[2025] Complete Guide to Lake Mashu | Recommended sightseeing spots in the area and access
![[2025] Complete Guide to Lake Mashu | Recommended sightseeing spots in the area and access](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/mashuko_thumb.jpg)
Hokkaido Located in Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Lake Mashu " is a mysterious lake known for its overwhelming transparency and fantastical blue color.
In this article, Lake Mashu Including, Observation decks and sightseeing spots around Lake Mashu, and how to access the lake We'll introduce you to all the details!
Please use this as a reference for your next trip to encounter beautiful nature!
table of contents
What kind of place is Lake Mashu?
Lake Mashu teeth, Hokkaido ・ Eastern Hokkaido A beautiful lake in Teshikaga Town, located in the center of is.
The circumference is about 20km, the maximum depth is 212m,
Japan's best transparency
Characterized by
!
It is called "Kamuito (Lake of the Gods)" in the Ainu language and has a mysterious atmosphere.
On a sunny day, the lake is crystal clear and the deep blue sky reflected on its surface is Mashu Blue On windless days, the blue color stands out even more, creating a breathtaking landscape.
The mysterious landscape of "Misty Lake Mashu" is an attraction
Lake Mashu is prone to fog, and is covered in fog for about 100 days a year. Foggy Lake Mashu " is released. It is also famous for having been
The fog is caused by the topography of the lake and the surrounding weather conditions, and the lake is especially covered in thick fog in the mornings and evenings. The lake shrouded in fog is also very mysterious and beautiful!
If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of "Mashu Blue", it is best to visit on a sunny day. We recommend you try it on a foggy day, as it offers a different kind of charm. is!
Access to Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu Access to public transport ,or car There is a way to use .
If you are using public transport, take the JR Mashu Station
Bus
It takes about 25 minutes to reach Lake Mashu.
There are few buses running, so it is important to check in advance.
is.
If you are driving, it is about 120 minutes from Ashoro IC on the Doto Expressway.
It is also possible to access the area by private car or rental car.
If you want to fully enjoy sightseeing,
Sightseeing Taxi
We recommend using
!
Using a sightseeing taxi will allow you to travel comfortably and efficiently visit Lake Mashu's observation deck and the surrounding tourist spots.
At Activity Japan,
You can reserve a sightseeing taxi for Lake Mashu.
We also offer plans that allow you to make flexible reservations and course suggestions based on your schedule, from 1 hour to 10 hours.
If you're interested, be sure to check out the following:
Mysterious Lake MashuThis is a course where you can see Lake Mashu, Mt. Iou, and Lake Kussharo. Mysterious Lake Mashu is worth a visit. The foggy Lake Mashu is also famous (as the song goes), but on a clear day the blue of the sky is reflected on the lake's surface, creating a spectacular view. During the winter, only the Mashu First Observatory is available. On the way to Lake Mashu, you can get a great panorama of the horizon from Tawadaira, and get a sense of the vastness of Hokkaido.
Free and easy private taxi plan [Eastern Hokkaido]
This plan does not support English.
This plan allows you to freely charter a taxi for those who have a little free time, half a day, or a whole day. We will propose a course that suits your preferences from 1 hour to 10 hours. For example, if you want to see Lake Mashu, go to the Kushiro Marsh, see the red-crowned cranes, eat oysters, etc.
3 observation decks offering spectacular views of Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu for, Three observation decks with spectacular views We will introduce the features and appeal of each one!
1. Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck
"
Lake Mashu First Observation Deck
" is commonly known as "Omote Mashu".
A popular observation deck with a panoramic view of Lake Mashu
.
It is open all year round, has a bus stop and is easily accessible, so it attracts many tourists.
.
There will also be a rest house and a shop where you can purchase limited edition sweets and original products!
2. Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck
"
Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck
" is an observation deck located about 4km north from the First Observation Deck.
The highest of the three observation decks on Lake Mashu
Located in
A spot where you can get a wider view of Lake Mashu
is!
