Lake Mashu First Observatory
Lake Mashu's main entrance open year-round, 360-degree starry sky
Located along Prefectural Road 52, Lake Mashu First Observatory, commonly called "Omote-Mashu," is one of three observatories at Lake Mashu and serves as the base for Lake Mashu tourism, open year-round.
Standing at the observatory, the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu spread before you. The highly transparent water surface characteristic of caldera lakes reflects the sky like a mirror on calm days and shows a mystical appearance on foggy days. At night, with no obstructions around this open location, you can encounter spectacular views of stars filling 360 degrees. The Milky Way crosses overhead, and shooting stars twinkle in a breathtakingly beautiful night sky.
At "Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace," renovated and reopened in summer 2022, the handmade specialty "Imodango" (potato dumplings) and "Mashu Blue" soft-serve ice cream in water blue representing Lake Mashu's color (with a hint of mint flavor) are popular. They also stock many unique original products like the "Fog in a Can (Dreams and Romance)," where the fog in the photo clears when the can is warmed. While breathing in the refreshing air, you can enjoy Lake Mashu's diverse expressions.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒088-3200
- Address
- 北海道弟子屈町 摩周湖第一展望台
- Telephone Number
- 015-482-1530（Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace）
- Closed
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Car Park
- 125 spaces, charged from May to October
- Directions
- ●By bus: About 25 minutes from JR Mashu Station by Akan Bus bound for Lake Mashu No. 1 Observatory, get off at the last stop and walk shortly
●By car: 120 km from Akan IC of Doto Expwy via Route 240, 241, 243 and Route 52, about 120 minutes - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
