Pirika Liner
A one-day excursion bus tour to 3 major lakes in Hokkaido, Lake Mashu, Lake Akan & Lake Kussharo. Lake Mashu is considered the most clearest lake in Japan, only second to Lake Baikal in world's ranking. 
This is a completely flexible trip where you can choose to get off at Lake Akan for a sightseeing cruise journey or for an overnight stay at a hot spring resort. With the option of dropping off at Kushiro Airport, it also fits the ones with a tight schedule of getting a plane. 
Operation Period
20 April, 2024 - 27 October, 2024
Available
Daily
Duration
8 hours 55 minutes
Inclusion
Bus fare, Japanese-speaking guide
Exclusion
Lunch, Hot Spring Entrance Fee
Reservation
Required
Pick-up
Kushiro Station, Fisherman’s wharf Moo& Kushiro Prince Hotel
Fare
Kushiro-Kushiro
Adult(Age 12& Over)
JPY 5,600
Child(Age 6-12)
JPY 2,800
Kushiro-Kushiro Airport
Adult(Age 12& Over)
JPY 5,200
Child(Age 6-12)
JPY 2,600
Kushiro-Akanko Onsen
Adult(Age 12& Over)
JPY 4,000
Child(Age 6-12)
JPY 2,000

Itinerary
Depart 8:00AM
Bus stop no. 15, Kushiro Station Bus Terminal ( Beside JR Kushiro Sta.) 
Depart 8:05 AM
Fisherman’s Wharf Moo
Depart 8:08AM
Kushiro Prince Hotel
view from the window
Kushiro Marsh Hokuto Observatory
30 minutes
Lake Mashu the 1st Observatory (Observation deck)
30 minutes
Mount Iou  (Sulphur mountain)
20 minutes
Lake Kussharo (Sunayu)
1:05PM 
(for 120 minutes)

Lake Akan Hot Spring  
‐  Hot spring & lunch at your own arrangement
-  Visit to Eco-museum Center (free admission)  
Arrive 4:10 PM
Kushiro Airport
Arrive 4:50 PM
Kushiro Station
Arrive 4:54 PM
Fisherman’s Wharf Moo
Arrive 4:55 PM
Kushiro Prince Hotel
* Passengers can choose to drop off at Lake Akan to continue the journey on your own.
* Entrance fee for hot spring and Lunch are at your own expense.
* In case you would like to take an onsen bath, please prepare towels to wipe.
* Please make a reservation to join the tour.

Mysterious Lake Mashu 
Siberian Chipmunks
Lake Akan
Red-crowned cranes 
Hot spring resorts at Lake Akan
Sika deer 

Marsh observation (view from bus window only)
Kushiro Marsh is home to many bird species, especially the endangered red-crowned cranes which can be viewed year round. From the bus window, you can observe the wildlife nature as well as enjoy a panoramic vista of the wetland. 
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu was designated as a heritage of Hokkaido in 2001. Its level of clarity is only second to Lake Baikal in the world. It is a caldera lake with no water flow in and out. The lake is blanketed in dense fog particularly in June  and July adding it a layer of mystery. 
You can purchase cans of fog at the souvenir shops and try the famous Mashu blue ice cream. Sometimes, little wild chipmunks can also be spotted nearby. 


Lake Kussharo (Sunayu)
Look for the legendary lake monster at Kussharo! At Kussharo, you may enjoy an unbeatable view close to the lake while dipping your toes in the foot spa. Given the packed itinerary of this tour, cruising around the lake is not possible but you may do it next time by renting a swan boat. 


Lake Akan Onsen Village & Ainu Kotan
Lake Akan Onsen Village comprised of many hot spring resorts, featuring a rooftop open-air bath overlooking the splendid lake scenery. Next to the onsen, there is a village of traditional crafts (Ainu Kotan) with wood carvings everywhere. What's more, souvenir shops lined up along the town selling sophisticated wooden handicrafts as well as products of My neighbor Totoro, a famous Japanese animation.
Bubbling hot volcanic mud at Lake Akan
Located at the Akan Mashu National Park, Lake Akan is the fifth largest freshwater lake in Hokkaido. It is home to marimo, a species of algae that forms itself into a green ball which is rarely found in Japan. Follow a walking trail takes you to an interesting scene of a pool of boiling hot volcanic mud on the shore.  The forest trail also provides a natural habitat for wild animals, where you may be able to see the sika deer up close in the woods.  

Important Notice
・Temperature of the mud pool is as hot as 100°C, please be aware not to step over the fence for safety reason.
・Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at the bus terminal if there are available seats.
・Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
・Service may be delayed or suspended due to strong winds, rain, storms, or other foul weather which may hinder safe operation.
・Actual arrival times may be earlier or later than those listed due to traffic conditions.
・We accept no responsibility for any extra overnights or taxi fares caused by any delays due to Acts of God, delayed departure or arrivals, bad road or weather conditions, any circumstances beyond our control.
・All images shown are for illustration purpose only.

Cancellation Fee
JPY 100 per person. 
Note: If you don't show up for a service and fail to cancel the reservation before the cancellation deadline , you are considered a no-show and all money associated with the reservation is forfeited.

Operating bus company
Akan Bus Co., Ltd.  TEL: +81 0154-37-2221  E-mail : info@akanbus.co.jp
Business Hours: 9:00AM to 5:00PM JST, We can be contacted only in Japanese.
Please make an inquiry to JapanBusOnline@mail.j-bus.co.jp, customer support center, KOBO Co., Ltd relating to reservations and payment of tickets.
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