Lake Mashu-Hokkaido
What is Lake Mashu - Hokkaido?
Lake Mashu is a caldera lake located in Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido, and is widely known for its remarkably clear blue waters, known as "Mashu blue. Its name is derived from the Ainu word "Kamuito," meaning "divine lake," and its mystique is attractive because the lakeside is inaccessible and can only be viewed from the surrounding lookout points. The clarity of the lake is one of the best in Japan, and it is also called "misty Lake Mashu" because of the fog that hangs over it, attracting many tourists.
Lake Mashu - Why it's popular and how to enjoy it
Lake Mashu becomes popular because of the mystique of nature and the diverse expressions of the scenic experience. Depending on the weather, time of day, and season, the color of the lake water changes dramatically from deep blue to silver or the mysterious whiteness covered with fog. Early in the morning, the lake can be enveloped in a sea of clouds, which reflect off the lake and create a fantastic sight. Lake Mashu also has three main viewing spots (Observatory No. 1, Observatory No. 3, and Ura-Mashu Observatory), each of which offers a different angle and perspective of the lake. The first observatory is also home to Kamui Terrace (a rest house and store), where visitors can take a break and enjoy souvenirs. Although the lake is often hidden by fog, on a clear day, it offers a spectacular view of "Mashu blue" with its transparency and beautiful colors, and is highly favored by travelers from Japan and abroad.
Lake Mashu - Details
| name | Lake Mashu |
| Location | Teshikaga Town, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido (View on Map) |
| parking lot | Yes (e.g., parking lot No. 1: 125 spaces, 500 yen/day for a fee from May to October) |
| toilet | Yes (public restrooms are available near the first observatory and at the Kamui Terrace facility, and at the Ura-Mashu observatory during the summer season) |
