Akan-Mashu National Park

Why visit such a small waterfall, you ask? If you look closely, you can see fish jumping—yes, it's the salmon returning to spawn! But that's not all. The park also features Io-zan Hell Valley, Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu, among many other attractions. As one of Hokkaido's premier national parks, Akan-Mashu National Park is a must-visit. Along with Asahidake and the Shiretoko Peninsula, these three destinations are absolutely worth your time—you won't regret it! How to get there: You’ll need to rent a car. Highlights: Sakura Falls, where you can witness the salmon migration; Lake Kussharo, known for its open-air hot springs; Lake Akan, home to a traditional folk village; Lake Mashu, Japan's largest caldera lake; and Io-zan Hell Valley. Every spot is worth visiting. Accommodation: The main challenge is finding a hotel. In our case, we started early from Asahikawa, explored everything, and stayed overnight in Abashiri. Abashiri has plenty of great dining options, which we highly recommend. Recommended food & restaurants: If you’re in Abashiri, check out the izakaya called あみさい (Amisai). It’s fantastic!