Akan Mashu National Park

What to know

Akan Mashu National Park (阿寒摩周国立公園, Akan Mashū Kokuritsu Kōen) lies in eastern Hokkaido. It is famous for three stunning lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. Lake Mashu is especially renowned; though often shrouded in fog, its waters are among the clearest on Earth.

The park consists of two separate sections. The smaller western part features Lake Akan and the lakeside hot spring town of Akankohan Onsen. The larger eastern section includes Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), and the centrally located Kawayu Onsen.

Activities and attractions

Mount MeakanOffering some of the best volcanic scenery in JapanLake Mashu (Mashuko)Picturesque, clear crater lakeIozan (Sulfur Mountain)Volcano with sulfurous ventsLake Akan (Akanko)Beautiful crater lake famous for marimo algaeLake Kussharo (Kussharoko)The largest of Akan’s crater lakesKawayu OnsenHot spring resort with very acidic waterKushiro Shitsugen National ParkMarshlands populated by Japanese cranes