弟子屈
TOURIST MAP OFTESHIKAGAHOKKAIDO, JAPANMt. Mashu ‒ Called Kamui-nupuri by the Ainu people, meaning
Mountain of the God. Discover untouched wilderness anddelicate natural beauty along its winding trails. Beyond thecaldera you will ﬁnd a spectacular view of Lake Mashu s pristinewaters - preserved for 3,000 years - and understand how themountain got its name.

Lake Mashu - A mystery waiting to be discovered. A brilliant
blue lake with crystal clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs,
creating an atmosphere of peaceful calm. Lake Mashu’s striking
color - called Mashu Blue - at times appears indigo, navy blue,
ultramarine, and lapis lazuli, among other delicate colors likesky blue or ocean blue.

Photo by Tomoki Kagoshima

真実 の 青を探しに

Teshikaga

One day
is notenough!
Tokyo

Mt. Io - Known as Atosa-nupuri in the Ainu language, meaning
Naked Mountain, Mt. Io has over 1,500 fumaroles that continue
to rumble and vent white steam. In this peculiar place a vast andradiant ﬁeld of stars becomes visible at night, the same stars
under which sulfur was mined as raw material for fuel in the
distant past.
Planet Earth ‒ Photo by Tomokazu SatoB

in the distance, conspicuously bare among
the trail-cut wilderness. It lends its heat tothe hot springs of Kawayu, famousthroughout Japan for their potent acidity.
And when you grow tired of roughing it,
you can enjoy an authentic Japanese meal
made from the freshest ingredients in the
country, and then spend your evening in
the comfort of a traditional Japaneseryokan (inn).

efore coming to Teshikaga, you may
have imagined Japan as anunending, fast-paced, urban sprawl.
It will surprise you to find a place with therolling green hills and quiet charm of the
English countryside hidden away in thenorthern reaches of the industrial giant.

The source of the hot spring in Kawayu Onsen is said to be theunderground waters of Lake Mashu, which are heated when they
pass under Mt. Io and then rise to the surface. The Tsutsujigahara
Nature Trail, which runs from Kawayu Onsen to the base of Mt. Io,
features a bounty of vibrant and ever-changing tree life.

Photo by Shinobu Katase

Beyond the lush hills lie the mountains
encircling the mysterious, clear face of
Lake Mashu and the still waters of Lake
Kussharo. Resting on the western bank ofKussharo is a refuge for the culture of the
Ainu, the people who have lived here for
hundreds of years; providing an
opportunity to learn about a heritage on
the brink of extinction. Mount Io Atosa-nupuri in Ainu language, smolders

Words can express the stunning diversityof Teshikaga’s landscapes, the quality of its
local delicacies, or the kindness of its
people, but these are all things, perhaps,that you cannot truly understand until you
experience them yourself.

Emergency Call
Police : 110
Fire station or ambulance : 119

Mashu Kosei Hospital (Emergencies)
TEL:015-482-2241

AMDA International Medical
Information Center
www.amdamedicalcenter.com/activities
TEL:03-6233-9266 (Mon - Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Safety Tips
www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng/

Lake Kussharo ‒ The largest caldera lake in Japan, Kussharo
becomes a paradise of Whooper swans every winter. After theirlong journey from Siberia, they rest their wings in the hot springwater which gushes out from the bottom of the lake. By turns
friendly and aloof, these elegant creatures exude an air of graceand pride.
Photo by Tomoki Kagoshima

JNTO Tourist Information Center(English, Chinese, Korean)
TEL:03-3201-3331 (Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Teshikaga Town Office
TEL:015-482-2191

Teshikaga Police Station
TEL:015-482-2110
Kawayu Police Substation
TEL:015-483-2151

Find out more
“Teshikaga-navi” www.masyuko.or.jp/en/
Teshikaga-navi provides extensive information about where you
can go,what you can do and where you can stay in Teshikaga.
“Untouched HOKKAIDO” https://untouchedhokkaido.jp/en/
Find information about the surrounding area.

ver.3 - August 2023

Discover True Blue

History of Teshikaga

Teshikaga is located in a basin referred to as a“caldera” meaning “pot” or “cauldron” inSpanish left over from ancient volcanic
activity. Gentle, sloping mountains line
Teshikaga from the east, up around the north,and all the way around to the west. Thesemountains act as a sort of folding screen,
separating Teshikaga from the surrounding
lands and giving the town a unique characterof its own. Rice, the main food of the Japanesepeople, cannot be grown in this cold climate.
The cherry blossoms beloved by the Japanesepeople bloom nearly 2 months later here thanin Tokyo, and the locals of this region areamong the last to see the pink flowers every
year.

