[spring][ Hokkaido Teshikaga Town]Lake Mashu: A spring stroll around the mysterious lake
Lake Mashu is a caldera lake located in Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido, and boasts one of the clearest lakes in the world. The beautiful blue color of the lake surface is called "Mashu Blue" and attracts visitors. Especially in the spring season, when the surrounding mountains begin to be covered in green, the contrast between the blue of the lake surface and the green of the new leaves is breathtaking. The lake has a circumference of about 20 kilometers and an area of 19.6 square kilometers, and you can feel the tranquility and mystical atmosphere unique to a caldera lake. Spring is the best season for sightseeing around Lake Mashu. It is also the time when meltwater flows into the lake, making the lake surface even clearer. At this time, tourists can enjoy the wonderful scenery from Lake Mashu No. 1 and No. 3 Observation Decks. The best part of spring is being able to enjoy a walk in the clear air while the flowers on the mountains surrounding the lake begin to bloom. Lake Mashu is also known for its foggy surroundings, and is also famous as "Misty Lake Mashu." However, spring is a great time to see the lake in its entirety, as there is relatively little fog. Especially in the early morning and evening, the sunlight reflects off the lake's surface, creating a fantastic landscape. Visiting Lake Mashu in spring will give you a special experience that you can't get in any other season.
The Spring Charm of Lake Mashu: "Mashu Blue" and Harmony with Nature
Lake Mashu is a caldera lake located in Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido, and boasts one of the clearest lakes in the world. The beautiful blue color of the lake surface is called "Mashu Blue" and attracts visitors. Especially in the spring season, when the surrounding mountains begin to be covered in green, the contrast between the blue of the lake surface and the green of the new leaves is breathtaking. The lake has a circumference of about 20 kilometers and an area of 19.6 square kilometers, and you can feel the tranquility and mystical atmosphere unique to a caldera lake. Spring is the best season for sightseeing around Lake Mashu. It is also the time when meltwater flows into the lake, making the lake surface even clearer. At this time, tourists can enjoy the wonderful scenery from Lake Mashu No. 1 and No. 3 Observation Decks. The best part of spring is being able to enjoy a walk in the clear air while the flowers on the mountains surrounding the lake begin to bloom. Lake Mashu is also known for its foggy surroundings, and is also famous as "Misty Lake Mashu." However, spring is a great time to see the lake in its entirety, as there is relatively little fog. Especially in the early morning and evening, the sunlight reflects off the lake's surface, creating a fantastic landscape. Visiting Lake Mashu in spring will give you a special experience that you can't get in any other season.
Activities to enjoy around Lake Mashu and spring nature walks
There are various activities to enjoy nature around Lake Mashu. The trekking routes that are open with the arrival of spring are available for beginners to advanced hikers. The Kamuinupuri hiking trail is particularly popular, and from the top of the mountain you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Mashu. If you climb to the top of the mountain, which is 857 meters above sea level, you will see a panoramic view of the lake surface and the surrounding forest, and you will be able to feel the greatness of nature. In addition, guided nature tours are recommended for tourists visiting Lake Mashu. A specialized guide will give you detailed explanations about the flora and fauna and geology around the lake, so you can not only enjoy the scenery, but also learn deeply about the formation and ecosystem of the lake. Spring is especially the season when new green leaves begin to sprout, and animals unique to Hokkaido, such as Hokkaido squirrels and wild birds, appear around Lake Mashu. You can experience the rich nature of Lake Mashu while enjoying bird watching and animal observation. In addition, there are ranches and hot springs scattered near the lake, so after your spring outdoor experience, you can enjoy local specialties and relax in the hot springs. Spending time surrounded by the nature of Lake Mashu will be a special experience that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Access and recommended sightseeing routes around Lake Mashu
Access to Lake Mashu is generally by public transport or rental car. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport to Teshikaga Town, and another 20 minutes to Lake Mashu. If you use public transport, there is a bus from Kushiro Station to Teshikaga Town, but to fully enjoy spring sightseeing, it is convenient to travel by rental car. There are several parking lots around the lake, and it is also easy to access the observation deck and trekking route. When visiting Lake Mashu, we recommend combining it with other tourist attractions in the area. For example, the neighboring Lake Kussharo is also a spectacular spot to visit in spring. The lake was formed by volcanic activity, and the sandy beach where hot springs gush out, "Sunayu," and the canoeing experience while looking at the lake are popular. In addition, Mount Io (Atosanupuri) is located nearby, where you can enjoy the unique smell of sulfur and the impressive scenery of geothermal activity. The ideal spring sightseeing route is to enjoy the spectacular view from the first observation deck of Lake Mashu, then experience the outdoors at Lake Kussharo and take a walk around Mount Io. Routes like this allow you to fully appreciate the diverse charms of Lake Mashu and its surrounding areas.
[Outdoor Activities]Other recommended spots
Abashiri River Spring Canoe Experience
Hokkaido Abashiri City
From Abashiri Station, take the Abashiri Bus "Yobito Line" or "Memanbetsu Airport Line" and get off at "Abashirikoso-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Mt. Rausu Spring mountain climbing and spectacular views
Hokkaido Rausu Town
It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. It is about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and Tancho Kushiro Airport.
Spring outdoor experiences on Mount Niseko Annupuri
Hokkaido Niseko Town
It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Otaru Station to Niseko Station. From Niseko Station you can take the Niseko bus.
Spring Cycling Experience in Furano and Biei
Hokkaido Furano City and Biei Town
Furano Station: JR Nemuro Line Biei Station: JR Furano Line ※There are bicycle rental shops around each station.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Spring Trekking Experience
Hokkaido Shari Town
From JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, take the Shiretoko Line of Shari Bus for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cycling along the lake at Onuma Park
Hokkaido Nanae Town
About 5 minutes walk from Onuma Koen Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line.
Jozankei Spring River Rafting and Hiking Experience
Hokkaido Sapporo City
From JR Sapporo Station, take the Jotetsu bus (approx. 70-80 minutes)
Lake Mashu: A spring stroll around the mysterious lake
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
It takes about 20 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Mashu Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Kawayu Onsen Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck.
Lake Toya Spring Walking Experience
Hokkaido Toyako Town
Take a Dounan bus from JR Muroran Main Line "Toya Station" for about 20 minutes and get off at "Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal".