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

The biggest surprise of my trip to eastern Hokkaido was the Notsuke Peninsula. The Notsuke Peninsula is a long, narrow sandy spit extending into the Sea of Okhotsk. It is about 26 km long and was formed by currents transporting sand and gravel over thousands of years. On a map, it looks like a shrimp reaching into the sea. The bay where the Notsuke Peninsula is located is called Notsuke Bay, which is listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It is a niche, pristine treasure in eastern Hokkaido, with far fewer tourists than the Shiretoko Peninsula. 🗺️ Two core highlights of Notsuke Peninsula 🌾 Wetlands and wildlife The Notsuke Peninsula is surrounded by the sea on both sides. The peninsula is mainly composed of grasslands, tidal flats, and wetlands. Without the obstruction of tall mountains, the sea wind howls all year round, earning it the name "End of the Wind." The boardwalk extending from the Nature Center took us directly into a lush sea of wetland grass. With mist covering the area and the vast sky and earth, we saw herds of Ezo deer amidst the wind-blown grass. About 300–450 Ezo deer inhabit the Notsuke Peninsula year-round. On the green grassland, they lowered their heads to graze peacefully, occasionally straightening their necks to look at us. They were slender, standing only 2–3 meters away from us, with fuzzy, upright, and ethereal antlers. They were wild yet noble, so beautiful it left us speechless. 🌊 Coastal boardwalk and dead trees Walking out of the grass sea, you reach the long coastal wooden boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a patch of pale, dead trees. This was once a dense Sakhalin fir forest. Due to land subsidence, seawater continuously invaded, causing the entire forest to be eroded and die. It left behind patches of pale, weathered dead tree roots and trunks scattered on the grassland and tidal flats. It is desolate and bleak, known as the disappearing scenery. ⚠️ The disappearing Notsuke Peninsula As waves continue to erode the sandbar, geologists estimate that the end of the Notsuke Peninsula could be swallowed by the sea within 100 years, making it a landscape that is currently disappearing. At the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, you can get a trail map to learn about the sandbar's geology and wetland ecology. The Nature Center is also the starting point for hiking and has an on-site restaurant where you can dine. Arriving at the same time as us was a group of elderly Japanese tourists. The seniors wore brightly colored windbreakers and walked vigorously ahead of us. In the cold, gloomy mist and the chilly expanse of heaven and earth, that splash of bright color, scattered like stars on the trail, became a vivid and warm memory of the journey. 🚗 Travel tips Location: Notsuke Peninsula, Betsukai Town, Notsuke District, Hokkaido, Japan How to get there: Take the Akan Bus [Shiretoko-Kushiro Go], which stops at the Notsuke Peninsula Duration: The trail is about 1.3 km long, and the hike takes about 30–45 minutes round trip How to explore: Hiking, or take a sightseeing tractor Best season: May–October; there are drift ice landscapes in winter, but some trails are closed Safety reminder: Do not feed wild animals, and do not enter undeveloped areas

In Hokkaido, the Senmo Main Line—connecting the eastern cities of Abashiri and Kushiro—opts for an inland route. This leaves the coastline untouched by railways, turning it into a serene agricultural haven. I chose to take a road trip through eastern Hokkaido. Cruising along this tranquil coastline, I always find myself mesmerized by the stunning scenery of the Notsuke Peninsula. Stretching into the Sea of Okhotsk, the Notsuke Peninsula is a narrow, 28-kilometer-long sandbar gradually shaped by sand swept in by ocean currents. From above, it resembles a sharp fishhook, scooping up a shallow sandy shoal from the ocean's depths. Jutting far out into the deep sea, this peninsula is a hidden gem for both wildlife and local fishermen. Beyond the Ezo deer and red foxes commonly seen in Hokkaido, it draws tens of thousands of migratory birds that stop to rest during their spring and autumn migrations. The wetlands burst with wildflowers in the spring, while autumn brings vast expanses of reeds, unfurling like a long, grayish-yellow carpet. Come winter, the migratory birds depart, and drift ice rolls in from the sea, crushing over the peninsula's shoals and wetlands, wiping out all annual plant life. At the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, you can savor local specialties like milk and scallops—precious treats cultivated during the brief northern summer. In the freezing north, disappearance and forgetting seem to happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it's man-made stations and towns or wild birds and plants, they can vanish without a trace on an ordinary day—perhaps right after a fresh snowfall. Even the Notsuke Peninsula itself is constantly shifting, shaped by the endless cycle of marine sediment and erosion. One day, it might sink into the sea completely. So, instead of arguing over the history or ownership of a piece of land, it’s better to hit the road while the weather is fine and the sun is shining, taking in the magnificent beauty before it fades away entirely. Take the name "Notsuke," for instance. It comes from the Ainu word not-kew, meaning "lower jaw." This long, narrow sandbar perfectly resembles the earth tilting its chin up to face the sea! I’ve always believed that the Ainu people truly understand the essence of this land: since nature is bound to an endless cycle of death and rebirth, we might as well hold our heads high and etch that final glance into our memories. 🗺️ Accessible via the Akan Bus in July and August; otherwise, a road trip is your best bet for the rest of the year.

