22 Highlights of Akan-Mashu National Park
Akan-Mashu National Park is centered around two calderas formed by volcanic activity: the Akan Caldera and the Mashu Caldera. It is home to numerous attractions, including lakes like Kussharo Lake and Onneto, hot springs such as Kawayu and Lake Akan, and Ainu culture, which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The park is also inhabited by diverse wildlife, such as alpine plants like isotsutsuji (white azalea) and animals like Ezo deer, providing opportunities to connect with nature. Akan-Mashu National Park is an excellent destination to enjoy breathtaking scenery and a rich natural environment.
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- Lake Mashu
- A sacred caldera lake known as the “Lake of the Gods,” celebrated for its serene “Mashu Blue” waters oft…
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- Lake Mashu First Observatory
- Experience a 360-degree sky filled with stars at this breathtaking viewpoint. From the deep silence of night to the vivid blue w…
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- Lake Mashu Third Observatory
- Perched at 670 meters, the highest of the three viewpoints, this observatory offers sweeping views of the mystical deep blue wat…
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- Uramashu Observatory
- A hidden viewpoint with clear skies and a mystical view of Lake Mashu.Uramashu Observatory sits at an elevation of 585 meters, o…
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- Kaminokoike Pond
- Known as “Kaminokoike Pond,” meaning “Child of the Gods,” this small, crystal-clear pond is believed to …
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- Mt. Io (Atosanupuri)
- Witness the dramatic steam and vibrant sulfur crystals of an active volcano.Mt. Io, also known as Atosanupuri, is an active volc…
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- Kawayu Hot Spring
- Nestled by active Mt. Io in Akan-Mashu National Park, Kawayu Onsen is famous for its rare highly acidic waters. In winter, visit…
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- Kawayu Visitor Center
- Large windows open onto a tranquil spruce forest, where the sounds of wind and birdsong invite you to slow down and unwind.Nestl…
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- Lake Kussharo Sunayu Onsen
- A unique hot spring experience on the shores of Lake Kussharo. Dig into the sand to create your own natural pool and enjoy the e…
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- Lake Kussharo
- Discover Japan’s largest caldera lake, where natural hot springs meet vast blue waters. From summer canoeing to winter ice…
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- Kotan-no-Yu Hot Spring
- Experience a deep connection with nature at this rustic open-air bath, where the hot spring waters blend seamlessly with the vas…
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- Wakoto Hot Spring
- Located on the Wakoto Peninsula, which juts out from the southern shore of Lake Kussharo, Wakoto Hot Spring offers a truly uniqu…
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- Kussharo Hot Spring
- A lakeside hot spring retreat on the shores of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake. Enjoy mineral-rich waters while …
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- Bihoro Pass
- Located along National Route 243 between Teshikaga and Bihoro, Bihoro Pass stands 525 meters above sea level and offers sweeping…
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- Bokke Walking Trail
- Feel the Dynamic Energy of “Fire” and “Water” on a Mystical Forest Trail.Explore the eastern shores of L…
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- Lake Akan
- Witness the rare marimo algae and the seasonal beauty of a caldera lake born 150,000 years ago.Formed by a volcanic eruption abo…
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- Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center
- Located on Churui Island in Lake Akan, this is the only facility in Japan where you can observe the rare marimo—a Special …
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- Lake Akan Hot Spring
- A historic lakeside destination with more than 100 years of tradition. Enjoy natural hot springs, Ainu culture, and the distinct…
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- Lake Akan Ainu Kotan
- Step into Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido’s largest Ainu settlement and home to about 120 residents. This vibrant village i…
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- Akankohan Viewpoint
- Perched at about 530 meters and just 2 kilometers from the Lake Akan hot spring town, Akankohan Viewpoint offers a breathtaking …
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- Mt. Meakan
- Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Meakan is a dynamic active volcano where rugged craters and alpine wi…
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- Lake Onneto
- One of Hokkaido’s three most mystical lakes, where the water reveals ever-changing shades of color throughout the year.Lak…
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View Akan-Mashu National Park on a map
- Lake Mashu
- Lake Mashu First Observatory
- Lake Mashu Third Observatory
- Uramashu Observatory
- Kaminokoike Pond
- Mt. Io (Atosanupuri)
- Kawayu Hot Spring
- Kawayu Visitor Center
- Lake Kussharo Sunayu Onsen
- Lake Kussharo
- Kotan-no-Yu Hot Spring
- Wakoto Hot Spring
- Kussharo Hot Spring
- Bihoro Pass
- Bokke Walking Trail
- Lake Akan
- Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center
- Lake Akan Hot Spring
- Lake Akan Ainu Kotan
- Akankohan Viewpoint
- Mt. Meakan
- Lake Onneto
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