10 Best Things to Do in Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu

Planning a trip to Eastern Hokkaido and wondering what to do around Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu?

This area is one of my favorite places to explore nature and relax. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of natural wonders, from steaming volcanoes and wild hot springs to crystal-clear lakes.

I grew up in Eastern Hokkaido, and these two lakes were often part of our weekend drives and family outings. In this guide, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite things to do in and around Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu.

Let’s dive in!

1. Enjoy the best view of Lake Kussharo at Bihoro Pass

If you’re looking for the best panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, check out Bihoro Pass (美幌峠 / Bihoro Toge). Located at over 500 meters above sea level, this mountain pass offers an open view of Japan’s largest caldera lake, surrounded by mountains and forest.

One of the most magical moments here is the rare sea of clouds, floating over the lake. It’s not guaranteed, but your best chance is from June to August, and only in the early morning hours.

If you can, try to get there before sunrise. Also check the cloud forecast the night before on this website.

Even without the clouds, the view is still worth it! The lake and the surrounding landscape are beautiful in every season. There’s also a large free parking lot, a souvenir shop, and a snack stand selling local specialties. My favorite is imo mochi (potato mochi)!

Information

• Open 24 hours
• Free admission, free parking
• Google Maps

2. Look over the mystic blue Lake Mashu

Sitting side by side to Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu is often called the clearest lake in Japan. Surrounded by steep cliffs and untouched forest, the lake’s deep blue surface is mystic and beautiful.

You can’t go down to the lakeside, but the observatories offer incredible views. Just one thing to keep in mind: the lake is a bit shy. It’s often covered in thick fog, earning it the nickname “Foggy Mashu.” If the sky is clear when you go, you are lucky!

There are two main viewing spots:

• Observatory No.1 is the most visited viewpoint. It has a wide viewing deck and a visitor facility called Kamuy Terrace, which includes a cafe, lounge, and information center (open 8:30 am to 5:00 pm). Parking is 500 JPY.
• Observatory No.3 is quieter and sits slightly higher. Parking here is free, but limited.

Pro tip: If you park at Observatory No.1, save your ticket. It gives you free parking at Mount Io as well!

👉 Want to explore Lake Kussharo & Lake Mashu in one day? Here’s my recommended route.

3. Visit Mount Io, an active volcano

Mount Io (硫黄山 / Iozan) is an active volcano sitting between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu, and one of the easiest places in Hokkaido to see volcanic activity up close.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice steam rising from the ground and the strong scent of sulfur in the air. You can explore the fumaroles and feel the power of the earth with just a short walk up. You don’t need to hike, everything is right at the base.

Next to the parking area, there’s a small visitor space called MOKMOK Base, where you can grab snacks, learn about the volcano, and take a break.

One of the most popular snacks here is the hot spring egg, steamed in the local onsen steam. The flavor is richer than a regular boiled egg with a hint of sulfur scent. It’s a must-try!

Information

• Open 24 hours, MOKMOK Base: 8:30 am – 5 pm
• Admission free
• Parking: 500 JPY from May to October (free from November to April)
• Google Maps

4. Dip in an outdoor onsen with wild swans

Kotan Onsen (コタン温泉) offers one of the most unique hot spring experiences in Hokkaido! It’s a free, open-air bath sitting right on the edge of Lake Kussharo.

There’s no reception desk, no entrance gate. Just a single outdoor tub maintained by the local community. It’s a mixed-gender onsen with no full divider, so you’re allowed to wear a swimsuit or wrap a towel.

And something special happens from late October to April every year. Wild swans migrate here from Siberia, and you can see them just meters away while soaking in the onsen!

The outdoor onsen is open year-round and completely free. If open-air bathing isn’t for you, there’s also a small indoor facility just a minute away, with simple baths separated by gender (300 JPY, no amenities provided).

Information

• Open 24 hours
• Google Maps
• Admission: Free for outdoor, 300 JPY for indoor bath
• What to bring: Swimsuit or towel (optional but recommended)

5. Make your own hot spring at Sunayu Beach

Sunayu is a fun, quick stop on the shore of Lake Kussharo. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a unique onsen experience without getting fully soaked!

The name “Sunayu” literally means sand hot spring in Japanese. Thanks to the underground geothermal activity in the area, warm spring water rises just beneath the beach.

If you dig a small hole in the sand, you’ll quickly see hot water bubbling up… a natural foot bath you can make yourself!