JR is the preferred way to travel in Japan, except in Hokkaido. In the vast and sparsely populated north, with JR lines being discontinued year after year, the beauty of the land has been returned to the wilderness. If riding the JR only shows you the refined Japanese side of Hokkaido, then a road trip will unlock the distant, lonely northern wilderness. 🚗 Summer is coming soon As the heavy snow melts and trails become easier to walk, everything green in Hokkaido’s brief summer rushes to grow. It’s the perfect time for a northern road trip! ① Shiretoko Utoro + Rausu All the mystery and beauty of Hokkaido are connected to "Shiretoko." This is the land’s end, with continuous coastline and distant mountain shadows, appearing even greener in summer. As the area with the highest density of bear sightings in the world (bar none), hiking in Shiretoko is always full of the unknown: you want to see bears but also fear they might really come... If you find the Five Lakes too crowded, the other side of the peninsula, Rausu, offers quieter wilderness and more expansive coastline. ② Shibetsu Notsuke Peninsula Notsuke Peninsula is a sandbar stretching deep into the sea, shaped like a slender hook. Far from towns, its vast desolate landscape has become a paradise for wildlife. The 3 km round-trip trail starting from the Nature Center offers encounters with seagulls, foxes, and mysterious Ezo deer herds, which lightly step in arcs on the water as you look back. ③ Akkeshi Bekanbeushi Wetlands This is a river untouched by human intervention, with water flowing wildly. From the air, the water system spreads like wild grass, leaving patchy lakes scattered like the aftermath of a party. Next to the wetlands is the "Akkeshi Waterfowl Observation Center," a base for scientists studying wetland ecology and the starting point for canoeing. Departing from the shore, drifting downstream while observing aquatic plants, migratory birds, and animals is truly refreshing. ④ Lake Kussharo Mount Mokoto Compared to the more famous Cape Mihoro, Mount Mokoto offers a better vantage point overlooking Lake Kussharo. Hiking up, you can see the lake’s deep blue water and the vast eastern Hokkaido landscape slowly unfolding before your eyes. It takes only an hour to reach the summit from the "Koshimizu 725" parking lot, with an easy ridge climb. Many locals also come here for weekend outings. ⑤ Koshimizu Sakura Falls No paved roads and very hard to find. But in the last weeks of summer, it becomes lively: it’s salmon migration season. Standing on the shore, staring at the shallow stream, every few dozen seconds a salmon leaps out of the water and flies right onto the waterfall. But don’t get too absorbed—besides humans, bears in the forest might also be standing nearby, ready for a meal. 🅿️ Roadside rest areas are scattered everywhere, offering various local specialties: sea salt ice cream from Abashiri, salmon from Rausu, oysters from Akkeshi... The beauty of Hokkaido is hidden in these corners.

Taipei’s summer heat is simply stifling, so I decided to take a break and head to Eastern Hokkaido to cool off. The 25°C temperature was perfect—every breeze felt refreshing. Since I don't drive, I was initially worried about getting around, but public transportation turned out to be surprisingly smooth. I took the JR to Shiretoko-Shari and then caught a bus to Utoro. During my days in Shiretoko, I felt like I had stepped into a primeval forest; the air was filled with the scent of lush greenery. The highlight of this trip was Akan-Mashu National Park. I took a summer-only sightseeing bus and saw the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu, which felt incredibly quiet and mysterious. At Lake Akan, I finally saw the unique Marimo (moss balls)—they are round, super cute, and look just like forest spirits from an anime. I couldn't help but sketch a few in my notebook. The final stop was the Kushiro Marsh. I made a point to ride the summer-only slow train; its leisurely pace was perfect for gazing out at the marshland scenery. On the return trip, I happened to catch the sunset over the wetlands. The orange-red glow in that moment was as beautiful as an animated scene, and it left me feeling so peaceful. Even though keeping an eye on the bus and train schedules was a bit stressful, it felt wonderful to slow down and take in the views at my own pace without driving. Now that I'm back in Taipei, I still find myself missing that cool Hokkaido breeze.

