Kushiro Airport, a hub airport in eastern Hokkaido, is surrounded by nature. This 3-day cycling report introduces the 308km Akan-Mashu–Kushiro Marsh Route, which starts and finishes at Kushiro Airport.
On the third day, we report on Marimo National Highway and Lake Akan Ainu Kotan.
Contents
About Akan-Mashu-Kushiro Marsh Route
Akan-Mashu-Kushiro Marsh Route is one of the wide-area cycling routes promoted by
Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to allow cyclists to enjoy the attractions of various regions in the vast island of Hokkaido. With Kushiro Airport as a base, this route allows cyclists to enjoy the attractions of eastern Hokkaido, including the marsh panorama, caldera lakes, and meadows. This route is one of the model routes set by the government to promote cycle tourism.
https://cycle-hokkaido.jp/route_03
Teshikaga Town
The third day of cycling starts in Teshikaga Town. From Teshikaga Town to Lake Akan, we will take Route241, known as Trans-Akan highway.
This Trans-Akan highway is one of the most difficult mountain passes in the eastern Hokkaido region. There are few rest stops along the 40km stretch from Teshikaga Town to Lake Akan, so it is recommended that you bring plenty of food and water.
Sogakudai
Sogakudai is located near the top of Trans-Akan highway.
On a clear day, you can enjoy a clear view of Akan’s iconic mountains, Mt.Oakan and Mt.Meakan, all the way to the top.
Sokodai
Another spot near the top of the pass on Trans-Akan highway is Sokodai.
This spot overlooks two small lakes, “Penketo” and “Panketo.”
Lake Akan
A 10km downhill from Sokodai will take you to Lake Akan.
Lake Akan is famous for its marimo (spherical moss). It is said that there are only two places in the world where round marimo can be found, and Lake Akan is one of them.
Lake Akan has a circumference of 26km and is also a habitat for Japanese whitefish and wakasagi (smelt). During the winter months, the lake is crowded with wakasagi fishing anglers.
Nabekyu
Nabekyu is a local restaurant where you can enjoy homemade soba (buckwheat) noodles and dishes made from fish caught in Lake Akan, such as Japanese whitefish and wakasagi.
Akankohan Eco-Museum Center
Akankohan Eco-Museum Center is a facility that exhibits “Marimo of Lake Akan”, a special natural treasure, and the natural environment of Akan area in Akan-Mashu National Park.
Five salons are set up in an open space filled with the warmth of wood, and the natural environment around Lake Akan is fully introduced through tree specimens and a mini-theater.
Roadside Rest Area Akan Tancho no Sato
This roadside rest area is located along Route240, known as “Marimo National Highway.”
Inside the roadside rest area, Akan Tancho no Sato Cranes Terrace, you will find Akan’s specialties for sale, “Akai Beret” (natural hot spring accommodation), Akan International Crane Center, and Kushiro Shitsugen Art Museum.
Goal at Kushiro Airport!
About 20km from Akan Tancho-no-Sato roadside rest area, we arrived at our goal at Kushiro Airport.
It was a long-distance cycling tour of about 300km, but Hokkaido’s few traffic lights and beautiful scenery made it a truly enjoyable three days.
Support System by Road Patrol Cars
In Hokkaido, a road patrol car equipped with an air pump, tools, and other equipment has been established as a support system to strengthen support in emergencies.
We actually experienced it this time!
Especially in Hokkaido, where towns are located far from each other, having such a support system in case of an emergency makes cycling more enjoyable and safer.
▼Tancho Kushiro Airport
http://www.kushiro-airport.co.jp.e.acv.hp.transer.com/webtra/
▼ Sogakudai
http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/3808/
▼Sokoudai
http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/3732/
▼Lake Akan
https://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/
▼Nabekyu
http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/eat_souvenir/5122/
▼Roadside Rest Area Akan Tancho no Sato
https://hokkaido-michinoeki.jp/en/29026/
