[spring][ Hokkaido Teshikaga Town] Lake Mashu: Cherry blossoms and a stroll along the clear lake surface
In spring, the contrast between the lake and the cherry blossoms attracts visitors, as the Ezoyamazakura and Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom at Lake Mashu. The best time to see them is from early to mid-May, when the rows of cherry trees along the lakeside create a beautiful landscape that looks like a painting. The most recommended viewing spot is the Lake Mashu First Observation Deck. The collaboration of the cherry blossoms and the lake surface seen from here is spectacular, and on sunny days, the pink color of the cherry blossoms against the blue sky is reflected on the lake surface, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful contrast with the "Lake Mashu Blue". In the early morning and at dusk, the lake surface becomes still, and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of the cherry blossoms reflected like a mirror. Visitors will be soothed by this mysterious scene woven by nature. In addition, a night cherry blossom illumination event is planned for 2024, and the illumination of the cherry blossoms from sunset to night will create a romantic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. The collaboration of the stars in the night sky, the cherry blossoms, and the clear lake surface is sure to attract many tourists as a special experience that can only be experienced at Lake Mashu.
A spectacular contrast between the cherry blossoms and the lake surface
In spring, the contrast between the lake and the cherry blossoms attracts visitors, as the Ezoyamazakura and Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom at Lake Mashu. The best time to see them is from early to mid-May, when the rows of cherry trees along the lakeside create a beautiful landscape that looks like a painting. The most recommended viewing spot is the Lake Mashu First Observation Deck. The collaboration of the cherry blossoms and the lake surface seen from here is spectacular, and on sunny days, the pink color of the cherry blossoms against the blue sky is reflected on the lake surface, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful contrast with the "Lake Mashu Blue". In the early morning and at dusk, the lake surface becomes still, and you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of the cherry blossoms reflected like a mirror. Visitors will be soothed by this mysterious scene woven by nature. In addition, a night cherry blossom illumination event is planned for 2024, and the illumination of the cherry blossoms from sunset to night will create a romantic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. The collaboration of the stars in the night sky, the cherry blossoms, and the clear lake surface is sure to attract many tourists as a special experience that can only be experienced at Lake Mashu.
"Mashu Blue" boasts some of the clearest waters in the world
Lake Mashu is known worldwide for its high transparency, and its clear surface has a unique blue color known as "Mashu Blue." In 2024, the lake's transparency was recorded at 21.18 meters, and this beautiful blue color deeply impresses visitors. This transparency is due to environmental conditions such as low nutrient concentration in the lake water and almost no external pollution. "Mashu Blue" also has the characteristic of showing different expressions depending on the weather and time of day. On sunny days, the blue of the sky and the lake surface blend together, making the beauty even more striking. On the other hand, in the early morning when the lake is covered in fog, you can experience a fantastic atmosphere known as "Misty Lake Mashu." The transparent lake surface that appears the moment the fog clears is truly a miracle of nature. Experience the lake by boat or canoeOne way to get an even closer look at the lake's transparency is through activities like boating or canoeing. Lake Mashu is especially beautiful when viewed from a vantage point close to the surface, and you can even see the bottom of the lake through its clear surface. These experiences are especially popular with springtime visitors, and offer a rare opportunity to experience Lake Mashu's nature with all five senses.
A walking path that blends with nature
Around Lake Mashu, there are many walking trails where you can enjoy the beautiful nature, especially in spring when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery greet tourists. These walking trails can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from beginners to families, and provide a special time to refresh both body and mind. Recommended walking trails・Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail A popular trail where you can walk while enjoying the view of Lake Mashu. In spring, cherry blossoms and alpine plants bloom, and visitors are delighted with the seasonal flowers. The trails are well maintained, so you can walk safely surrounded by nature. ・Around Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck After enjoying the view from the observation deck, we recommend walking along the surrounding promenade. You can get a close-up look at the beauty of the mountains and cherry blossoms surrounding the lake. In spring, the area is particularly crowded with tourists when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but if you visit in the quiet early morning, you can enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere. ・Mashu Mountain Trail For active visitors, we also recommend the hiking trail to Mashu Mountain. From the top, you can see the entire view of Lake Mashu, and the magnificent view of the spring mountains and lake spreads out before you. There are spots scattered along the hiking trail where you can enjoy observing alpine plants and wild birds.Improved access and surrounding facilities The new Lake Mashu-Mt. Iwo Sky Road, which opened in 2024, greatly improved access to Lake Mashu and the nearby Mt. Iwo. In addition, a new tourist spot, Kawayu Ganban Terrace, opened in the nearby Kawayu Onsen area, and a plan to relax in the hot spring after a walk has become popular. These facilities and new tourist experiences further enhance the appeal of the area around Lake Mashu.
[ Flower viewing and nature appreciation]Other recommended spots
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Matsumae Park
Hokkaido Matsumae Town
Take the Hakodate Bus bound for Matsumae from JR Kikonai Station and get off at the "Matsushiro" bus stop after about 90 minutes. It is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to the park entrance.
Lake Mashu: Cherry blossoms and a stroll along the clear lake surface
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
Bus from JR Mashu Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 20 minutes. Bus from JR Kawayu Onsen Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 40 minutes. Train from JR Kushiro Station: Take the JR Senmo Line, it takes about 90 minutes.
Cherry blossom viewing at the lakeside of Onuma Park
Hokkaido Nanae Town
From JR Hakodate Station: Hokuto Express: Approx. 20 minutes, Local train: Approx. 50 minutes
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Illumination
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Streetcar: Take the train from "Hakodate Station" to "Goryokaku Park" (approximately 16 minutes, 230 yen). After getting off, walk for about 15 minutes. Bus: Take the train bound for "Goryokaku" or "Goryokaku Park Entrance" (approximately 20 minutes, 280 yen). After getting off, walk for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Spring Nature Walk at Shiretoko Five Lakes
Hokkaido Shari Town
Access from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station Bus: Take the "Shari Bus Shiretoko Line" and arrive at the "Shiretoko Goko" bus stop in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Car: About 40 km from Shiretoko-Shari Station (approximately 1 hour). Parking is available (paid, 100 spaces). Taxi: Available directly from the station, but the fare is more expensive than the bus.
Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden: Spring alpine plant viewing
Hokkaido Koshimizu Town
JR Gensei-kaen Station: A temporary station that operates for a limited time from May 1st to October 31st. It is about a 1-minute walk from the station to the Gensei-kaen. JR Hamakoshimizu Station: Accessible by walking for about 5 minutes. From Abashiri Station: About 32 minutes by bus.
Otaru Canal Spring cherry blossoms
Hokkaido Otaru City
About 10 to 15 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station.
Hakodateyama Observatory Cherry blossoms and night view
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the "Jujigai" stop. From there, walk up Nanbuzaka for about 7 minutes to arrive at Mount Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku Station.
Trappist Monastery: Cherry Blossoms and Historical Walking
Hokkaido Hokuto City
Dounan Isaribi Railway Oshima Tobetsu Station: Approximately 20 minutes on foot. Leave the station and head straight towards the monastery to arrive. Local bus (from Hakodate city): Get off at the "Trappistine Iriguchi" bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes. From JR Hakodate Station: Approximately 40 minutes by car (you can also use a taxi or bus).