"Lake Furen" showcases hundreds of swans and eagles in one frame, creating a breathtaking scene! Visiting "Lake Furen" in Eastern Hokkaido is an awe-inspiring experience due to its incredible density of wildlife! This is not just any ordinary lake; it is one of Japan's largest swan migration sites. 🦢 During winter, when the lake surface freezes, hundreds of whooper swans rest on the ice. Amazingly, right beside them, you can spot the majestic **Steller's sea eagles** and **white-tailed eagles**, with wingspans exceeding 2 meters! 🦅 This unique juxtaposition of "graceful swans vs. powerful raptors" is a sight you can only witness here. Walking along the sandbar by the lake, watching these massive birds soar overhead, evokes a primal sense of beauty that makes you forget the biting cold. 📝 Lake Furen "Eco-Photography & Scenic Walk" Guide (Pure Tips Edition!) · 🦅 Spotting the "King of Eagles": The highlight here is the **Steller's sea eagle (O-washi)**. With white shoulders, a bright yellow beak, and an enormous body, they are truly impressive! They are often seen perched on ice floes or dead trees. Capture their takeoff moments with a telephoto lens for maximum impact! · 🌿 Hidden Gem "Shunkunitai": Adjacent to Lake Furen is a long sandbar called **Shunkunitai**. Known as the "Miracle Sandbar," it is covered with red shrimp spruce trees. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, with the sea on one side and the lake on the other, feels like traversing the edge of the world—starkly beautiful and desolate. · 🦢 Roadside Station "Swan 44 Nemuro": If you prefer staying warm, head to this rest stop. It features a row of large windows facing the lake and provides free high-powered binoculars, allowing you to observe the bird flocks comfortably from a heated indoor space. · 🧊 Icy Spectacle: During the peak winter months (January-February), the lake completely freezes over. You might see local fishermen setting up tents for "under-ice fishing," and if you're lucky, you can catch eagles waiting nearby to snatch fish—a fascinating sight! · 🧥 Extreme Cold Protection: This area is very windy, making it feel much colder! If you plan to walk the Shunkunitai trail, be sure to gear up with windproof coats, hats, gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots (the snowy terrain can be muddy).

In addition to flowing ice in winter in Hokkaido, the Suboline can be seen on the Nofu Peninsula every winter Driving from Shotsucho into the Nofu Peninsula, you can see Ezo deer, foxes (however 📸 can’t take pictures), and you can see floating ice along the way When you visit the Nofu Peninsula Nature Center, you can not only stroll along the Subway Line, but also have some ice activities to participate in The milk in Bekaicho is quite famous, and I drink it for breakfast in Akanagawa la vista #Nofu Peninsula #Ice Flat Line #Ezo Deer #July Post Message Event 2025

📅 Travel Itinerary Day 1: West Side of the Kushiro Marsh and Lake Akan Day 2: Shiretoko Day 3: Notsuke Peninsula and East Side of the Kushiro Marsh 🏨 Day 1: Akan Tsuruga Resort Day 2: Hotel Mine no Yu Day 3: KKR Kawayu Day 4: Refre Yamahana Onsen 📌 Useful Information #HokkaidoTravel

🔍What is Notsuke Peninsula? Located in eastern Hokkaido, it is Japan's largest sand spit (stretching 26 km in length). Known for its unique scenery, often referred to as "the end of the world." 💞Reasons to visit: ・Todowara & Narawara: A mystical view created by standing dead trees. ・Birdwatching: A natural paradise where over 250 species of birds migrate. ・Pristine Flower Garden: Vibrant flowers bloom from spring to autumn. ・Winter-exclusive attractions: ・Ice Horizon Walk: A tour where you can walk on the frozen bay (January to March). Enjoy breathtaking snowy landscapes and trick photography. · Tour examples: · Mini Ice Horizon Walk (approx. 60 minutes) · Todowara & Ice Horizon Course (approx. 120 minutes) Make sure to visit!

