Things to do in Teshikaga：Lake Mashu

Mashu Blue and Misty Lake Mashu are both beautiful and mysterious lakes.

Lake Mashu is called “Kamuito” (lake of the gods) in the Ainu language and has been worshiped as a mysterious place. It is a caldera lake with a circumference of approximately 20km and a maximum depth of 212m, boasting one of the world’s highest levels of transparency. The deep blue color reflected on the world-class transparent surface of the lake is called “Mashu Blue,” and it is a scenery that can only be found at Lake Mashu, created by the color of the sky. On a windless day, the blue color becomes even more refined.

 

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摩周湖カムイテラス・硫黄山MOKMOKベース(@mashuko_iozan)がシェアした投稿

The lake is surrounded by a caldera wall of 150m to 350m, and it is also a mysterious lake in that the water level does not change for some reason even though there is no river flowing into it. Although you cannot get close to the surface of the lake, you can see the blue lake, Kamuishu Island floating in the lake, and Kamuinupuri towering on the side of the lake from the three observation decks: “Mashu First Observation Deck,” “Mashu Third Observation Deck,” and “Ura-Mashu Observation Deck.” You can see Mt. Mashu.

Lake Mashu became famous due to the popular song “Misty Lake Mashu”. As the name of the song suggests, the area is covered in fog for about 100 days a year. If you want to see Lake Mashu covered in fog, try visiting in the mornings from June to July.
Lake Mashu sparkling blue and Lake Mashu shrouded in mist are both mystical and sure to captivate you.

 

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摩周湖カムイテラス・硫黄山MOKMOKベース(@mashuko_iozan)がシェアした投稿

Is Lake Mashu foggy all year round?

Lake Mashu is covered in fog, giving the impression that the surface of the lake cannot be seen at all times, but in reality, fog mainly occurs in the summer, and does not occur much in the spring, autumn, or winter. The first and third observation decks of Lake Mashu are located on top of the caldera somma, but low-altitude clouds that mainly form on the Pacific side of the mountain keep hitting the mountain.

This is often the true nature of the fog at Lake Mashu. On the official website of Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace, the daytime lake surface confirmation rate has been published since 2023, and according to this, the days when the lake surface can be seen for more than 4 hours during the day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are the only days other than summer. is over 70% on average. Also, even in the summer, as the temperature rises, the altitude of low-lying clouds tends to rise, increasing the probability that the lake surface can be seen from around noon.

 

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Lake Mashu First Observation Deck

This is the most popular observation deck overlooking Lake Mashu, and is visited by more than 1 million people a year.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Mashu Blue Lake, Kamuishu Island, and Kamuinupuri (Mt. Mashu), which rises as if to protect the lake.

Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace

In 2022, the rest house will be renovated as “Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace,” a facility where you can relax and enjoy the nature of Lake Mashu. You can enjoy the seasonal scenery from the rooftop terrace and indoor lounge.
*Mashu Lake First Observation Deck parking lot is charged (free in winter)
*Toilet, rest corner, shop, observation deck available

 

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Experience the miraculous sea of ​​clouds (summer)

The sea of ​​clouds at Lake Mashu is sometimes referred to as a “miraculous sea of ​​clouds” due to the frequency with which they occur, and they often occur from June to September. A sea of ​​clouds is the fog that accumulates on Lake Mashu mainly at night when the wind is weak and remains until early morning.The sea of ​​clouds reaches its peak thickness between approximately 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., and is seen at the Lake Mashu First Observatory.・You can view it at Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace and Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck.
On days when you can see a sea of ​​clouds at Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo is often covered in a sea of ​​clouds as well, and at Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck, you may see a sea of ​​clouds as far as you can see. During the season, we recommend checking the live camera on the Mashu Lake Kamui Terrace website before heading to Lake Mashu early in the morning.

 

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Enjoy climbing Mt. Mashu

Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck is also the entrance to the Mt. Mashu mountain trail, and is crowded with many climbers, especially in the fall season. This mountain trail is a 7.2 km one-way trek to the top, with views of Lake Mashu on the south side of Mt. Mashu’s outer rim on the left. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Konsen Plains, Mt. Nishibetsu, and Mt. Mashu, and at the top of Mt. Mashu, you can enjoy the satisfying and impressive view of the explosion crater and Lake Mashu below.

 

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Enjoy Hokkaido’s first-class star-filled sky (recommended in spring, autumn, and winter when there are many sunny days)
Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck is also known as a famous spot for starry skies, and if weather conditions permit, you can observe thousands of stars. The rooftop of Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace is open at night, and you can enjoy the starry sky from the benches provided. Additionally, thousands of luminescent stones are placed on the roof that emit a pale blue glow at night. Together with the stars in the sky, we are creating a space called “Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace – Blue Planetarium”, which is surrounded by over 10,000 soothing lights (the phosphorescent stone display is suspended during winter and snowy seasons).

Enjoy snowshoeing at the silver Lake Mashu (winter)

Lake Mashu is also recommended in winter, when the weather is often sunny and the air is clear. Around February, depending on the weather conditions, you can see the outer rim of Lake Mashu turning white with frost-covered trees, and the sight of ice forming on the surface of the lake. Snowshoe trekking along Lake Mashu First Observation Deck to Third Observation Deck while looking out at Lake Mashu is also popular. During the season, snowshoe gear is available for rent at Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace, Mt. Iou MOKMOK Base, and Kawayu Visitor Center.

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website　

Snowshoe rental overview

・Rental period: January 2, 2024 (Tuesday) to April 30, 2024 (Sunday) *Ends early when the snow melts
・Rental facilities: Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace, Mt. Io MOKMOK base
・Rental fee: 1,100 yen per person per day (tax included)
・Return date: Return to the rental facility by 12:00 the day after the rental date.
・Rental contents: Snowshoes (for both feet) x 1, trekking poles x 2, snow covers (for both legs) x 1
・Payment method: Cash only (Credit card and barcode payments are not supported)
*Information is current as of January 2024. Subject to change without notice.