Human presence in Teshikaga can be traced
back to around 7,000 years ago. The firstsettlers discovered a fish gathering spot amidst
the flowing river and tried to insert shafts in
an attempt to place nets. But in the end, they
lamented the presence of the hindering andsteadfast bedrock below. In the native Ainu
language, “Teshikaga” means “above thebedrock.” The reason this area flourished wasdue to the presence of sulfur. Sulfur
summoned the railroad to this region,
breathing life into industry after industry.
Tourism and leisure permeated the lives of thepeople, and along with those trends Teshikaga
was established as a major hot spring area.
Spurring forth this development was thedesignation of a national park and constructionof major roads. Even now, 860 thousand people
annually visit this nature-rich land. These
people are able to feel the Hokkaido thatexisted in ancient times.

Why were the first settlers charmed by thisuntamable land? It is hard for us to answer thatquestion now. But isn’t it romantic to imagine
that people were first drawn here by a cool,clean blueness?
The ethereal Lake Mashu boasts having being
the clearest lake in the world at one time. The
blue waters lacking of any impurity still
remain to this day. Since the lake itself cannot
be accessed except for the purpose of periodic
inspections, only the wind is allowed to touch
the surface of the water.
Teshikaga possesses yet another body of water:
Lake Kussharo. Looking down from theelevated northern side of town, a willowy
figure appears like an outstretched goddess
wrapped in blue clothing.
The sky is an unobstructed, sorrowful blue.
Perhaps it is because of the crystal clear air
that the blue pierces even the whiteness ofsnow.
Teshikaga encompasses more than 50% ofJapan’s famous Akan-Mashu National Park.
The unique climate and natural features allow
for flowers that otherwise could not survive to
bloom, and the aftereffects of volcanic
quickening give birth to an abundance of
naturally occurring hot springs. This town is
not surrounded by nature; it humbly resides
within nature.

Translated by Eric Odle

Teshikaga is
divided into

3 areasKussharo

KawayuOnsen

Lake Kussharo
52

52

391

243

Mashu
241

Lake
Mashu

Akan-Mashu NATIONAL

Activities

Recommended season varies depending on the weather
conditions every year.

HikingTrails in the deep primeval forests,
refreshing tracks along the lakes,
ridgeways with breathtakingly immense views,
and rough rocky trails heading to the mountains– there are a variety ofwalking trails in Teshikaga.
Once you take to the trails,
you will be moved by thesongs of birds and thechirps and buzzes of theinsects around you. The
cool climate fosters alpine
plants that usually only
grow on high mountains. You will be able to finda trail that fits your ability and preferencesamong courses from a half day easy walk to a 2night 3 day trek to a neighboring town.
Recommended Season : Mid May – October (Dependingon the snow condition for mountain climbing)

52

243
391

Teshikaga is located in eastern Hokkaido and isdivided into three areas by locals: Mashu,
Kawayu Onsen, and Kussharo. Lake Mashu isworld famous for its clear water, Kawayu Onsen
offers pristine water flowing directly from a hot
spring source, and there are breathtaking viewsof Lake Kussharo from surrounding passes andhilltops.