There’s also a designated foot bath area right by the lakeside, if you’d rather not get sandy. It’s free, easy to use, and a great activity for all ages. I loved coming here as a kid, and it’s still one of my favorite quick stops whenever I’m in the area.

Information

• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Admission: Free
• Access: 15 minutes by car from Mount Io or Kawayu Onsen

6. Bathe like a local at Sanko Onsen in the forest

If you love traditional, local hot springs, Sanko Onsen is a hidden gem near Lake Kussharo.

This small, family-run onsen is surrounded by the forest, just steps from the lake. You’ll meet with friendly owners and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. It feels like visiting a countryside home.

The bath itself is very simple. It’s just one large outdoor tub filled with 100% natural spring water, flowing directly from the source.

If you want to stay the night, they also run a small inn with dinner and breakfast included.

Information

• Hours: 10 am – 5.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays to Thursdays)
• Admission: 500 yen
• Google Maps

7. Walk the quiet trail around Wakoto Peninsula

Wakoto Peninsula is a small stretch of land that curves into Lake Kussharo, and it’s one of the best spots for a peaceful walk in nature.

The 2.5 km loop trail around the peninsula (route map) takes just about an hour to walk. It’s mostly flat and easy to follow. Along the way, you’ll pass a lakeside shrine, quiet fishing spots, and even small pockets of geothermal activity where steam rises from the ground.

One of the highlights is Oyakotsu Jigoku, a viewpoint where volcanic steam rises straight from the shoreline. It’s a fascinating look at how active the earth still is in this area!

The peninsula is also home to a wide variety of wildflowers, especially in spring and early summer, thanks to the warm ground and rich soil.

At the trailhead, you’ll find the Wakoto Field House, a small visitor center with displays about the local wildlife and volcanic geology.

There’s also a souvenir shop near the parking lot selling local snacks like imo dango (chewy potato dumplings), which make a perfect treat after your walk!

Information

• Open 24 hours
• Admission free
• Free parking available
• Google Maps

8. Relax at free foot baths in Kawayu Onsen town

Kawayu Onsen is a small hot spring town between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. You will be greeted by a strong sulfur scent and rising steam as soon as you arrive.

Almost every hotel in town draws from its own 100% natural spring source, with no added water or heat, just pure hot spring flow.

You’ll find public hand baths and foot baths across the town. bubbling with natural spring water. The easiest place to try is the covered foot bath in Kawayu Park (Kawayu Enchi). It’s open 24 hours a day and free to use.

The water here is strongly acidic, which is believed to help with circulation and tired legs. Perfect after a day of walking or driving!

There’s also a cozy indoor foot bath at JR Kawayu Onsen Station. It’s a great stop if you’re waiting for a train or bus.

Information

• Open 24 hours
• Free admission
• Access: Walkable from Kawayu Onsen town center or JR Kawayu Onsen Station
• What to bring: Your own towel (no rentals available)

9. Explore Lake Kussharo & Mashu without a car: Teshikaga Eco Passport

No car? No problem. The Teshikaga Eco-Passport makes it easy to explore major sights like Lake Mashu, Mount Io, Sunayu, Wakoto Peninsula, and more, all by bus.

This pass gives you unlimited rides on the seasonal sightseeing bus that loops around the Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu area.

The pass is available for a limited period in summer and winter. A 2-day pass is 2,000 JPY, and a 3-day pass is 3,000 JPY. You can purchase one at JR Mashu Station and JR Kawayu Onsen Station, or book online.

10. Take a day trip to Lake Akan

Just an hour’s drive from Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan is an easy day trip destination.

Akan is a small lakeside onsen town known for its Ainu culture, peaceful lake views, and relaxing hot spring hotels. It’s home to the largest Ainu settlement in Hokkaido. In Ainu Kotan (Ainu village), you can explore handmade crafts, museums, and Ainu’s traditional performances.

You can also take Lake Akan cruise, which includes a stop at Chuurui Island to see marimo, the lake’s iconic green algae balls that grow much larger here than anywhere else.

👉 Want to spend more time in Akan? Here’s a 3-day itinerary with things to do and hotel tips.

Your next steps

Now you are ready to explore Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu!

This area is great for a day trip from many destinations in Eastern Hokkaido. For example, Shiretoko is 1.5 hours away, and Abashiri is just one hour.

You can easily plug this area into your trip with this one-day itinerary!

Still planning your trip? Then find ideas in my itinerary collection.

If you don’t know where to go, I’ll guide you through the major destinations in Hokkaido here.

Happy trip planning!