March 2023❄️Traveling in pursuit of polar ice in the eastern part of Japan❄️Part 2 - The three lakes of eastern Hokkaido

After leaving the Shiretoko drift ice walking experience, a self-driving tour would certainly include visiting the attractions in Shiretoko. "Twin Waterfalls" 📍Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4354 Japan On the way from Shiretoko Peninsula to Shari Town, there is a mysterious waterfall without a source. The water flows out from the cliffs and gathers the abundant water from the Shiretoko Mountains. The waterfall is divided into two sections by the rocks in the middle, also known as "Twin Waterfalls". The width of the waterfall is about 30 meters, with a drop of 50 meters. The waterfall is magnificent and vigorous. It is the largest waterfall on the Shiretoko Peninsula and one of the eight scenic spots in Shiretoko. ⚠️Note that the slopes in winter are very slippery because the snow is frozen, so be careful when walking. After climbing the slope, you can see the waterfall up close. I wanted to see the "Kamiko Pond" which is more beautiful than the Blue Pond, but the snow was too thick and the path to it was closed. I'll have to come back next time! "Imperial Sulphur Mountain" 📍Address: 1 Chome-52-1 Kawayuonsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3465Japan A must-see attraction for self-driving tours of the Eastern Three Lakes, located between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. The parking lot is right in front of Imperial Sulphur Mountain. Unfortunately, the snow was too thick and there was no formal pedestrian path. I couldn't walk in at all, because my entire calf was buried deep in the snow after taking the first step. Of course, I had to go to the commercial facilities nearby and eat some hot food before leaving. (Only come next time! x2) "Kusharo Lake Sunayu" 📍Address: Biruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3341 Japan The three lakes of Eastern Hokkaido: Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu and Lake Akan are also the top priorities of this trip. Drive along the road to Lake Kussharo Sunayu. In winter, the surface of Lake Kussharo will freeze, and the swans who are avoiding the winter will gather in the hot spring water near Sunayu, where you can watch the swans up close. There are not many tourists at the scenic spot, it is very quiet, the swans, the frozen lake, and the looming mountains behind, the scenery is quite magnificent. There are also popcorns for sale in the nearby shops, which can be used to feed the swans. I didn't expect that we had a lot of fun here❤️ We immediately went to "Lake Mashu", but the weather conditions were not good, except for fog. Let's try our luck tomorrow! There was still some time before we checked in, so we went to Teshikaga Ramen Teshikaga Main Store for a pilgrimage. The last time we ate there was at the Kitahiroshima outlet! 📍Address: 1 Chome-1-18 Mashu, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3201Japan 🕰️Business hours: 1100-2000 Although it was a weekday and the seats were not full, there were still customers coming. There are three areas in the restaurant: tatami seats, general wooden table area and counter seats. A Chinese menu is available. The dishes here are rich, with salt, soy sauce and miso ramen options. Each bowl is full, the soup is rich and the meat is rich, which is especially suitable for bringing warmth and fullness in slightly cold weather. We also ordered dumplings. The hot thin-skin dumplings tasted excellent, adding to the delicious dining experience. In order to avoid a rushed trip, we chose to stay in Teshikaga Town, but there are not many accommodation options. Tonight's accommodation is the most expensive B&B in the entire trip - "Polaris" 📍Address: 52 Line 30 Bandi 3 Sattomonaigenya, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3332 Japan This is a warm and carefully managed B&B. The host couple is very warm and friendly, and will provide many helpful travel suggestions. The delicious breakfast and dinner for one night and two meals are very unique and delicious. The view from the room will make people fall in love with Hokkaido and enjoy the tranquility and comfort here. Whether it is facilities, meals, or starry sky exploration at night, you can feel the care of the B&B owner and his wife in the details. Although it was cloudy and rainy that day, the male owner found a satellite map to confirm that the clouds had dissipated at 4 a.m. and a large starry sky could be seen. Of course, we would not miss it. When we opened the door, we saw the starry sky that is rarely seen on weekdays. We were