Fishing
Why don’t you
try Matching
the Hatch at the Lake
Kussharo, Japan’s largest
caldera lake andrecognized as the Mecca
of fly fishing? Lake Kussharo is very bountiful. At
any time you could come face to face with
Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon and JapaneseDace. Catch and Release is the basic rule in thisarea to sustain the beautiful and fragile
environment.
Recommended Season : June – October (except August)Canoeing
The Kushiro
River is one of
the few“National class A” rivers inJapan which has its flow
unobstructed by dams all
the way to the ocean.
Canoeing in the headwater stream of theKushiro River is a fantastic and valuable
experience in this region. You will be excited tosee fish darting through the transparent water
while birds flutter through the trees. Taking in
the natural beauty of the area from the vantage
of a canoe will surely bring each person new
and personal discoveries. If you are a beginner,the experienced canoe guides will escort you
safely through this unforgettable canoe
experience.
Recommended Season : May – October

Cycling
Cycle in the
middle of the
deep forest along Lake
Kussharo and touch thebreath of mother earth at
the foot of Mt. Io – a sulfur
mountain emitting whitesmoke. Ride along a straight road through idyllic
pastures and begin the challenging ascent

PARK IS OUR BACKYARD

AccessShiretoko
Abashiri

Plane

Memanbetsu
Airport Kawayu Onsen

Asahikawa

Mashu

JR Shinkansen

Nakashibetsu
AirportJR Train

Kushiro Airport

New Chitose
AirportCar

KushiroSapporoObihiroBy Plane & Car

Minami-Chitose

From Tokyo

KushiroHanedaAirport →95min→ Airport → 73km

Nakashibetsu
Haneda→Airport
Airport →100min→
50km

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto

Recommended Season : May – October

Bird Watching
Teshikaga is also a bird sanctuary. You
will meet manyof them while walking in
the parks and woods, aswell as just driving on thestreet. The majestic
White-tailed Eagles,
Steller's Eagles andWhooper Swans are
particularly impressive.
Prefectural bird of Hokkaido, the Tancho, or
red-crowned crane, sometimes shows its
elegant figure in town. In winter, Lake Kussharo
is a paradise for Whooper swans and thephotographers from all over the world whowant to capture their beauty.
Recommended Season : October – June

Snow Shoeing
Eastern Hokkaido is renowned for its
brilliant sunny days in winter. While
exploring this pure, white world in snow shoes,
surrounded by hoarfrost and diamond dust (tiny
ice crystals in the air), you can reach hidden

places that are otherwise
inaccessible. Snow shoeing
offers the unique
opportunity ofencountering frozen lakes,
snow-capped mountains,
wild birds, and otheranimals. In the ice-cold airof minus 20 degrees centigrade, as you delve
into hushed, snow-white forests, you will
experience the tranquil majesty of winter in
Hokkaido.

Hakodate

By Trainwww.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/
JR train information

The darkness at night in Teshikaga isspellbinding. In
the crystal-clear sky,millions of stars will appear
right before your eyes. The
sky is so clear and vast that
subtle shades of light canbe seen in the Milky Way,and shooting stars areclearly visible, providing
the perfect opportunity to make a wish.
Encompassed by this astonishing view of theheavens, you'll be able to glimpse the boundlessnature of the universe and humanity's place Kyoto
within it.
Recommended Season : October – March

Activities and tours are provided by local
operators. Please visit “Teshikaga-navi” formore details. www.masyuko.or.jp/en/[Mashu area]

New Chitose
Haneda/Narita→→→
Airport
Airport
304km
90min/100min

There are two main train stations in Teshikaga. The nearest station to the Mashu area is Mashu
station and the nearest to the Kawayu Onsen area is Kawayu Onsen station. These stations areon the JR Hokkaido Senmo Line between Kushiro station and Abashiri station.

Recommended Season : January – March

Stargazing

Teshikaga

Memanbetsu
Haneda→Airport
Airport →100min→
68km

New Chitose Airport

From
Tokyo

Teshikaga↓

Minami-Chitose↓

JR Shinkansen
4h.20min.

JR Limited Express Super Ozora
3h.50min.〜4h.00min.

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto↓
Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto↓

JR Chitose Line
3min.

JR Limited Express Super Ozora
4h.00min.〜4h.30min.

JR Senmo Line (Kushiro〜Abashiri)
1h.30min.〜1h.50min.

↓

Mashu

Tokyo
30

℃

Climate Calendar

Maximum temperature

From
SapporoKushiro↓

JR Limited Express Super Hokuto
3h.00min.

