Introducing Kawayu Onsen

A quiet onsen town, Kawayu has numerous ashiyu (foot onsen) where travellers can soak tired feet in hot water, in addition to the usual spas. Often free, they are sprinkled throughout the town and there is even one in the town’s JR station. This area is accessible by train from Kushiro city, a do-able day trip.

The tourist information office (483-2255; 9am-6.30pm Jun-Sep, 9am-5pm Oct-May) is about 10 minutes on foot from the Kawayu bus station, and a good source of information. Pick up a copy of the English-language Teshikaga English Guide Map and, if you need to, ask the staff to help you book accommodation. Mashū, a little further south, is an alternative access point for the park and may actually be closer to some of the following attractions.