With abundant forests, lakes and wetlands, the eastern Hokkaido area is a treasure trove of nature, of which Shiretoko, which was designated as a World Natural Heritage site in 2005, in the most prominent jewel. From spring through summer the Kushiro subprefecture has a cool, damp climate in which fog known as jiri occurs. In autumn and winter, clear skies often prevail, and Kushiro boasts one of the longest annual sunshine durations in Japan. In the Nemuro subprefecture, the annual mean temperature is a cool 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, and the wide, open dairy farming landscapes that are reminiscent of Europe are popular among visitors from overseas (particularly those from Asian countries). In addition, this region is the closest to the Northern Territories, and the islands of Kunashiri and Kaigara can be seen from close range.

In Shiretoko, Japan’s third World Natural Heritage site, learn about an ecosystem that links life from the ocean to the mountains, and see for yourself the dedicated work of the locals protecting endangered species of fauna and flora. In recent years, whale and bird watching trips on pleasure boats, and walks along the footpaths are popular among visitors. The abundant natural surroundings of Nemuro’s Shunkunitai, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, and the Notsuke Peninsula also await. Around February, Steller’s sea eagles can often be seen soaring above the ice floes in the Nemuro Strait, and families of cute seals can also be seen below. Blakiston’s fish owls and other rare species inhabit the Akan National Park and the wetlands registered under the Ramsar Convention. Also, red-crested cranes can be seen at close quarters around here. Hands-on activities such as canoeing and the like attract many people. See traditional Ainu dance designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of Japan, at the Akanko Ainu Kotan by Lake Akan.

As well as Kawayu Onsen, with its continuous flow of fresh hot spring water direct from the source, and smell of sulfur in the air, this region also boast Akanko Onsen and other hot-spring spots where day-trip bathing, footbaths and hand baths can also be enjoyed.

The Kushiro and Nemuro areas are known for pacific saury. An autumn visit is particularly recommended for the juicy fish available in that season. As the taste and texture of Pacific saury sashimi are determined by its freshness, it is best enjoyed locally. Other seafood products typical of Hokkaido, such as scallops, crabs, shishamo smelt, oysters, and kelp are also landed here. Kushiro is famous for robata (charcoal-grill) restaurants, which are believed to have originated here. These restaurants take seafood freshly landed that morning, and grill it before your very eyes the same day. Local delicacies that can only be found in the Nemuro area are also popular.

Delicacies from the ocean, such as processed fishery products made from shishamo smelt, pacific saury, atka mackerel and octopus are highly recommended. These eastern areas have a strong image of seafood, but it is also one of Hokkaido’s leading dairy farming areas, with towns like Nakashibetsu and Betsukai, where there are said to be more cows than human residents. Their dairy products are of the highest quality in Hokkaido, and sweets made locally using milk from reliable sources, as well as natural cheeses made at local factories are popular.