Page 322 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

EXPERIENCE Hokkaido

7 shallow lagoons in the coastal 8
plain, are carpeted with flowers
Rishiri-Rebun- in summer, including yellow- Akan National Park
Sarobetsu National orange lilies, white cotton 阿寒国立公園
Park grass, white rhodo dendrons,
利尻礼文サロベツ国立公園 and purple irises. ! C2 ⌂ 186 miles (300 km)
E of Sapporo
About 12 miles (20 km)
! A1 ⌂ 240 miles (385 km) k Memanbetsu (Abashiri),
N of Sapporo k Wakkanai offshore on the island of Nakashi betsu, and Kushiro
Rishiri, the startling 5,650-ft-
£ Wakkanai Stn g From (1,720-m-) high conical peak £ Minami-Teshikaga and
Wakkanai to both islands Kawayu-Onsen Stns
of Mount Rishiri (Rishiri-Fuji) @ From Kushiro Stn n Near
Consisting of the Sarobetsu appears to rise straight from Akan Kohan bus terminal;
coast and the two islands of the sea. A road runs around
Rishiri and Rebun, this park is its coastline, making for incred- (0154) 67-2254
within sight of the Russian ibly scenic cycling and linking This enormous national park
island of Sakhalin. The coastal the various settlements in east-central Hokkaido is
meadows in the Sarobetsu including Oshidomari, the possibly the most beautiful in
area and the shores of the main port, and Kutsugata, the Japan. Travel around the park
second port on the west side. is limited; there are tour buses,
Trails to the top of Mount but cycling or rental-car are
Rishiri thread through a host better options.
of alpine summer flowers. The western portion, around
Those less inclined to hike Lake Akan, is domina ted by
may choose to fish or simply a pair of volcanic peaks: in
relax and enjoy the excellent the southeast is the 4,500-ft
fresh fish at local restaurants. (1,370-m) Mount O-Akan while
Rebun, Rishiri’s partner and in the southwest is the still-
Japan’s northernmost island, active Mount Me-Akan, at
is lowly in comparison but 4,920 ft (1,500 m). The day hike
is renowned as the “isle of up Me-Akan from Akan Kohan
flowers.” Kafuka is its main onsen and down the other
port; the fishing village of side on a well-trodden trail to
Funadomari is at the oppo site, attractive Lake Onneto affords
north end of the island. There’s marvel ous views in any season,
great hiking (some times hard but especially in fall.
going), especially on the west East of Akan lies Lake
Taking a break on Mount coast; the island’s youth Kussharo, in a huge caldera
Rishiri, Rishiri-Rebun- hostel organizes guided with a 35-mile (57-km)
Sarobetsu National Park walking groups. perimeter. Beautiful all year,
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