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Lake Akan, Mashu & Kussharo in December
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2013/8/22 22:17
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Hi,
I am planning a trip for my family of four to Hokkaido in coming December. After our skiing in Niseko, we plan to go to Lake Akan, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo around 12 Dec. I plan to spend first night in Lake Akan and second night in Kawayu Onsen. I appreciate some advice on the following: 1. For Lake Akan, other than the onsen, are there other places of interest for visiting and sightseeing in mid Dec? 2. My understanding is that there is no public transportation between Lake Akan and Kawayu Onsen, is this correct? In this case, the only mean of transport between the two places is taxi. Can it be easily arranged at the hotel in Lake Akan? Does anyone know how much the journey would costs? 3. I plan to visit Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from Kawayu Onsen. Are there guided tour in mid Dec to this places or the only way is to hire a taxi? 4. Lake Mashu: Are the Observation Decks open in Dec? 5. Lake Kussharo: May I know where is the best place to see and take photo of Whooper swan? Thank you.
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by Hfam
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Re: Lake Akan, Mashu & Kussharo in December
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2013/8/23 09:02
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For Lake Akan, other than the onsen, are there other places of interest for visiting and sightseeing in mid Dec?
The scenery is nice. And there is a Ainu shopping mall/museum that is not to everybody's taste.
My understanding is that there is no public transportation between Lake Akan and Kawayu Onsen, is this correct?
Nothing direct, I believe.
In this case, the only mean of transport between the two places is taxi.
You could also travel via Kushiro or hire a car.
Can it be easily arranged at the hotel in Lake Akan?
Yes, I feel that a lot of taxi drivers will be keen on providing long-distance services.
Does anyone know how much the journey would costs?
taxisite.jp estimates 15,000 to 19,000 yen one way.
4. Lake Mashu: Are the Observation Decks open in Dec?
Yes, they are always open.
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by Uji
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Re: Lake Akan, Mashu & Kussharo in December
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2013/8/24 13:31
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Uji San, thank you for the information. Car rental seems like a possible solution as it would be more convenient since public transport is lacking in that area during December. I have driven in Japan before but not in snowy condition. How is the winter in Kushiro? Does it snow as much and as heavy as other part of Hokkaido? If I choose to use car rental, would I be able to pick up the car at Lake Akan?
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by Hfam
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Re: Lake Akan, Mashu & Kussharo in December
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2013/8/24 14:15
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There is a risk to encounter snow and ice on the road. So, if you don't have winter driving skills, I would think twice about driving.
Rental car outlets are found in Kushiro and at Kushiro Airport, but not at Lake Akan.
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by Uji
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Re: Lake Akan, Mashu & Kussharo in December
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2013/8/26 22:20
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Thank you William, the websites your listed are of great help.
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by Hfam
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