After the extra-terrestrial experience at Mount Iwo, we were on our way to Lake Mashū (摩周湖). It was pretty obvious that our guide, Shitona, was in love with the lake and she kept telling us over and over, how beautiful the lake looked on a bright sunny day. Although it is usually adored for its clear blue water, the lake is frequently blanketed in heavy fog and it is a rarity to view it at its scenic best.
Lake Mashū or Mashūko, is the smallest of the three caldera lakes in Akan National Park. The comma-shaped lake with a circumference of 20 km originated from volcano activity of Mt. Mashū some 32,000 years ago. The lake is surrounded by steep crater walls, 200 meters high with no inlets or outlets Along with Lake Baikal in Siberia, it is classified as one of the most transparent lakes of the world.
We were again surrounded by Spruce forests.
The drive to Lake Mashu from Mt. Iwo takes about 40 minutes
After many twists and turns we finally arrived at the lake. The bus dropped us off near the parking lot. The path was slippery with frozen ice all over the place. Near the parking lot, one can also find toilets and a large shop selling snacks and souvenirs.
We walked up to the big observation deck. Luckily for us it was a sunny day and the bright blue water of the lake looked stunning. I hadn’t taken the words of our guide seriously until that moment as I stood in awe at the sparkling blue lake.
The upper observation deck at Lake Mashu
The aboriginal Ainu used to call this lake, Kamuito which means “Lake of the Gods.” Over time, the Japanese began to refer to the lake by the neighboring peak, Mount Mashū. The Ainu name for this peak is Kamuinupuri or “Mountain of the Gods.” Surrounded by Mt. Mashū-dake, the deep blue mirror-like waters of Lake Mashū makes one wonder how this garden of Eden came down to Earth.
From the observation deck one can see Mt. Mashū towering on the eastern shore. Two volcanoes have grown out of the Mashū caldera. Kamuishu (divine island), a lava dome which rises from the middle of the lake, is one. The other is Mount Kamui, which forms the highest point on the eastern shore. In the caldera of Mt. Mashū, the steep crater walls around the lake make it a unique landscape. The volcanic activity keeps the lake from getting frozen unlike Lake Akan and Lake Kussharo.
Lake Mashu is generally shrouded in mist. It's a rare sight to view the lake like this, at its scenic best
On our left, we noticed a trail going over the ridge to an open area with some lovely bunch of trees. We decided to walk up to the beautiful peak. On our right it was a steep 200 m slope right to the edge of the lake. The knee-deep snow made it real tough to walk. Still it was safer than slippery ice.
Walking up the ridge to the beautiful peak near the viewpoint | Credits: Ranita Saha
At the peak it a lovely feeling with no one around us in that garden of Eden. I stood there, striving to mentally capture my favorite image of Lake Mashū and retain it in my memories. Time flies in these moments. After basking in the view for what seemed like only minutes, we walked back to the parking lot. I still had a few minutes on my time for the bus to leave, so I hurried down to the lower observation deck, behind the shops and took some unobstructed views of the lake. As of today, in my opinion, Lake Mashū is one of the two most beautiful lakes in Japan, the other being Lake Biwa.
The tiny island in the middle of the lake is called Kamuishu Island
Generally there tends to be a lot of fog at the lake. Most of my instagram friends warned me about it. However, from the end of January the lake is comparatively clear. On some days the temperature reaches -5℃ in the afternoon, so one must go properly equipped against the cold. After taking some wide shots of the lake, we walked back towards the bus. Once everyone was back on the bus, we left for Lake Akan.
From the lovely lake Kussharo, we drove into the mountains towards Mount Io, also known as Iōzan. Gradually the landscape changed as the forest of Sakhalin Spruce gave way to the rocky surface of Iōzan. Only a few dwarf stone pines and heathberry plants can be seen in the vicinity.
