ACTIVITIES
FLEXWORK tawa (Shibecha Town) is located in the center of eastern Hokkaido. It is only 1-2 hours by car from Abashiri, Shiretoko, Notsuke Peninsula, Akan, Kushiro, and Nemuro, making day trips possible. The Kushiro River flows right next to our facility, and there is a cycling and marathon road along the bank. We also recommend various activities in the town, such as canoeing, horse trekking, and fishing!
Mashu Lake
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Mashu Lake (Car: 45 minutes)
When you stand on the observation deck, you can see the deep blue lake water that seems to draw you in. Its appearance changes from moment to moment with the movement of the clouds. This blue is called "Mashu Blue," and it is a unique color created when the blue of the sky is reflected in the lake water, which boasts world-class transparency. On windless days, the blue color stands out even more.
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Kussharo Lake
Kussharo Lake (Car: 50 minutes)
The name comes from the Ainu word "Kutcharo (throat)," which means the outlet of a lake or swamp. It is the largest lake in Japan, located in the Kussharo Caldera.
Kushiro River
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Kushiro River (walk: 3 minutes)
Next to FLEXWORK tawa, there is a cycling and marathon road along the bank of the Kushiro River. You might even come across red-crowned cranes, deer, and foxes on your way there.
Iozan (Sulfur Mountain)
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Iozan (Car: 55 minutes)
"Atosanupuri," the source of the famous hot spring Kawayu Onsen, means "naked mountain" in the Ainu language. As its name suggests, there are no trees on the mountainside. Smoke rises from over 1,000 volcanoes, making roaring noises, and the surrounding area is filled with the distinctive smell of sulfur.
Kaminoko Lake
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Kaminoko Lake (Car: 60 minutes)
This beautiful lake is located deep in the mountains where groundwater from Lake Mashu springs out. It is called the "Child of God" lake because legend has it that it was formed from the underground water of Lake Mashu (Kamuito = Lake of the Gods).
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Tawadaira
Tawadaira (Car: 30 minutes)
This tourist spot represents Shibecha town, with an observation facility on a hill 195 meters above sea level in Tawa, Shibecha town. The observation deck shows a 360-degree view of the horizon, including the Akan mountain range to the west and the outer rim of Lake Mashu to the north. At night, you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky.
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Kushiro Marsh
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Kushiro Marsh
Kushiro Marsh (Car: 50 minutes)
Kushiro-shitsugen National Park consists of the Kushiro-shitsugen, Japan's largest marshland. It embraces the Kushiro River and its tributaries that run through eastern Hokkaido, and the hills surrounding the marshland. The vast, untouched horizontal landscape is the area's greatest attraction. It is also a precious habitat for many plants and animals, including the Japanese crane, a special natural monument of Japan.
Kushiro Marsh (Car: 50 mins)
Kushiro-shitsugen National Park consists of the Kushiro-shitsugen, Japan's largest marshland, which embraces the Kushiro River and its tributaries that run through eastern Hokkaido, and the hills surrounding the marshland. The vast, untouched horizontal landscape is the area's greatest attraction. It is also a precious habitat for many plants and animals, including the Japanese crane, a special natural monument of Japan.
Red-crowned crane
Tsurumidai (Car: 50 minutes)
Tsurumidai is one of the feeding grounds for the Japanese cranes, where you can observe flocks of them. Feeding takes place during the winter season from November to March.
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Akan Lake
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Akan lake (Car: 120 minutes)
The entire lake is part of Akan Mashu National Park, a representative tourist destination in eastern Hokkaido. It is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in Hokkaido. It is home to the special natural monument Marimo and the landlocked Himemasu, a lake-dwelling species of sockeye salmon. In winter, the lake freezes over, making it a popular place for winter sports such as smelt fishing, skating, and snowmobiling. It also hosts events such as the Lake Akan Ice Festival and Winter Fireworks.
Shiretoko Peninsula
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Shiretoko Peninsula (Car: 130 minutes)
The Shiretoko Peninsula is located northeast of Hokkaido. It is about 70km long and 25km wide at its widest point. The Shiretoko Mountain Range, which includes active volcanoes such as Mt. Rausu and Mt. Iou, stretches from north to south in the center of the long and narrow peninsula. It is also known as the world's lowest latitude sea ice drift point.