The caldera Lake Mashu is one of the world`s clearest lakes. Getting close to the Lake is prohibited.

It keeps its Scenery of nature since there are few tourist facilities in the neighborhood except Observatory.

The deep azure color of the surface of the lake is quite beautiful since it keeps eminent rich primitivism in Hokkaido.

There are two Observatories, Number 1 and 3. Observatory NO.3 is just suitable to enjoy the beauty of Lake Mashu.

Access and Getting Around

By train

the JR Senmo line train runs between Kushiro and Abashiri.

There are two stations that Kawayuonsen Station and Mashu Station near this area.

1hours 50 minutes from Abashiri Station to Kawayuonsen Station with 7～9 trains per day.

1 hour 50 minutes from Kushiro Station with 7~9 trains per day. 4kilometers from Kawayu-onsen Station to the city center.

Rental Cycles are available.

By bus

>From Mashu Station to Lake Mashu, 4 buses per day,(Julay18~October12),

2 buses per day, reaching only Observatory 1, (April 1~July 17).

During the rest of the year, there are not any bus services at all.

>From Kushiro Station to Lake Mashu, one-day pass for the bus (Pirikago) is available, 1bus per day,( June 1~October 25).

This bus is also useful of getting around Kusiro Marshland, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Kawayuonsen.

By car

From Kawayuonsen, 10kilometers (to Observatory No 3), 2 hours from Kushiro, 1 hour 45 minutes from Abashiri.