Lake Mashu-ko（摩周湖）

posted on April 21, 2015

This place is written as [摩周湖] in Japanese.

Lake Mashu-ko is situated in Akan National Park in eastern Hokkaido, known as ‘Doto’. It ranks as the second clearest lake globally, following Lake Baikal.

Designated as a Hokkaido heritage site in 2001, Lake Mashu exhibits a vivid blue color on clear days. Like Lake Shikotsu-ko and Lake Toyako, it is a caldera lake in central-eastern Hokkaido. In Ainu, it is named ‘Kintan Kamui Toh’, meaning the lake of the mountain’s god, with Mt. Kamuinupuri to the southeast.

Strict regulations prohibit cars, horses, and boats on or around the lake. It lacks inlet or outlet rivers, but features a small island in its center known as ‘Kamuishu Island’ or ‘Nakajima’, where ‘Kamui’ signifies god and ‘Shu’ signifies old woman in Ainu.

Lake Mashu frequently experiences deep mist, making clear views elusive and earning it the moniker ‘mystic lake’. The lake is best observed from the No.1 and No.3 observation points, with the No.2 point currently closed.

The No.1 observation hill includes a shop offering souvenirs and snacks, enhancing the visitor experience. A visit to Lake Mashu is highly recommended for its natural beauty and cultural significance.