Barren landscape around Iozan
Shitona, our tour guide kept us entertained with legends and mythical folklore of the area. But she only spoke Japanese. These are the times I deeply wish I had learnt a bit of Japanese. I so love to hear stories…
As we got closer it seemed like a thick cloud had engulfed the side of the mountain.
Volcanic gases engulfing the side of Iozan
Japan is full of volcanic islands. Due to high volcanic activity one can find numerous rich hot springs spread all over the country. Iōzan (硫黄山) is one such place.
Iōzan, also known as the “Sulfur Mountain” is an active volcano in the Shiretoko Peninsula. In native Ainu language the Iōzan is called “Atosa Nupuri“, which means “Naked Mountain.” Sulfur was mined on Mt. Io from 1865 to 1867 and again in 1887-88. The 1889 volcanic eruption resulted in a sulfur flow of some 80,000 tons of the mineral. Over the next decade most of the sulfur was taken out thereafter the mining stopped. Its yellow, sulfurous vents can be viewed from close proximity as visitors are allowed to walk around near the steaming area.
As we got down from the White Pirika bus, I could smell the sulfur, drifting in the air. The path up the mountain was covered in snow. We walked carefully towards the steaming vents. As we neared the vents, we could hear water bubbling. As hot volcanic gases escape from these volcanic vents, they cool rapidly, depositing sulfur as fluorescent yellow crystals around the openings.
Yellow crystal deposits of sulphur on Mount Io
Although I was a bit scared at first, I walked up to some of the smaller vents. The smell was overpowering near the fuming vents. The strong gases from the vents exerts an enormous influence on the surrounding vegetation. Mt. Kabuto, right next to Iōzan, differs significantly with regard to the vegetation. Standing amidst these steam bellowing vents and yellow crystallize rocks it felt like we were on a different planet altogether.
The sulfur spewing vents near the base of Mt. Io. It feels like stepping onto some extraterrestrial planet | Credits: Ranita Saha
Up towards the summit, there were many bigger vents but for tourist safety a thick rope blocked access to those areas. Mount Io has about 1,500 such vents on its reddish rusty mountain surface. While the composition of the discharge will differ depending on the fissure, water vapor and volcanic gases are constantly being emitted as white smoke. The mountain has been vastly subdued and the last recorded eruption of liquid sulfur happened in 1936.
Sulphur vents near the summit of Mt Io
After some time we walked back to the bus. Near the parking lot, one can find the Iozan Visitor Center, that also offers some refreshments. I have heard they serve eggs cooked by the natural heat of the mountain. It was almost lunchtime and we headed towards Kawayu Onsen station for lunch. Lunch is arranged by the Akan Bus operators, but the cost is not included in the tour package.
After a quick lunch we wandered around the Kawayu Onsen Station
After lunch, we wandered around for a bit. Near the station we discovered a souvenir shop and went inside. In the shop was a big black cat and I chased after him 🙂
We came back to the bus early. Others were still not finished with lunch. We got back to our seats and waited for them to arrive. Within a few minute they slowly trickled in one by one. Once everyone was aboard we were off to Lake Mashu.
We woke up to a beautiful morning. It was our third day on the enchanting island of Hokkaido and I was looking forward to our tour of Akan National Park. We were lodged on the 9th floor of the Prince Kushiro Hotel and I could see the wide sea from our window. The roads were deserted and snow had created a carpet of white over the town. The thought of walking to the docks and capturing the sunrise did cross my mind but I controlled the temptation and prepared for the day’s trip.
Woke up at dawn to see the city of Kushiro draped in a carpet of snow
At 8 am, Mani and I, went down to the reception and picked up our tickets for the White Pirika sightseeing bus. The White Pirika sightseeing tour offers an all-day round trip of the most popular nature spots in Akan National Park including Tancho Crane Reserve, Swan viewing at Lake Kussharo, Sulfur spewing Iōzan, Lake Mashū and Lake Akan. The tickets cost ¥4600 per person. The bus leaves from Kushiro station at 8:30 am. It makes a stop at Prince Kushiro Hotel so we just waited outside the Hotel for the bus to pick us up.