Average temperature

JR Senmo Line
20min.

Minimum temperature

KawayuOnsen

Precipitation

mm

22.5

Temperature

toward Lake Mashu. You will understand why
this is called one of Japan’s cyclist paradises
when you ride through an area abundant inwildlife. There are a variety of courses that suit
any level of cyclist from beginner to expert.
Cyclists get together in town to participate in“Granfondo Mashu” in spring every year andcomplete a 100km ride through pleasant roads.

120

15
7.5

80

0

40

-7.5
-15

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr

May

Jun.

Month

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

0

Japan Meteorological Agency : 1991~2020

1

A

B

① Mt. Mokoto Hiking Trails 藻琴山登山道 [A-2]

Mt. Mokoto is the highest mountain among the outer rim of the volcanic crater of Lake Kussharo.
Captivating scenery from the summit (1,000m) of Lake Kussharo and the Sea of Okhotsk will
surely reenergize you. You can choose one of several trails depending on your preference.
・Approx. 2km one way (60min.) from Highland Koshimizu 725 parking lot. The elevation gain is about 275m. (Skyline
Trail)
・Please register your name in the notebook in the wooden post at the trail entrance before you start hiking.

C

etoko
→

2km

Town Office Kawayu Branch
弟子屈町 川湯支所

Kawayu-jinja Shrine
1115

1000m

Lake Kussharo
屈斜路湖

Bihoro Pass

The 62 km Mashu Kussharo Trail (MKT) runs from the Mashu Caldera, overlooking Lake Mashu,
to Bihoro Pass on the western rim of the Kussharo Caldera, with views over Lake Kussharo.
Please visit the MKT website for more details. https://mashukussharotrail.jp/en/52

砂湯Campsite
Wakoto Campsite (RECAMP Wakoto)
和琴野営場（RECAMP和琴）[A-4]
Open: late April – early November.
www.nap-camp.com/hokkaido/14159

EHAB Outdoor Field Lakeside Wakoto

和琴湖畔キャンプフィールド [A-4]
Open: April – November.
Please inquire about winter season (December – March) operation.
https://outdoorfield-ehabwakoto.amebaownd.com

Sunayu Campsite (RECAMP Sunayu)
砂湯キャンプ場（RECAMP 砂湯）[A-3]
Open: mid March – mid November.
www.nap-camp.com/hokkaido/13247
桜が丘森林公園オートキャンプ場 (RECAMP摩周) [B-5]
Open: April – end of December.
www.nap-camp.com/hokkaido/13251⑤

Sunayu Campsite (RECAMP Sunayu)
Ikenoyu Onsen Outdoor BathWakoto Peninsula

MAP❷

硫黄山（アトサヌプリ）

Biruwa Kumano-jinja Shrine

Kushiro River

Wakoto Campsite (RECAMP Wakoto)P

799.5m

P

美留和駅

243

Atagosha Shrine

Mt. Nishibetsu⑦

Wakoto Peninsula

52・15 min. drive from JR Mashu Station.
・Bus service is available from JR Mashu
Station in summer and winter. Pleasecheck “Teshikaga Eco-Passport” at“Teshikaga-navi” for details.
www.masyuko.or.jp/en/

Mashu Cultural Centerてしかがの蔵美羅尾山

JR Mashu Station

732m←Akanko Onsen(Lake Akan)

⑨

摩周駅

P

Drugstore

241【Taiho Sumo Museum】大鵬相撲記念館 [MAP①]
Since the great Yokozuna (Sumo Champion),
Taiho, spent his boyhood in this town, a Sumo
Museum and his statue were built to memorialize
his great triumph. You can even try on thesurprisingly heavy “keshomawashi” - a sumo
wrestler’s ceremonial apron - in the museum.
Open: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Admission: JPY 420 / adulthttps://bit.ly/43KjP2b
Tel: 015-483-2924

243

Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen
摩周温泉

241

Taxi

Mashu Taxi（摩周ハイヤー）[MAP③]
http://masyuhire.teshikaga.asia (only Japanese spoken)

