Mashu Akan National Park

 Image: Kiri no Mashu ko (霧の摩周湖/ Mistry Lake Mashu), Teshikaga Town - August 1972

Lake Mashu is well known for its frequent foggy conditions, especially in summer. According to the Teshikaga Navi published by the Lake Mashu Tourism Association, the lake boasts some of the highest water transparency levels in Japan. Transparency varies by season with the highest readings typically recorded in winter - reaching 31.2 metres in 2009, according to the National Institute for Environmental Studies. Remarkably, a record of 41.6 metres was documented in 1931, as noted by the same source.

Like Shiretoko, it is also part of the National Parks of Japan. However, access to this area has been strictly prohibited, except for environmental research, so visitors only can view it from the spots where these photos were taken.

Image: Mashu ko, Teshikaga Town - June 2008

Image: Mashu ko - July 2006

The Ainu people used to call the lake 'Kamuy-toh (カムイトー)', meaning 'God's Lake'. As you can see in the images, the lake is difficult to approach due to steep slopes that descend directly to the water surface. So it has long been naturally protected from human intrusion, making it quite literally 'Kamuy-toh'.  

Image: Mashu ko - Around 1957

Lake Mashu is located in the Doh-to reigion (Eastern Hokkaido), so it could be a good option to visit after sightseeing in Shiretoko. You can reach the lake in about an hour by car.

Map: Mashu ko from Shari Town

 

Image: Mirror-like Mashu ko - June 2008

The next destination may be Atosanupuri, so called Iozan (硫黄山: いおうざん/ Mount Sulphur). Iozan rises 508 metres and continuous hot steam from the mountain can be seen, which has affected plants around area, according to Tshikaga Navi. Also, the website of the Kawayu visitor centre introduces that this mountain was mined for sulphur from the beginning of Meiji era until the middle of Showa period, and today it is well known as  the source of Kawayu Onsen. Although mine was closed in 1963, the area had already become a sightseeing destination after the opening of Kawayu Station in 1930, according to the same webpage.

Image: Iozan, Teshikaga Town - July 2006

Map: Iozan Car Park

When you reach a car park  right in front of Iozan, you will find a wooden building, called Mt.IO MOK MOK BASE. 'Mok mok' represents moku moku (もくもく), one of the Japanese ideophones(mimetic words) used to describe the visual image of fumes or steam rising thickly. 

Japanese has many ideophones that vividly express feelings and physical states, which makes the language distinctive. For example:

– peko peko (ぺこぺこ): feeling very hungry

– waku waku (わくわく): feeling excited

– doki doki (どきどき): feeling one’s heart pound

Some linguistic research suggests there are over 2,000 ideophones in Japanese.

For this reason, I often wish I could use these Japanese words in English to express my feelings, physical states, and the situations around me more vividly.

Image: Iozan, Teshikaga Town - August 1972

Image: Iozan, Teshikaga Town - Around 1957

According to the official website of MOK MOK BASE, the terrace offers a relaxing space where visitors can view Iozan through a five-meter-square glass window. There is also a section where visitors can learn about the history and natural environment of Iozan. Moreover, you could try the MOKMOK café & Marche inside the building, where soft-serve ice cream, onsen egg, and souvenirs are available.

Lake Kussharo, located next to Lake Mashu, is also well worth visiting. This lake is the largest caldera lake in Japan, and because of its volcanic origins, there are several roten-buro (outdoor hot spring baths) around the lake, according Teshikaga Navi.

For more information about the onsen around Lake Kussharo, please see the bottom of this webpage.

Image: Kussharo ko, Tehikaga Town - July 2006

Image: Kussharo ko, Teshikaga Town - August 1972

Image: Kussharo ko, Teshikaga Town - Around 1957

Lake Akan is famous for its marimo, which can be seen at only two locations: the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center and the Akankohan Visitor Center. If you want to visit the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center, you need to take a boat, as it is located on a small island on Lake Akan. (Time table) Marimo are designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan. As many non-Japanese visitors may be unfamiliar with marimo, please refer to this webpage for more information.

Map: Marimo exhibition and observation center

Map: Akankohan visitor center

Mashu Akan National Park offers spectacular views in every season (please check this website). If you plan to drive in winter, please be sure to prioritise safe driving during your trip.

Image: Akan ko with Mount Oakandake and Akanfuji, Kushiro - June 2009