 Most viewed - Teshikaga 弟子屈町 |
One of the most famous lakes in Japan, Lake Mashu is a crater lake devoid of boats, resorts, and other tourist traps. In fact, people are prohibited from going to the lake. We can view it, but no touching. 254 views
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Lake Mashu has two scenic points along the crater rim where tourists can see the lake. Old sign at a lookout point. 233 views
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One of the most unpolluted lakes in Japan or the world. The water transparency is one of the deepest in the world at 20 to 30 meters. Part of the Akan-Mashu National Park.230 views
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Mt. Io is Kawayu Onsen's hot spring source. It was also a sulphur mine from 1877 to 1896. At the time, sulphur was widely used in cigarette matches and gunpowder. 71 views
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Mt. Io, Hokkaido. You can get quite close to the sulphur vents.25 views
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Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido22 views
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Lake Mashu in eastern Hokkaido is my favorite lake in Japan.21 views
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Lake Kussharo is noted for its mystical atmosphere. There's a lakeshore road along the southern half of the lake. Water surface covers 79.7 sq. km.21 viewsYou can dig into the sand and find hot spring water.
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Nearest train station is JR Kawayu Onsen Station. Take the Akan Bus to Kawayu Onsen to reach Lake Kussharo.4 views
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The small island in the lake is named "Kamuishu." It's the tip of a lava dome. View of Lake Mashu from Scenic Point 1. カムイシュ島3 views
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Too bad it was a cloudy day. Lake Mashu has no outflowing river.3 views
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Lake Mashu and Kamuishu island.3 views
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Sulphur mining ended altogether in Hokkaido in 1963.3 views
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Wakoto Peninsula has this free outdoor hot spring bath on the lake shore. Open to both men and women, most bathers wear a swimsuit.3 views
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Sunlight peeking through the clouds is reflected on the lake surface.2 views
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View from Scenic Lookout 3.2 views
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Trail to a scenic lookout point on Lake Mashu.2 views
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The mining operations here and in other nearby mountain quickly developed local industry in eastern Hokkaido which had been largely undeveloped.2 views
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In 1887, a railway was built from Mt. Io to Shibecha, 41 km away. It was Hokkaido's second railway to be built after the railway between Sapporo and Otaru.2 views
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Note that there are other mountains named Mt. Io (Io-zan). This one is near Kawayu Onsen hot spring in Hokkaido.2 views
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Back to the visitor's center.2 views
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Boating on Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido.2 views
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The lake circumerence is 57 km. Deepest point is 125 meters. In the middle of the lake is Nakajima island, a volcano. Japan's largest island in a lake. The island is uninhabited by humans.2 views
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Boats for rent at Sunayu, Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido. In winter, the lake freezes over.2 views
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Wakoto Peninsula east side.2 views
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Newer Lake Mashu sign at a lookout point. 1 views
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View of Lake Mashu from Scenic Point 1.1 views
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Beautiful shades of blue.1 views
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Mt. Io, meaning "Sulphur Mountain," is a lava dome spewing steam and sulphur gases. Tourists can walk and easily see the sulphur and steam vents. 1 views
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Literally nicknamed "Sulfur Mountain," Mt. Io is a convenient, steaming tourist attraction between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. The mountain's Ainu name is "Atosa-nupuri," meaning "naked mountain" since it hardly has an1 views
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Since there was no machinery in those days, mining operations were done manually with a pick and shovel. Prison labor was used for the mining. The sulphur was then loaded on horseback and boats to Kushiro.1 views
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After the mining operation closed in 1896, the Hokkaido government bought the railway. Today, this railway is connected to JR Senmo Line which opened in 1931.1 views
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Lake Kussharo has two tourist areas. One is here at Sunayu. 砂湯1 views
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Lake Kussharo was also known for the "Kusshi" legend similar to the Loch Ness Monster, "Nessie." Credible sightings of Kussi were widely reported from 1973-1974, but stopped after the 2000s.1 viewsThis is an old statue displayed at JR Bihoro Station. Newer statue is at Sunayu near the lake shore.
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Boats can be rented at Sunayu. In May 1938, the Kussharo Earthquake had sulfates seep into the lake from the lake bottom, making the water too acidic (pH4) for fish which got wiped out. 1 views
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By the 2000s, the water acidity decreased enough to introduce fish which could endure the acidity. Only small stocks of rainbow trout, Kokanee, and Masu salmon are now in the lake. The lake has no fishing industry.1 views
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Wakoto Peninsula's west side.1 views
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Wakoto Peninsula1 views
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