Town Center

900草原

Tsurui
川湯ビジターセンター [B-3]↓This museum is a must for anyone who wishes toKussharo area

243

Supermarket
Hardware Store
Drugstore 243

Nandaro Bridge
なんだろう橋公民館

Teshikaga-jinja
ShrineSupermarket

PoliceIzuminoyu
Public Bathhouse

警察署

弟子屈神社

Fire Station

Hospital

消防署

Bicycle Rental

Onsen (Hot Spring)243

Community Center
役場

Motorcycle & Bicycle Rental

EZO-Rider（EZOライダー）[MAP①]
www.ezorider.com/ (only Japanese spoken)

Okku Outdoor Challenge（オックアウトドアチャレンジ）www.okkuoutdoorchallenge.com/ (only Japanese spoken)

Teshikaga JR Mashu Station
Post Office
摩周駅
Town Office

sen
On n)
o
k
a
kan Ak←A (Lake

Kuruma-kan（くるま館）[MAP③] TEL:015-482-5688(only Japanese spoken)

弟子屈市街

弟子屈郵便局

泉の湯共同浴場

摩周厚生病院

Sakuragaoka Shinrin Park RV Campground (RECAMP Mashu)
桜が丘森林公園オートキャンプ場（RECAMP摩周）

Tsurui↓

Foot BathView PointTourist Info

ShrineFree Wi-Fi

MuseumParking

Post OfficePark

Gas Station

Fishing Point

Police Station

Campsite

Hospital

Michi-no-Eki (Road Station)
Road
Forest Road
Hiking Trail

Hot Spring

Teshikaga is abundant with hot springs and the qualities of all of them are different. There
are many outdoor hot spring baths and foot baths right in the middle of Teshikaga’s
beautiful natural surroundings that you can use for free. Using the hot springs at a publicbathhouse or a day use facility at a hotel is another option. Among them, the water of
Kawayu Onsen will beautify your skin due to its high acidity (PH of about 1.8). Facilities
provide 100% natural hot spring water.

屈斜路コタン アイヌ民族資料館 [A-4]

Opened in 1982, this museum has been educating
about the lives of the Ainu people who have lived
in Kussharo Kotan (village) for a long time. You
can also experience Ainu culture for yourself! Tryon traditional Ainu clothing and have your picture
taken. The instructor will teach you about thesignificance of Ainu patterns and embroidery.
Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April 10 - November 30)
Closed: December 1 - April 9
Admission: JPY 420 / adult Tel: 015-484-2128

MAP❸

Convenience Store
900 Grassland

Car Rental

Convenience Store

900草原展望館【Kawayu Visitor Center】【Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum】

Suigo Park
水郷公園

Kyu-maru-maru Sogen (900 Grassland)
Observatory

learn about nature in this region of Hokkaido. The
museum offers information on the geographic
history of Akan-Mashu National park, Ainu
culture, the flora and fauna in the Kawayu area,and more!!
Open: 8:00 am-5:00 pm (April-October)
9:00 am-4:00 pm (November-March)
Closed: every Wednesday (The following day if a public holiday
falls on Wednesday) and December 29-January 3.
Admission: Free
www.kawayu-eco-museum.com/english/
Tel: 015-483-4100

Convenience
Store

P

桜が丘森林公園オートキャンプ場（RECAMP摩周）

There are a few museums for you to enjoy on rainy days. Even if you are just a little too
tired to be outside, visit one of the small yet very interesting museums to learn more
about the local culture and history of Teshikaga.

【Teshikaga-no-Kura】 てしかがの蔵 [B-4]
A local museum located in Mashu Cultural
Center, featuring the history of Teshikaga town.
You’ll find treasures of Hokkaido railways as wellas thousands of photos, posters, and household
items from days gone by. You might even discoversomething very precious among them!
Open : 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Closed : every Tuesday, The fallowing day of national holiday andDecember 30- January 5.
Admission : Free
Tel: 015-482-1811

MAP❸

Nakashibetsu→

Sakuragaoka Shinrin Park RV Campground (RECAMP Mashu)

