Lake Mashu
In Japanese: 摩周湖
A caldera lake ringed by steep cliffs, seen from rim-top viewpoints; its deep blue water is often hidden by drifting fog.
Akan-Mashu National Park
Too crowded? Similar but quieter: Lake Onneto
Nearby
- Lake Kussharo & Mt. Io ≈ 25 min by car
- Kaminoko-ike Pond ≈ 30 min by car
- Bihoro Pass ≈ 55 min by car
- Lake Akan Onsen ≈ 1 h 20 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Getting there
- Akan Bus Mashu Line from JR Mashu Station to Observatory No. 1, about 25 min. The official timetable (checked October 2026) shows one round trip a day: dep. Mashu Sta. 10:30, arr. 10:55; return dep. 11:25. The timetable does not state the operating days or season, so check the Akan Bus website before you go.
Few buses — check times or join a tour - Fee
- Free (car park charged May–Oct)
- Good to know
- Rest house at Observatory No. 1 open 8:30–17:00; it closes over New Year
- Time needed
- 45 min
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info