Hokkaido is one of the top winter birding and wildlife photography locations. The Akan National Park is home to a number of eye-catching iconic species: the resident Red-crowned Crane and Blakiston’s Fish Owl. In the winter you can also find the Whooper Swan and Steller’s Eagle. I was hoping to at least catch some of these today.
The bus was a few minutes late. As it stopped, a charming lady in a blazing red suit, got down to greet us. Her name was Shitona, she was our tour guide. She was not acquainted with English and spoke only in Japanese. It was quite helpful that Mani is fluent in Japanese and she translated most of what was said during the tour.
We took our seats towards the front of the bus. The bus was almost full and I was glad I had made our reservations from before.
Note: The White Pirika bus does not operate beyond March 6th.
The lady guide handed us a pamphlet and informed everyone about the route we would be taking along the tour. After a few turns, we left the city behind and entered the Kushiro Marshlands. Kushiro Marshland is a breeding ground for many animals including Japanese cranes. It is also a wildlife sanctuary registered under the Ramsar Convention. We didn’t stop at the observation point since there was nothing to see in the snow. In summers one can try walking on a boardwalk or even go canoeing in the marsh.
A Deer crossing on the way to Lake Kussharo
The Tancho Crane Reserve in Kushiro: Tsurui-mura
About 30 minutes into the drive, we reached the Tancho Crane Reserve. It is a popular spot for viewing Japanese cranes.
The Tancho have been believed to be a bird of good omen. It is very much respected by the local Ainu as Sarurunkamui (god of the marshland) since ancient times. In 1935, Tancho’s habitat was listed as one of Japan’s natural monument. Later in 1952 it was upgraded to “special natural monument.”
At one point of time the almost extinct Red crowned cranes have been brought back by the efforts of the local people of Kushiro
Within a few minutes, a couple of cranes flew into the park from nowhere. The couple played around in the snow. In-between one of them would give out a loud shrieking call. Hearing the call, another bunch of cranes came by, for our view pleasure.
Red-crowned cranes are said to form partnerships for life. They may be forced to part in the rarest of cases when one crane becomes badly injured or ill to breed. This bond between red-crowned crane partnerships is so strong that the red-crowned crane is used as a symbol of happy relationships in Japan. They are also considered a symbol of long life, as they can easily survive for 20 years in the wild or 40 years in sanctuaries like Tancho.
Red Crowned Cranes at Tancho Village
The Tancho are non-migratory in nature and use the Kushiro marshland as their nesting ground. In recent years, the red-crowned crane population has grown rapidly due to careful protection measures, but this has also resulted in an increase in the damage to local farmers’ crops. The wetlands that were initially breeding grounds have become too small, resulting in cranes breeding near residential areas. These cranes then help themselves to farmers’ crops or get into their barns and eat the cows’ feed, because it’s much easier than searching for the food they are meant to eat.
Despite these problems, the locals love them. In winters when food is scarce, the locals bring in corn for the birds. Due to the warm affection of these loving people, the Tancho numbers have increased year after year. Currently there are confirmed 600+ birds living in the area.
After capturing some of these beautiful birds, we were back at the bus stand, getting ready for our next destination. There is a cafe near the entrance to the reserve so If you are feeling the need for it you can enjoy a warm drink.
Lake Kussharo
After spending some time watching the cranes playing in the snow, we left for Lake Kussharo. Lake Kussharo is the largest of the three caldera lakes that make up Akan National Park. As with most geographic names in Hokkaido, the lake derives its name from the Ainu.
The Ainu word “Kuccharo,” means “The place where a lake becomes a river.”
Drive to lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is thought to have been formed over 100,000 years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. Volcanic activity is still active in these parts and if you dig the sand near the banks, you can find hot water.