Enjoy Museum on R ainy Day

Mashu area

52

Teshikaga-no-Kura

Mt. Birao

ペケレ山

Kawayu area

JR Mashu Station（JR摩周駅）[MAP③]
https://bit.ly/3DzoSrw (Train Timetable)

釧路圏摩周観光文化センター

和琴半島

Mt. Pekere

5

JR

西別岳

愛宕社

和琴フィールドハウス

MAP❹

⑧

第一展望台

JR Biruwa Station

Local Bus

There are local bus service in town. The service is quite limited, though. Please check the bus stops
and timetable at the tourist information center in town.
Akan Bus Head Oﬃce（阿寒バス本社） www.akanbus.co.jp

How to access Lake Mashu

和琴野営場 (RECAMP和琴）
EHAB Outdoor Field
Lakeside Wakotoe Wakoto Field House (Nature museum)391

摩周岳（カムイヌプリ）

Observation Deck No.1

美留和熊野神社

和琴神社

和琴温泉

HOP ON HOP OFF Sightseeing Bus service is available in summer and winter. The Eco-Passport is a pass for somelocal buses and special buses offering this service. Please check the service period and timetableat ”Teshikaga-navi ” www.masyuko.or.jp/en/

Mt. Mashu (Kamui-nupuri)
857m

釧路川

Wakoto-jinja Shrine

和琴湖畔キャンプフィールド

カムイシュ島Kotan Onsen Outdoor Bath

コタンの湯

アイヌ民族資料館

Teshikaga Eco-Passport

Kamuishu Island

第三展望台

Kussharo Kotan
Ainu Museum

Wakoto Onsen
Outdoor BathT ransportation within Teshikaga

裏摩周展望台摩周湖

Observation Deck No.3

MAP❹

Ura-Mashu Viewing Platform

Lake Mashu

243

4

Please visit “Teshikaga-navi” for details. www.masyuko.or.jp/en/

52

②

津別峠

150

52

和琴半島

Tsubetsu Pass

Tourist Info. Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen [MAP③], JR Mashu Station [MAP③], Kawayu Visitor Center [MAP①]
Free Wiﬁ Free Wifi is available at 10 places in town. Please see map. [MAP ①②③④][A-4][B-4][C-4]Free PC Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen, Tourist Info. [MAP③]
ATM 7-Eleven Teshikaga Chuo-ten (Convenience Store) [MAP③]
Accommodation & Dining There is a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and cafés in town.

1115

川湯温泉駅

Mt. Io (Atosa-nupuri)

池の湯JR川湯温泉駅

391⑥ JR Kawayu Onsen Station

砂湯キャンプ場（RECAMP砂湯）

中島

P

JR Kawayu Onsen
StationLocal Products

Local products in Teshikaga benefit from the fertile land and coolclimate. Mashu Soba – flavorful greenish buckwheat noodles – has agreat reputation by soba professionals all around Japan. About 10
different types of potatoes are produced in Teshikaga, and each potato
is cooked in a different way. Mashu Melon, which is well known for its
high sugar content, is one of the best fruits in town. Mashu Pork and
Mashu Beef are also must eat products if you visit Teshikaga. You canenjoy Pork Bowl – pork on top of a bowl of rice, and Beef BBQ at local
restaurants and accommodations. Bon appetit !!

Wakoto Onsen [A-4] 和琴温泉

Kotan Onsen [A-4] コタン温泉

Ikenoyu [A-3] 池の湯

！Tast
まい

y!

Sakuragaoka Shinrin Park RV Campground (RECAMP Mashu)

P

→
hiro
Kus

1. In bad weather, there may be dangers of sliding down, falling rocks, falling trees & branches, avalanches andmudslides. Even in good weather, accidents can happen in the wilderness. Please be aware of potential
dangers and know that going into the forests or mountains is fully your own responsibility.
2. Do not stray from trails or mountain tracks.
3. Bring back all garbage with you.
4. Do not feed or approach wild animals.
5. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended when you drive on forest roads. However, Please note forest
roads may be closed depending on road conditions.
6. Please visit Kawayu Visitor Center to get a map and information about the trails before you go for a walk.
You will also find information on trail conditions and bear safety.
＊ Kawayu Visitor Center [B-3] → www.kawayu-eco-museum.com/english/④

