Akan–Mashu driving guide: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and Bihoro Pass

The Akan–Mashu area lies in eastern Hokkaido's Akan-Mashu National Park. It covers Lake Akan in Kushiro City's Akan district, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga, and Bihoro Pass in Bihoro Town. Route 241 crosses the mountains from Lake Akan down to Teshikaga, with onward drives to Lake Mashu, Iozan and Lake Kussharo. The three airport gateways are Kushiro, Memanbetsu and Nakashibetsu. This guide follows a day drive from Lake Akan through the lakes to Bihoro Pass, with roads and stops listed below.

Map of the Akan–Mashu area

The line follows the first-day route from Lake Akan through Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo to Bihoro Pass. Numbers mark stops: green for viewpoints and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

A first day from Lake Akan through Mashu and Kussharo to Bihoro Pass

From Akanko Onsen, take Route 241 past Sokodai and Sogakudai, descend to Teshikaga and climb to Lake Mashu's First Observatory. Return to Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen, then visit Iozan and Sunayu on Lake Kussharo before taking Route 243 to Bihoro Pass. The route is about 127km, with roughly 2 hours 10 minutes of driving. Distances and times are calculated from map data and exclude traffic. It uses ordinary roads throughout, with no tolls.

Route 52 from the First Observatory past the Third Observatory to Kawayu closes for winter from 15:00 on 2 November until 16 April 2027. Reach the First Observatory from the Teshikaga side and use Route 391 to get to Iozan.

Parking at Lake Mashu and Iozan

For passenger cars under 5m long, the First Observatory and Iozan car parks share a ¥500 ticket, valid for one visit to each car park on the day of purchase. Charges apply from 1 May to 31 October; parking is free from 1 November through April. Electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) park free in fiscal 2026. The First Observatory building opens from 8:30 to 17:00, and its rooftop is accessible 24 hours a day.

Watch for Ezo deer

In Hokkaido, accidents involving Ezo deer are frequent in October and November. At least 70% occur between 16:00 and 24:00. If you see one deer, expect others behind it. Brake if you see eyes reflecting your headlights. Deer may slip on the road, so slow down and watch gaps in the forest as crossing points.

Roads you can drive

Road closures in Teshikaga, including during blizzards with poor visibility, occur about 3 times a year.

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Brown bears are frequently seen around Mashu each year. Report a sighting to Teshikaga Town Office or Teshikaga Police Station.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Sunset in Nemuro is at 16:11 on 31 October and 15:54 on 15 November. After sunset, you enter the hours when deer collisions are more frequent.

Busy places and times

• More than 1,000,000 people visit Lake Mashu's First Observatory each year.
• The car park at Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen can fill up in summer.

Road closures and restrictions (27 October)

• Honbetsu IC to Kushiro Airport IC on the Doto Expressway closes on weekdays from 20:00 to 6:00 the next morning until 6 November.
• The road to Ura-Mashu Observatory closes for winter from 9:00 on 30 October.
• Route 52 between Lake Mashu's First Observatory and Kawayu closes from 15:00 on 2 November; Route 588 at Tsubetsu Pass closes from 10:00 on 2 November.
• Part of the town road in Kawayu Onsen is closed to cars until 11 November.
• Kawayu Visitor Center is closed from 9 to 11 November.

Getting there and fuel

Refuel early in Akanko Onsen, Teshikaga or Kawayu. EVs can charge at Michi-no-Eki Mashu Onsen 24 hours a day.

In winter, dark-looking road surfaces may be icy, and snow can fall suddenly in the mountains. Fit winter tyres early and carry chains and a shovel if you plan to cross Bihoro, Sogakudai or Tsubetsu passes. See the guide to winter road closures before planning a winter drive.

If you don't have a car

Before hiring a car, check the guides to driving documents in Japan and airport car rental pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I go for a day around Lakes Akan and Mashu?

Drive from Akanko Onsen via Sokodai and Sogakudai down to Teshikaga, visit Lake Mashu First Observatory, Iozan and Sunayu on Lake Kussharo, then finish at Bihoro Pass. The route is about 127km, with roughly 2 hours 10 minutes of driving and no tolls.

How much does parking at Lake Mashu cost?

For passenger cars under 5m long, the First Observatory shares a ¥500 ticket with Iozan, valid for one visit to each car park on the day of purchase. EVs and FCVs park free in fiscal 2026. Charges apply through 31 October; parking is free from 1 November through April.

Can I visit Lake Mashu in winter?

The First Observatory is accessible year-round from the Teshikaga side. Route 52 toward the Third Observatory and Kawayu is closed from 2 November until 16 April 2027.

When should I watch for Ezo deer?

Collisions are more frequent in October and November, from late afternoon into the night (16:00–24:00). Slow down if you see one deer and expect others behind it.

Can I buy petrol in the Akan–Mashu area?

Refuel in Akanko Onsen, Teshikaga or Kawayu before setting out.

Nearby areas and guides

• Hokkaido driving and travel guide