Myth surrounding Lake Kussharo
The lake is also known as Japan’s Loch Ness, after some reported sightings of a lake monster in early 20th century. The monster is referred to as Kusshii, most likely borrowed from that of Loch Ness’s Nessie.
Lake Kussharo is about an hours drive from the Tancho Crane Reserve . It appeared mostly frozen as we got off from the bus. We couldn’t find any shops or eateries nearby, so if you are going using your own vehicle make sure you pack the essentials.
As we neared the lake. I was amazed by its breathtaking beauty. The banks of this vast lake are lined with Sakhalin spruce, found only in Japan & Russia. Across the white lake in the far distance, I could make out the sprawling Mt. Mokoto.
Just opposite to the lake lies the sprawling Mt. Mokoto
Whooper swans of Lake Kussharo
Geographically Hokkaido is very close to Eastern Russia but, unlike that area, Hokkaido is readily accessible year-round, safe and with excellent infrastructure. Situated on the East Asian Flyway, a migratory route connecting northeast Asia with Southeast Asia and Australasia, Hokkaido offers various avian residents an enchanting break during their long journey.
As temperatures dip towards freezing in late autumn and early winter, migrant swans like the Bewick’s Swans and Whooper Swan, arrive in angelic flocks trumpeting their stirring calls as they fly. While the Bewick’s Swans will pass through bound for Honshu, many of the Whooper Swans will linger, gracing the ice-free areas of the larger lakes and marshes through the winter months.
Hundreds of Whopper swans can be found lazying on the banks of Lake Kussharo
The whooper swan pronounced as hooper swan is found predominantly in the colder areas of the Northern Hemisphere. They have a deep honking call and, despite their size, are powerful fliers. The swans can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to their wintering sites like this one at Lake Kussharo.
The surface of the lake was frozen, but along the sandy beach, where the hot springs prevent any ice from forming, the swans were enjoying a nice swim in the water.
The whooper swan is a migratory Northern Hemisphere swan. It arrives at Lake Kussharo every year in winter
Far away from the city noise, this place is truly relaxing. Ignoring the few of us, the swans swam around enjoying nature at their own pace.
The Whooper Swan has a pure white plumage. The webbed feet and legs are black. Half of the beak is orangey-yellow (at the base), while the tip is black. These markings on the bill differ and individuals can be recognized by their bill pattern. The male is called a “cob,” the female “pen,” and their chicks are known as “cygnets”.
Whopper Swans at Lake Kussharo
Swans feed primarily on aquatic plants; but they also eat grain, grasses, and crop foods, such as wheat, potatoes, and carrots – especially in the winter when other food sources aren’t readily available.
Their long necks give them an advantage over the short-necked ducks, as they can feed in deeper waters than geese or ducks by uprooting plants and snapping off the leaves and stems of plants growing underwater.
Whopper Swans at Lake Kussharo
In addition to whooper swans, I also noticed some Mallard ducks. This one below is a male with a distinctive green head, yellow bill, chestnut breast, and gray body. Females are mottled brown with orange and black splotches on the bill.
Apart from the Whopper Swans, some other birds like the Mallard Duck can also be seen at Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is a lovely place to put up your feet and relax. In contrast to the historical and cultural aspects of mainland Japan to the south, Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido offers Japan’s wilder, more outdoor, side. It is ideal year-round for nature travel, and especially for birders, birdwatchers, and bird photographers. I have heard in summers this place is also great for hiking and camping.
Hokkaido’s night birds are dramatic too, and none more so than the world’s largest owl and one of the world’s rarest species – Blakiston’s Fish Owl. I hope to come down again to capture some more.
Lake Kussharo is the perfect place to put your feet up and relax.
We wanted to stay back a little longer but this is the problem with set tours, they allow very little time to enjoy a place truly. So, off we went back to the bus. Our next stop: the sulfur spewing Mt Io.