Sunayu

神の子池

川湯温泉駅

→
iro
sh
Ku

Know Before You Go

Kaminoko-ike Pond

川湯ビジターセンター

Nakajima Islandcommon than by brown bears. Avoid
wearing black colored clothes - as thiscolor excites the hornets - and if they
approach and intimidate you, cover yourneck and head with a white towel, stop moving,then slowly back away. Do not touch Red
Foxes since they sometimes carryechinococcosis. Don’t drink water fromstreams, rivers or ponds because they could becontaminated by feces. There are Mountainticks, Mosquitoes and Gadflies out in theforest. Use insect repellent and cover your skinwith long sleeves and long pants when you
enjoy outdoor activities.

Teshikaga is surrounded by vast wilderness.
This means that you may encounter some
harmful animals and insects while you arestaying in the area. Please be aware of these
dangers:Brown Bears, which, in Japan, only
inhabit Hokkaido, have good ears and once
they hear the sounds humans create, they tend
to avoid people. When you go into theforest, bring a bear bell or chat withyour friends to let the bears know you
are there. Injuries inflicted by
Yellow Jackets (Hornets) are more

Kawayu Onsen
MAP❷ Stationaayu
aw sen Are←K On harossKu

Mashu Kussharo Trail 摩周・屈斜路トレイル

MAP❶ 391
Kawayu Visitor Center

③

美幌峠

3

Be aware !!

川湯ビジターセンター

243⑨ Mt. Pekere Hiking Trail ペケレ山登山道 [A-5]

Mt. Pekere is called "Pekere-ewa" in the Ainu language. "Pekere" means "bright" and "ewa" means"hill". From the summit (732m) , you can enjoy a panoramic view of east Hokkaido including
Kussharo Caldera, Mashu Caldera, Konsen Plateau, Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan.
・Approx. 2.5km one way (1h.30min.) from the parking lot on the forest road. The elevation gain is about 480m.
・Please register your name in the notebook in the wooden post at the trail entrance before you start hiking.

①

o→

藻琴山展望駐車公園

Spectacular trail on the outer rim of the volcanic crater leading to Mt. Mashu. Lake Mashu changes
its shape on your left while the exhilarating view of the everlasting Konsen Plateau is on your right.
This trail will show you the real magnificence of Hokkaido. The last 300m of the trail is the toughestpart, but you will be rewarded by a fantastic view from the summit (857m).
・Approx. 7.2km one way (2h.30min.) from Lake Mashu Observation Deck No.1. The elevation gain is about 311m.
・Please register your name in the notebook in the wooden post at the trail entrance before you start hiking.

⑧ Mt. Nishibetsu Hiking Trail 西別岳登山道 [C-4]
If you start from Lake Mashu Observation Deck No.1, take the trail to Mt. Mashu and then at thejunction of Mt. Nishibetsu, follow the signs. If you start from Nishibetsu-goya (hut) parking lot on
the forest road in Shibecha town, three different wildflower communities will greet you in eachseason. Spectacular mountain views of Akan-Mashu National Park , Siretoko and Kunashiri Island
can be seen from the summit (799.5m).
・Approx. 8.2km one way (2h.15min.) from Lake Mashu Observation Deck No.1. The elevation gain is about 254m.
・Approx. 3.3km one way (1h.30min.) from Nishibetsu-goya (hut) parking lot. The elevation gain is about 465m.
・Please register your name in the notebook in the wooden post at the trail entrance before you start hiking.

P

M
t. I

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⑦ Mt. Mashu Hiking Trail 摩周岳登山道 [C-4]

KawayuVisitor Center

Mt.Mokoto Observation Deck & Parking⑥ Aoba Tunnel Nature Trail 青葉トンネル [B-3]

Starting from JR Kawayu Onsen Station, cross Route 391 and then you can walk through the
deep green forest to Mt. Io. If you take Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail from Mt. Io, it will lead
you to Kawayu Onsen village.
・Approx. 1.5km one way (35min.) from JR Kawayu Onsen Station to Mt. Io parking lot.

