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sanji
Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:17 am


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Hello stoney84,

In April, most of Shiretoko peninsula will be under snow. For example, the only road linking eastern and western shores from Utoro to Rausu is closed. Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko) is closed, too, until the end of April.

This leaves very limited options for early April, and apart visiting Utoro - a town that is not so attractive - there is virtually nothing to do there...

For Lake Akan is different, the lake will be frozen but you still can enjoy Akan town and the surroundings. I would therefore focus on Akan and Mashu lakes rather.

Access is either by car if you rent one, or by bus. I know that there are bus connexions with the closest airports, but I guess they are infrequent in winter/early spring, so you better check carefully first.

For the accommodation, there are many hotels in Akan, and probably most of them will be empty at that period. Just check on jalan.net (a "how to use" guide is available [url=http://www.secret-japan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439]here).


sanji