very moved and let go of the pressure of the travel itinerary. We savored the guest rooms, public spaces and surrounding environment with different seasons and time. The slowly moving light and shadows and the birds and insects that came and went, plus the two cute and friendly cats made the accommodation experience more vivid and interesting. I look forward to visiting again in different seasons next time. God will not let down those who work hard. After saying goodbye to the B&B couple, we went to "Mashu Lake" again. We finally got to see the true face of Mashu Lake. The calm lake surface was intoxicating. We also met Ezo deer on the road❤️ 📍Address: Teshikagagenya, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3200 Japan Mashu Lake became famous because of the song "Mashu Lake in the Mist". Just like the name of the song, it is shrouded in fog for about 100 days every year. Especially from June to July, you can often see Mashu Lake in the fog. Whether it is the blue shining Mashu Lake or the Mashu Lake shrouded in fog, it is a mysterious and intoxicating scene. Lake Mashu is a volcanic lake located in Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido. It is famous for its high transparency. Half a century ago, the deepest visible depth was 41.6 meters. At that time, it was the lake with the highest transparency in the world. Now the visible depth is only about 20 meters, but it reflects the sunlight in the sky and presents a unique blue color, called "Mashu Blue". Specialty shops have Mashu Blue Ice Cream, Mashu Blue Beer... fully utilizing the characteristics of the scenic spot. There are 3 observation decks around the lake, overlooking from a high place, with different angles and different views. The first observation deck has a rest area platform with more facilities. "Bihoro Pass" 📍Address: Kussharo, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3341 Japan Bihoro Pass is the best spot to overlook Lake Kussharo. "Lake Kussharo" is the largest crater lake in Japan and the largest of the three major lakes in Eastern Hokkaido. The word "Pass" means the highest point where you can overlook the beautiful scenery! The beautiful scenery on the day of the visit was unobstructed! Overall, it is a beautiful scenery that is worth visiting. ⚠️Be careful that the slopes are very slippery in winter because the snow has frozen into ice. Be careful when walking. The snow is very thick. If you are not careful, your thighs are already buried deep in the snow. It took more than an hour to reach the highest point. But it is still worth visiting❤️ "Tsurumidai" 📍Address: Shimosetsuri, Tsurui, Akan District, Hokkaido 085-1211Japan A few wild red-crowned cranes were seen foraging in the distance. The road to the viewing area is muddy, so you may need to be careful not to get your shoes and pants dirty. "Akan Lake" 📍Address: Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0220Japan Lake Akan is a freshwater lake located in the crater of an active volcano in Akan Town, Eastern Hokkaido. It is part of the Akan Mashu National Park and is famous for its abundance of green algae balls and trout. There is a hot spring on the south bank of the lake, which is a famous tourist destination in Eastern Hokkaido. There is an Ainu village next to Lake Akan, with about 36 households and 120 people living there. It still retains the traditional Ainu lifestyle and humanities and arts. It is a world intangible cultural heritage registered by UNESCO and should not be missed. When you come to Lake Akan in winter, you have to experience ice activities on the frozen lake! There are also beautiful fireworks to enjoy at the end, which is awesome👍 1. Snow Banana Boat: The clerk will take everyone to the wind on a snowmobile, swinging around on the ice. It will only be shocking at the beginning, but it will not throw people into the water like a water banana boat. After all, I don’t want to fall on the hard ice. This magical experience is really great! 2. Snowmobile: I have never ridden something before. The operation was not very smooth at the beginning. I always ran off the runway. Later I found that I should not resist the steering too much. The main reason is that the ice surface has actually become bumpy, so I will be guided away all the time! 3. Ice fishing: Fortunately, there are sheds around, so you don’t have to worry about the wind and can hide from the snow. If you are caught, you can ask the store to help you prepare it. Grill it and it will warm your stomach! #Three Lakes of Eastern Hokkaido #Kusharo Lake #Mashu Lake #Akan Lake #Teshikaga Ramen #Soumei Waterfall #Mt. Io #Bihoro Pass #Tsurumidai