大鵬相撲記念館

ハイランド小清水725

Convenience
Store

as
hu
→

An easy yet fascinating trail at the foot of Mt. Io. Japanese stone pine and Labrador tea cover
the surrounding lowlands extending to the Kawayu Visitor Center where you can enjoy theforest of Sakhalin spruce and Japanese oak.
・Approx. 2.5km one way (60min.) from Kawayu Visitor Center to Mt. Io parking lot.

Highland Koshimizu 725

藻琴山

駐在所

width of 20 km, and its present shape appears tohave been formed between 100,000 and
130,000 years ago by a large eruption. Lake
Kussharo, located inside the caldera, is thelargest caldera lake in Japan. Located just to theeast of Kussharo caldera, Mashu caldera is 7.5
km long and 5.5 km wide and was formed about
7,000 years ago in a large eruption. It is also thesite of Lake Mashu, which boasts some of theworld’s clearest water, and Mt. Mashu(Kamui-nupuri), which has an impressive
explosion crater.
The forests, lakes, and environmental diversitythat can be seen at Akan-Mashu National Parkare built upon topography created by volcanic
activity from the past.

M⑤ Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail つつじヶ原自然探勝路 [B-3]

Mt. Mokoto

Taiho Sumo
MuseumPoliceLocated near the center of eastern Hokkaido,
Akan-Mashu National Park is abundant inprimeval scenes of interwoven volcanoes, forests,
and lakes. It received its designation in 1934 andis the most historied National Park in
Hokkaido. Its total area is 91,413 ha, most ofwhich is covered by virgin subarctic conifer
forest. It is said that its forests have the mostdistinct appearance of all of those in thenational parks of Japan.
The foundation of Akan-Mashu National Park is
the three calderas - Akan, Kussharo and Mashu- which were formed by the activity of the
Chishima Islands volcanic area. A caldera is a
depression in the earth created by a cave-in orcollapse. Kussharo caldera in Teshikaga is one ofJapan’s largest with a length of 26 km and aLake④ Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail アカエゾマツの森散策路 [B-3]
There are two easy short and long trails in the Sakhalin Spruce Forest just behind the Kawayu
Visitor Center where you can enjoy the pristine wilderness of the deep forest in Akan-Mashu
National Park. Sakhalin spruce in this forest are said to grow relatively slowly because theground of the forest is made of volcanic ash soil from the Mt. Mashu and Mt. Io. The long trail
joins the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail that leads to Mt. Io.
・From Kawayu Visitor Center; Short Trail : Approx. 0.8km circuit (20min.) Long Trail : Approx. 2.2km circuit (60min.)

川湯ふるさと館

緑駅

oro
Bih
←

③ Nibushi Nature Trail 仁伏半島自然散策路 [B-3]
The nature trail leads around the forested Nibushi Peninsula and includes a stretch of the sandylakeshore. Sakhalin fir and broadleaf tree species, including towering Katsura, line the trail for much ofits length. Sections of the trail offer views across Lake Kussharo. A short loop trail returns to the starting
point and is especially attractive when leaves are fresh in spring and colorful in fall.
・From the Nibushi Nature Trail entrance; Short loop trail: Approx. 3.2 km (60 min.) Long loop trail: Approx 4.3 km(1h.15min.)

Kawayu Furusatokan

JR Midori Station

2

川湯神社

←KussharoArea② Wakoto Nature Trail 和琴半島自然探勝路 [A-3]

Because of high geothermal heat, Wakoto Peninsula is the most northern habitat of the
Mingming-zemi (Robust cicada) and there are many wildflowers on rich soil. You can see
volcanic activity at the edge of the peninsula called "Oyakotsu-jigoku (Fumarole)". Once youenter the trail, Sakhalin fir trees and giant Katsura trees greet you and invite you into theprimeval forest.
・Approx. 2.5km circuit (60min.) from the Wakoto Nature Trail entrance.

川湯温泉

MAP❶

805

Shari /Shir

Map of Teshikaga

Overview of Akan-Mashu National Park

Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen→

HikingHiking Trail
Forest Road