Lake Mashu and Geothermal Hokkaido

✘ Kushiro, Japan • April 14, 2024

⌖ A Day of Caldera Lakes, Steaming Sulfur Vents, and Healing Onsen Footbaths

On a thick, foggy morning typical of Kushiro from April to July, we set off on a thrilling day trip from our cruise ship. This special day marked the maiden call of the Norwegian Jewel at the port of Kushiro, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and curiosity. The misty fog added a mysterious charm to our adventure, hinting at the fun ahead.

⟳ Scenic Journey to Hokkaido’s Volcanic Heart

Hopping onto a bus, we journeyed through scenic routes that heightened our anticipation. The lush landscapes and enveloping fog provided a dramatic and enchanting backdrop. Our guide, Reiko, kept us entertained with fascinating tales and insights about our destination’s star attraction—Lake Mashu. The day promised a perfect blend of exploration and enjoyment.

① Lake Mashu – Akan-Mashu National Park

Our first major stop was the majestic Akan-Mashu National Park, home to Lake Mashu, a caldera lake formed from a volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago. Revered by the Ainu people for its spiritual significance, the lake is one of the clearest in the world, with visibility up to 20 meters and a depth of 200 meters. At Lake Mashu’s 1st Observatory, we soaked in the panoramic view and the lake’s serene beauty. The overlook also featured a souvenir store, offering local crafts that reflected the region’s cultural richness, perfect for mementos of our fun-filled day off the ship.

② Iōzan – Sulfur Mountain

Following our serene experience at Lake Mashu, a brief 20-minute bus ride brought us to the dramatically different landscape of Mount Iozan, or Mount Lo. Known locally as ‘Sulfur Mountain’ due to its active volcanic sulfur pits, this site presented a stark contrast to the tranquil beauty of the lake we had just left behind.

As we approached Mount Iozan, Reiko shared that the road to the mountain had only reopened two days prior, after being closed for the season due to heavy snowfall. This added an element of excitement to our visit, knowing we were among the first to witness the mountain’s volatile beauty after its winter slumber.

Upon arrival, the air was thick with the pungent scent of sulfur, and the ground beneath our feet hummed with geothermal activity. The landscape around Mount Iozan was alive with the continuous emission of sulfurous steam, which rose in thick clouds from the ground, and vibrant yellow crystallized sulfur formations that dotted the terrain like natural sculptures. The environment was a vivid display of Earth’s raw power; steam hissed out of vents, and the ground was warm to the touch, a direct connection to the geothermal energy churning below.

③ Lunch: Suikazura Ryokan and Restaurant

After the exhilarating volcanic landscapes of Mount Iozan, our tour progressed to the quaint town of Teshikaga-cho, where a culinary treat awaited us at the Haspo eatery, nestled within the charming Suikazura Restaurant and hotel. This stop provided a perfect interlude, allowing us to refuel and gather our energies for the continued adventures of the day.

The Haspo eatery is renowned for its commitment to traditional Japanese cuisine, and the meal served was a testament to this. We were treated to succulent Bull’s beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture, which is a specialty of the region. Accompanied by steamed rice and a hot soup broth pot, the meal was a showcase of simplicity and flavor, highlighting its fresh, local ingredients.

④ Kawayu Onsen Ashiyu – Foot Bath Experience

After lunch, we headed to the renowned Kawayu Onsen Foot Bath, celebrated for its geothermal activity and historical significance. Nestled in Hokkaido, these therapeutic waters have attracted visitors for centuries.

The water, at 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit, emerges from deep beneath the earth, rich in sulfuric hydrogen. This composition gives it a distinct smell and powerful antibacterial properties. Historically, the Ainu people, Hokkaido’s indigenous inhabitants, revered these waters for their healing properties.

Despite a brief rain, our foot soak under the partially protected shelter was incredibly relaxing. The hot, mineral-rich water soothed our feet, melting away the morning’s fatigue. This interlude allowed us to absorb the geothermal magic of the region fully, providing both physical and mental respite.

⑤ Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen – Roadside Craft Market

As our tour drew to a close, we made a final stop at the Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen roadside station. During our visit, the station was hosting a special indoor craft market focused on quilting and sewing-related crafts. This event was part of a series showcasing various local arts and crafts throughout the year, reflecting the region’s dynamic and ever-changing cultural offerings.

In addition to the craft display, there was a space featuring photography from the surrounding area, adding a visual celebration of the region’s natural beauty to our shopping experience. While the souvenir shop at this station was not as extensive as the one at Akan-Mashu National Park, it still offered a selection of unique items. The serene environment provided a perfect backdrop for our final moments of exploration and souvenir hunting on the tour.

⟲ Return to Kushiro Port

As our bus navigated the route back to the pier, Reiko, our ever-engaging tour guide, began to weave together the many experiences of the day into a cohesive narrative. With each mile, he reflected on our journey, connecting the historical, cultural, and natural elements we had encountered.

The day had been marked by a variety of weather conditions, from fog to light rain, but these elements only enriched our experience, adding atmospheric depth to each site we visited. From the sacred and serene shores of Lake Mashu, with its crystal-clear waters steeped in Ainu tradition, to the vibrant, steamy landscapes of Mount Iozan, where the earth’s power was unmistakable, our tour had spanned a spectrum of sensory experiences.

The soothing waters of Kawayu Onsen were also a highlight, providing both literal and metaphorical warmth. The natural geothermal activity there offered a moment of relaxation amid the cooler climate of Hokkaido, both enhancing and enriching the day’s experience. As we approached the pier, Reiko’s reflections helped solidify our understanding and appreciation of these experiences, ensuring that the memories of the day would resonate with us long after our departure.

☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• Nature Enthusiasts: Awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear caldera lakes.
• Cultural Explorers: Ainu traditions and historic geothermal practices.
• Wellness Seekers: Therapeutic onsen footbaths amid tranquil settings.
• Photographers: Dramatic volcanic steam vents, panoramic lake vistas, and seasonal crafts.
• Cruise Travelers: A balanced day trip showcasing Hokkaido’s highlights from Kushiro.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Lake Mashu and Geothermal Hokkaido
• Cruise Line/Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line — Norwegian Jewel
• Cruise Port: Kushiro, Japan
• Total Duration: 7 hours
• Main Stops: Lake Mashu, Mount Iōzan, Suikazura Ryokan, Kawayu Onsen Ashiyu, Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen
• Drive-By Highlights: Akan-Mashu National Park vistas, Teshikaga countryside

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: 1.5 mi / 2.4 km total
• Terrain: Paved paths, volcanic gravel, indoor market surfaces
• Accessibility: Moderate — uneven ground near steam vents and onsen areas
• Meals Included: Lunch at Suikazura Ryokan

Excursion Disclaimer: Descriptions of shore excursions on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the cruise lines or tour providers mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

© OceansAfoot