Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu

This caldera lake, with a circumference of 20 km, a surface area of 19.6 k�u, a maximum depth of 212 meters and an elevation of 351 meters above sea level, is the world's clearest. It is situated at the eastern tip of Akan National Park in eastern Hokkaido, and 858-meter Mt. Mashu soars at the lake's southeastern end. Lake Mashu is slightly larger than Lake Akan, and it is surrounded by cliffs 300 to 400 meters high. The Ainu call it Kamui-to, which means Lake of the Gods, and it is also called The Lake of Mystery. There are three observation decks around the lake, with Lake Mashu Observation Deck #1 near Mashu Hot Spring, Ura-Mashu Observation Deck on the Kiyosato Town side, and Observation Deck #3 placed conveniently at Kawayu Hot Spring. At the first deck, you can fully take in the magnificent beauty of nature spread out over 500,000 hectares with a view including Mt. Mashu, the island of Nakashima (the so-called dimple of Lake Mashu), and Mt. Shari towering in the distance. There is also a rest house, making it a perfect sightseeing stop.