Enjoy your drive to the area around lake Akan
#1 Teshikaga
There are lot more to see and feel in East Hokkaido, where lake Akan is located.
If you choose to stay longer here, please take one more step farther, and you will for sure enjoy variety of nature and culture in this area.
Today, we are introducing model course including "Teshikaga" area.
Enjoy driving to the town next to lake Akan.
What can you find in TESHIKAGA?
Teshikaga is a town next to lake Akan, and is part of "Akan Mashu National Park".
It takes about an hour drive from the town of lake Akan to the town of Teshikaga.
"Lake Mashu","Lake Kussharo","Mt.Io" are major spots where you can enjoy dramatic scenary, as well as "Kawayu onsen" where you can enjoy hotspring which is different in type compared to hotspring in Akan. Please feel the difference by soaking yourself in!
TESHIKAGA 1 DAY COURSE
We are introducing a 1-day model course expecting to leave from lake Akan.
Akanko onsen---lake Kussharo---Mt.Io---Kawayu onsen---lake Mashu
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is the biggest Caldera lake in Japan, and you will be amazed by its size and scenary.
Clear water of the lake allows you to find fallen woods and rocks at the bottom.
People enjoy canoeing, SUP, camping, and more by the lake.
To the south of the lake, there is Wakoto peninsula where you will find public hotspring and nature trail.
There are various ways to enjoy the lake Kussharo! Can't wait for the autmn to come when the scenary changes dramatically!
If you want to see the whole picture of Lake Kussharo, "Bihoro Pass" is recommended!
You can overlook Lake Kussharo from the observatory, which also has a roadside station where you can take a break after driving.
The Kushiro River flows out from Lake Kussharo and connects to the Kushiro Wetland.
It is no exaggeration to say that it is a place where you can feel the magnificence of nature connected by water.
Find your own way to enjoy nature!
Mt.Io and Kawayu Onsen
In Teshikaga area, where Mt. Iou is located, sulfur was mined long ago.
“Atosa nupuri” means “naked mountain” in Ainu language(Indigenous population of Hokkaido).
The volcanic plumes making gurgling noises make you feel energy from the mother earth.
You can also see the fumaroles that are bubbling up due to geothermal heat up close.
Feel the energy of the earth while being careful not to burn yourself!
At the rest house "Mt.Io MOKMOK Base", which was just renewed this summer, you will find snacks such as steamed eggs and souvenirs.
This autumn, a terrace where you can take a leisurely view of Mt. Io is planned to open! We are looking forward to see and find other ways to enjoy Mt.Io.
"Kawayu Onsen" is located about 5 minutes by car from Mt.Io.
Kawayu Onsen is also famous as "beauty hot spring". One reason for this reputation is its highly acidic onsen, with a pH level of approximately 1.7, even more acidic than lemons. It's said that this acidity helps dissolve old keratinized skin cells.
You can touch it directly at the free footbath spot or the river where the hot spring flows!
It's also good to soak yourself in the onsen and relax after long drive! Please feel the difference of onsen compared to the onsen in Lake Akan.
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu, also known as "Lake Mashu in the fog" is called "Kamuy-to," which means "Lake of God" in the Ainu language.
It is a mysterious place worthy of its name.
The Lake Mashu is one of the clearest water in the world, and its beauty fascinates visitors.
Also, the Lake Mashu is a mysterious lake where the water level does not change even though there are no rivers flowing in or out.
It is expected that the lake water is thought to leak through cracks in the wall around the lake.
"Mashu Blue" is a deep blue color with a beauty that draws the viewer in. Please take a close attention to the gradation between the shallow areas along the lakeshore and the deep areas in the center of the lake.
There are three spots where you can see Lake Mashu: "Lake Mashu 1st Observatory", "Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory" and "Ura Mashu Observatory".
Lake Mashu has different expressions depending on the viewing angle. Please enjoy finding your favorite!
Please check the map at the top of this page for information on each location.
The Teshikaga area, which is just an hour's drive from Lake Akan, has a different nature from Lake Akan.
You will surely find your favorite place. Enjoy various aspects of the East Hokkaido.
Next post, we will introduce a 1-day course in the Kushiro city area! Stay tuned!
Ticket Information
■Where can I buy tickets? How is the opening time?
Tickets are available at the official website, hotels around Lake Akan, "Kamuy Lumina" Ticket Booth, and designated travel agencies.
Fees: Adults (junior high school students and older)
Child (elementary school student)
*Preschool children or below are free of charge.
Official website (Ticket purchase page): https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/index?fc=52386&ac=9000
Starting time changes depending on the sunset time. So be sure to check when planning your trip!
2024 season opening hours:
May 11 (Sat) - August 9 (Fri) 19:30 - 21:00
August 10 (Sat) - August 30 (Fri) 19:00 - 21:00
Asugust 31 (Sat) - September 13 (Friday) 18:30 - 21:30
September 15 (Sun) - September 30 (Mon) 18:00 - 21:30
October 1 (Tue) - November 3 (Sun) 17:30 - 21:00
November 4 (Mon) - November 9 (Sat) 17:30 - 20:30
This special website will provide information not only about "Kamuy Lumina", but also sightseeing information about the town, Lake Akan Onsen, where this event is held. Please check out the latest and seasonal recommendations here.
We will also announce the release of web articles on Facebook and Instagram.
↓ Follow Us ↓
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamuy_lumina/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akan.adventure/
We hope to meet you soon at the event of "Kamuy Lumina"!
AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK AT LAKE AKAN
〒085-0467
5-20, Akankoonsen 1-chome, Akancho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido, 085-0467, Japan