What to know
Kawayu Onsen (川湯温泉) is a small hot spring town in the eastern part of Akan Mashu National Park. It lies near Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), between Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. Its proximity to these famous lakes makes it a popular base for exploring the national park.
The onsen water here is exceptionally acidic, with a pH of 1.4. Visitors who aren't staying overnight at a ryokan can still bathe at some ryokan that open their baths to day guests, typically for 500 to 1500 yen. There's also a free public foot bath near the Eco Museum Center.
The Eco Museum Center provides general information about Akan Mashu National Park and Kawayu Onsen. Nearby, a pleasant walking path winds through a mossy forest and continues to Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), 2.5 kilometers away.
In addition to its convenient location and hot springs, Kawayu is home to the Sumo Museum, dedicated to the town's favorite son and biggest star, Taiho Koki. Taiho was a sumo wrestler who achieved the sport's highest title in 1961 at just 21 years old, holding the record for most tournament victories for several decades.
Kawayu Onsen is a station on the JR Senmo Line, but it's located over three kilometers from the town center. A bus runs between the station and town (10 minutes, 290 yen one way), timed with train arrivals and departures. Alternatively, you can walk from the station to town via Iozan in about an hour.
How to get to and around Akan Mashu National Park
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 420 yen (~$2.69)
- English name
- Original name
- Kawayu Onsen
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.