Not only beautiful things are beautiful, but decaying things are also beautiful. A place that evokes such an end of the world is Todowara. On a map, it is a narrow place that is hard to call land, but there is a road that cars can drive on. After arriving at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, walk along the promenade for 25 minutes to reach Todowara Square. From there, you can follow the wooden path to the observation deck. The view from there is sad, as if the story is about to end. It is not bad to look at yourself from the negative emotions and face tomorrow with a fresh mind. #HokkaidoTrip #Todowara #0YenTripAutumn ──────────────────── Sightseeing spot: Todowara Address: Notsuke, Betsukai-cho, Notsuke-gun, Hokkaido ────────────────────

If it wasn't for a tourist bus trip from Shiretoko in Hokkaido to Lake Akan, Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center wouldn't have been in the original Hokkaido itinerary at all. It's said that even many Japanese people don't know about this place. An unexpected surprise, which is the most memorable part of the journey. ❤Must Experience Notsuke Peninsula is located in Betsukai Town in Eastern Hokkaido, a peninsula connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, with a total length of 26 kilometers, and is the largest sandbar peninsula in Japan. Not far southeast from Notsuke Peninsula is Cape Nemuro, the easternmost point of mainland Japan. The forests of Notsuke Peninsula have withered due to the long-term soaking of seawater, and the withered fir forests have formed the wonderful sight of 'Todowara'. 1⃣️From January to mid-March, the inner bay of Notsuke Peninsula freezes, forming an endless ice surface horizon, hence the name 'Ice Horizon'. Crossing the Ice Horizon is a winter experience travel project of walking on the sea, and it is the most worthwhile experience on Notsuke Peninsula, 2⃣️The 40-minute ice surface journey is based on the number of tourists, with two motorcycle landscape cars driving directly to the frozen sea surface. Then tourists can stroll in the endless end of the world, and with some luck, they may see various wild animals, such as little foxes and so on. All the guides and service staff for the activities are exclusively elderly grandfathers and grandmothers. 3⃣️You must try the signature Betsukai giant scallop burger and the super-rich Hokkaido milk. 💰Average cost: 1⃣️The ice surface experience activity has two price points per person, 2000 yen (for the snowmobile) or 2300 yen (about an hour's walk on the ice surface, including photography service), and the activity locations are different. The snowmobile option is highly recommended. 2⃣️The visitor center offers simple meals, with the signature being the Betsukai giant scallop burger, sold for 980 yen individually, or 1300 yen for a set meal. The delicious Hokkaido milk is only 100 yen, which is equivalent to 5 yuan per bag.

The nature center is on the second floor, and the first floor is a shop. There are specimens and introductions to the flora and fauna of the Notsuke Peninsula. There are also free telescopes to view the Tiliahara Sanbonmatsu area and the entire ice surface. And some activities can be paid to participate, such as: hiking, sledding, guided tours, etc. The first floor is a shop with various goods, specialties, and souvenirs. The most special one is the three-dimensional triangular packaged milk. The Notsuke Peninsula is in Betsukai Town, which is the place with the highest milk production in Hokkaido. So of course you have to try it when you come here! The entire Notsuke Peninsula is full of Ezo deer and foxes. They are not afraid of people and pass by them super elegantly! Super cute Nosuke Peninsula Nature Center 〒086-1645 Nosuke 63, Betsukai Town, Notsuke County, Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Snow Driving #Self Driving #Nosuke Peninsula #Sanbonmatsu #Sledding #Hiking #Ice Surface #Free Travel

#2024TravelWish Lake Furen, a lake located in Hokkaido, Japan, is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and tranquil lakeside scenery. This area is an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and get close to nature, providing a perfect environment for leisure and relaxation. When I walked into Fenglian Lake, I was first attracted by its calm lake surface and the magnificent natural scenery around it. The mountains surrounding the lake are reflected in the clear water, forming a beautiful natural picture. Here, visitors can enjoy strolling along the lake, taking a boat out on the lake or fishing, and feel the gift of nature🚣♀️🎣. In addition, Fenglian Lake has different scenery in each season, with blooming flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and covered with white snow in winter. These different seasonal features attract many photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Overall, Lake Furen is a fascinating natural attraction in Hokkaido for all those who are looking for tranquility, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. Every corner here is filled with natural tranquility and beauty, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.