture

The Hometown History Museum is located inside the Mashu Tourism and Cultural Center

Interesting exhibits include artefacts and collections relating to the famous local poet, Genzo Sarashina

A fitting conclusion to your tour is at the Teshikaga Hometown History Museum, Furusato Rekishi-kan. This fascinating museum can be found on the first floor of the Mashu Tourism and Cultural Center. The collection is also home to an exhibition of artefacts collected and donated by Sakai Taneichi, a celebrated local official, and a literary museum dedicated to one of Teshikaga’s most famous sons, the writer and poet Genzo Sarashina. The resident curators will happily discourse over various exhibits to give a finer understanding of the region’s culture and history, providing a vivid and moving memory to take away with you.