There are relatively few tourists, making it an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet.
however,
Surrounding roads are closed from late November to early April
Please note that the facility will be closed at
3. Uramashu Observatory
An observation deck on the north shore of Lake Mashu, on the border between the towns of Kiyosato and Nakashibetsu.
.
Unlike the first and third observation decks, the elevation of the lakeside is lower, making the lake surface feel closer.
There is little fog, so there are plenty of opportunities to see the "Mashu Blue."
!
There is also a shop and toilets, making this a perfect hidden spot for those who want to take their time and enjoy the view of Lake Mashu.
5 Recommended Tourist Spots Around Lake Mashu
Next up, 5 recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Mashu Let me introduce it to you!
1. Lake Kussharo
"
Lake Kussharo
"teeth,
The largest caldera lake in Japan and one of the largest in the world
is.
As the lake was formed by volcanic activity, there are many hot springs gushing out from the lakeside.
It is said that 80% of the lake's water source is spring water, and people who want to see the beautiful lake water visit the lake.
!
In the summer
Canoeing
or
SUP
Activities such as
camp
or
Yacht
Some people enjoy things like this.
In the surrounding area, you can experience the excitement of something out of the ordinary, such as the "Sand Bath" where hot springs gush out when you dig into the sand, and an area where whooper swans fly in and out.
2. God's Child Pond
It is said to have been made from the underground water that flows under Lake Mashu.
God's Child Pond
"
.
Although it is a small pond, 12,000 tons of underground water springs out from it every day, and it is unique in that it does not freeze even in winter.
The water in the pond changes depending on the weather.
The way it changes from emerald green to pale blue is truly mystical.
The water is also incredibly clear.
It is surrounded by a quiet forest, and visitors can enjoy a soothing and soul-cleansing time.
3. 900 Grassland (town ranch)
"
900 Grassland
"teeth,
A ranch with a vast grassland covering a total area of 1,440ha
is.
The sight of cows and horses grazing leisurely in the grassland is truly
Hokkaido
A typical landscape!
From the observation deck,
You can see the rural scenery of Teshikaga Town, as well as Mount Mashu and Mount Io.
can.
It's not overly touristy, so you can enjoy a picnic or a walk on a sunny day, making it a great place for people who want to relax and enjoy nature.
4. Kawayu Onsen and Mount Iwo
The Teshikaga region is located in Japan's largest caldera (a depression in the landform caused by volcanic activity) and has abundant water sources.
Volcanic activity continues near the center of the caldera.
Mount Iwo
The hot spring water that springs from here is
Kawayu Hot Springs
"
is.
The spring quality is highly acidic.
Sulfur spring
in,
Beautiful skin bath
It is also a popular spot
!
The Yunokawa River flows through Kawayu Onsen town and flows into Lake Kussharo. The dynamic flow of the hot spring water with rising steam is also an attraction.
5. Mashu Onsen Roadside Station
This is a roadside station where you can buy local specialties and souvenirs unique to the area. Roadside Station Mashu Onsen " A wide selection of locally produced gourmet foods and souvenirs We are doing it.
It houses a popular ice cream shop and cafe in the Lake Mashu area.
Freshly squeezed milk
and,
Ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients
or
Ezo deer burr
You can eat things like this!
Inside the building
Free foot bath
There is also a place where you can relax and unwind after your trip.
Yo.
There is also a tourist information center on the premises, making it a great spot to stop by as a base for sightseeing.
Explore Lake Mashu, one of the clearest lakes in Japan
This time,
Boasting one of the clearest waters in Japan, this mysterious lake
Lake Mashu
was featured.
In the surrounding area,
Lake Kussharo
or
God's Child Pond
There are many scenic spots and hot springs such as
You can feel the breath of nature.
Sightseeing Taxi
By using this service, you can easily get around.
!
Why not enjoy a soothing trip to this mysterious lake and its surrounding charming spots?
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
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