Lake Mashu First Observatory
Gaze upon the mystical “Mashu Blue” from a 24-hour observation deck under the stars
Experience the awe of a 360-degree star-filled sky at this viewpoint. From the deep silence of night to the vivid blue water, this is where the mystery of Lake Mashu comes alive.
Located along Prefectural Road 52 on the caldera rim, the Lake Mashu First Observatory is a popular viewpoint known as “Omote Mashu” (the front side of Mashu). Renovated and reopened in summer 2022 as “Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace,” it is designed to deepen your connection with nature. From the three-tier rooftop deck, you can overlook one of the clearest lakes in the world. Glass railings provide an open view; on calm days the surface mirrors the sky, while on misty days the landscape turns into a dreamlike world of silver and white.
The rooftop terrace remains open at night, revealing a canopy of countless stars in a pitch-black sky far from city lights. Breathing in the crisp air while gazing at the Milky Way is a moment of pure beauty. Inside, the Lake Mashu Lounge offers large glass windows overlooking the changing seasons. Here you can enjoy local specialties such as imo-dango (potato dumplings) and mint-flavored soft-serve inspired by the lake’s signature blue. From the flavors of the land to the scent of the forest, every moment invites you to experience nature’s ever-changing face.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒088-3200
- Address
- 北海道川上郡弟子屈町摩周湖第一展望台
- Telephone Number
- 015-482-1530（Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace）
- Open
- 8:30-17:00
- Closed
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Car Park
- 125 spaces, charged (free from November to April)
- Directions
- ●By car: About 20 minutes from JR Kawayu Onsen Station
●By car: About 80 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
