Sometimes called the clearest lake in the world, Lake Mashu formed in the caldera of a potentially active stratovolcano, making it one of the most fertile and volatile areas in Japan. Nishibetsu with lots of beautiful alpine flowers and relaxing time at the Nishibetsu Cabin. After breakfast, travel to the pristine caldera lake of Mashū-ko (摩周湖) which some consider the most beautiful lake in Japan. That said, hikers who make it to the peak of Mt. Io; Lake Kussharo; Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen; Lake Kussharo Sand Bath; Mt. The trail leads through forest and grassland for about seven kilometers and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike one way. The observation decks overlooking the lake can be reached in a little bit over an hour from Lake Akan or in 20-30 minutes from Kawayu. Biruwa Mashu Trail; Lake Mashu First Observatory; Mashu Trail; Mashu Kussharo Trail; Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory; Kaminoko Pond; Mt. Mashu offers a chance to experience a taste of the Hokkaido backcountry without a huge climb to get there. Io; Lake Kussharo; Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen; Lake Kussharo Sand Bath; Mt. Lake Mashu is one of the clearest lakes in the world. Besides free parking, there are no facilities provided. Kamui, also known as Kamuinupuri or Mt. It can be easily climbed by a trail that follows the rim of this spectacular lake through meadows of flowers before climbing steeply up a narrowing ridge. And on days when the temperatures drop to around -15℃ you can see hard rime silver frost in the morning. Mashu offers a chance to experience a taste of the Hokkaido backcountry without a huge climb to get there. The path is well maintained an easy to follow. Lake Mashu is generally accepted as the most beautiful and mysterious lake in Japan. This a crater lake formed by an eruption 7,000 years ago. There is an observation platform that you can take pictures from and admire the view. Lake Mashu-ko is is about 15 kilometers south-east of Kawayu Onsen Hot Spring. Lake Mashu is also one of the country's deepest lakes and although it is usually appreciated for its clear blue water, it is also famously and frequently blanketed in heavy fog. A lesser-known viewpoint While there are two observation decks on the west side of Lake Mashu, there is actually a little-known third observation deck on the east side, called Ura-Mashu (open late April to early November). Those who wish to view Lake Mashu from even more angles will enjoy the hiking trail which leads from Observation Deck Number 1 along the rim of the caldera a third around the lake to the summit of Mount Mashudake, the prominent volcanic peak on the western side of the lake. Biruwa Mashu Trail; Lake Mashu First Observatory; Mashu Trail; Mashu Kussharo Trail; Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory; Kaminoko Pond; Mt. The Mashu-dake Hiking Course is a trail that goes along the crater rim and to the top of Mount Mashū. 1 you can hike to Mt. A rental car will come in very handy here. Biruwa Mashu Trail; Lake Mashu First Observatory; Mashu Trail; Mashu Kussharo Trail; Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory; Kaminoko Pond; Mt. Kamui gives you a great view over Lake Mashu. The hike offers excellent views over Mashu-Ko and the surrounding area. After 10 AM, this silver frost will often start to flutter and fall. Sacred & Religious Sites in Teshikaga-cho, Observation Decks & Towers in Teshikaga-cho, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Teshikaga-cho, Other Outdoor Activities in Teshikaga-cho, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Teshikaga-cho. Mashu; Kawayu Onsen; Uramashu Observatory; Watanabe Experience Farm; Kawayu Onsen Station; Nature & Parks in Teshikaga-cho There’ll be time to enjoy the classic beauty of this lake as well as to stretch your legs on a hike along a bamboo-lined trail to a dramatic vantage point high above either Mashū-ko or above Lake Kussharo, another of Akan National Park’s caldera lakes. A five minute drive to the south lies the Observation Deck Number 1, which comes with a paid parking lot (the 410 yen fee includes parking at nearby Mount Iozan), multiple viewing decks, toilets and a large shopping area with a food stand offering various Hokkaido specialties. 15:00 Akankohan Eco-museum Center Learn more about the park through exhibits on its lakes and volcanoes, wildlife, and Lake Akan's famous 'marimo' (lake … The park's attractions are its three sparkling clear mountain lakes, the eponymous Lake Akan to the west, Lake Mashu to the east and Lake Kussharo between them. Mashu; Kawayu Onsen; Uramashu Observatory; Watanabe Experience Farm; Kawayu Onsen Station; Nature & Parks in Teshikaga-cho Head to eastern Hokkaido's Kushiro marsh to see dozens of Japan's celebrated and endangered red-crowned cranes in the flesh. The trail leads through forest and grassland for about seven kilometers and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike one way. Visitors are not allowed to go down to the lake, however there are two observation decks positioned around the rim of the caldera from where you can enjoy views. Mashu-dake, the craggy volcanic peak that lords over the eastern shore of the lake. It may also offer your best opportunity to spot the elusive Japanese brown bear. Sign in and subscribe for the latest Japan travel news and updates. Kamuinupuri (カムイヌプリ), a mountain sitting on the southeastern shores of the Lake Mashu-ko (摩周湖) caldera, stands fewer than 1000 