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Nara Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is in Akan National Park, in Hokkaido, and is one of a series of beautiful lakes in the eastern part of the island. When we visited Lake Mashu in September 2007, that day was overcast and drizzling rain, so the pictures didn't turn out as well was we would have liked. On a sunny day, Lake Mashu is stunning as the clear waters reflect the blue of the sky. Here's a panorama of the lake.

Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a land-locked lake formed in the crater of an ancient volcano. We sat in the tourist information centre and watched a really well-made video of the geological history and the current natural aspects of Lake Mashu and its surroundings.

According to the video presentation, about 35,000 years ago there was a massive volcanic eruption that shaped the approximate topography of the area. Then around 15,000 years ago there was another huge eruption that more or less created the caldera that is the site of the present lake. Finally, the lake filled in around 1,000 years ago—a blink of the eye in “deep time”.

Here we are at the lookout point overlooking Lake Mashu.

Together at Lake Mashu

The area around Lake Mashu has many fauna, including bears, and there are warning signs about not hiking alone. On a more prosaic level, there are veritable herds of chipmunks, and the chipmunks became instant friends with Yoshie.

Together at Lake Mashu Together at Lake Mashu
Mashu Station Stamp

Log-book stamp from Mashu Station

You can get to Lake Mashu by taking the (one-car) train from Kushiro, which is an interesting ride all on its own as the train runs through the edge of the kushiro wet-lands. You get off at Mashu station and then get a bus into town or to the lake.

A potentially better alternative is to stay at Lake Kussharo and take a day bus to Lake Mashu, and also visit the hot-spring resort of Kawayu.

Mashu Station Ashi Onsen at Mashu Station

Here is Grand Central Station at Mashu.

Outside Mashu station you find an “ashi onsen”—a hot spring for your feet. Yoshie soothes her tootsies along with a few other intrepid hikers as we wait for the one-car train to take us back to Kushiro.

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Page Updated 2011 December 10