meters at its summit, but looking down its sheer faces, you might get the sense you’re on a higher mountain. The Hike. See if you agree! Biruwa Mashu Trail; Lake Mashu First Observatory; Mashu Trail; Mashu Kussharo Trail; Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory; Kaminoko Pond; Mt. Perched on the shores of a stellar volcanic lake, Mt. It was not too foggy when we visited at this viewpoint but it is notorious for having dense fog so best to check the forecast if you are travelling far to visit. Mashu… I’ve learned that I should never hike during peak summer heat and stick to my nice, cool autumn hikes. It may also offer your best opportunity to spot the elusive Japanese brown bear. Hike Around Lake Mashu with Snowshoes Explore those nooks and crannies hidden from the observatories with a winter walking tour around the rim of Lake Mashu! Sitting beside the famously beautiful Lake Mashu, this is another mountain location known for brown bear sightings – especially in the autumn. The hike starts from the lower viewpoint car park, and should take anywhere between 4 and 6 hours return. One of the three lakes that make up the national park, Mashu Ko is home to an excellent day hike. Lake Mashu: Must go and absolutely stunning - See 757 traveller reviews, 756 candid photos, and great deals for Teshikaga-cho, Japan, at Tripadvisor. We strive to keep Japan Guide up-to-date and accurate, and we're always looking for ways to improve. Observation Deck Number 3 lies along the western rim of the caldera and consists of two decks with unobstructed views onto the lake and Mount Mashudake. The trail starts from Observation Deck 1 and follows the southern rim of the lake. Also, the reputation for its mysteriousness probably comes from the fogs and clouds often obscuring the lake, making it a target for many photographers. I advise you to check the forcast before and avoid it in dense fog situations. Mashu are treated to a panoramic view of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and Shiretoko National Park in the distance. Things to do near Lake Mashu. The viewpoint is situated in a perfect spot, whereby photographers and those who want to admire the beauty of the area, can. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 2. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Also, the reputation for its mysteriousness probably comes from the fogs and clouds often obscuring the lake, making it a target for many photographers. It has been known as one of the clearest lake in the world ( next to Lake Baikal in Russia). Those who wish to view Lake Mashu from even more angles will enjoy the hiking trail which leads from Observation Deck Number 1 along the rim of the caldera a third around the lake to the summit of Mount Mashudake, the prominent volcanic peak on the western side of the lake. Please choose a different date. Lake Mashu is generally accepted as the most beautiful and mysterious lake in Japan. Visitors may only view the lake from the designated observation towers. Lake Mashu (摩周湖, Mashūko) is a caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. It vies for the position of "clearest lake in the world", and is considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful lake. The Lake Mashu is a caldera lake in Teshikaga town located in the northeastern direction of Lake Akan (阿寒湖), and means "A mountain god's lake" in Ainu language. I tried to get around Hokkaido without a car after realising on my 2018 trip that driving on ice wasn’t something I enjoyed or relished doing again. The hike will take you at least two hours each way but is definitely a worthwhile pursuit for the beauty you see along the way. Mashu, rises from the edge of a volcanic lake after its volcano collapsed several thousand years ago. The trail leads through forest and grassland for about seven kilometers and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to hike one way. Offering panoramic views of Lake Mashu and Akan-Mashu National Park, this popular trail is suitable for casual hikers while offering rewarding views. One of the hardest hikes I’ve done around Lake Mashu. Things to do near Lake Mashu. Lake Mashu is a crystal-clear caldera, famous for the intense blue color of its waters, known locally as "Mashu blue." If the weather permits, the neighboring Lake Kussharo, along with the distant mountains around Akan and the Shiretoko Peninsula, can easily be spotted. Hike Mount Kamui ( カムイヌプリ , Kamui-nupuri [1] ) , also Kamuinupuri or Mount Mashū , a potentially active volcano , is a parasitic stratovolcano of the Mashū caldera (itself originally a parasitic cone of Lake Kussharo ) [2] [3] [4] located in the Akan National Park of Hokkaido , Japan . Teshikaga Town: Lake Mashu With an unearthly blue so unique that it is called “Mashu blue”, Lake Mashu will make you feel like you’re in another world. And there’s an ice cream shop at to reward your efforts when you get to the top. Access to the lakeshore itself is prohibited by the Ministry of the Environment (Japan). Enjoy the hike at Mt. Climb Mashu Dake. This was our second visit and we still could not see the lake which was kind of disappointing . An observation deck number 2 used to exist between decks number 1 and 3, but is now closed to the public. Highly infrequent buses run between Mashu Station and observation deck number one (20 minutes, 570 yen one way) around the year. Surrounded by steep crater walls 200 m (660 ft) high, the transparent lake harbors an abundant diversity of life. The hike: The trail starts at …