To get around Kawayu-Onsen you need to have wheels, whatever form that may take. I stepped out of the Kinkiyu Hotel and a mere 20 meters away I found Ezo Riders. With my International Drivers License and Canadian-issued drivers license, I rented a 50cc scooter for the afternoon. It was a warm sunny day, so I made sure to keep my mouth shut to prevent any springtime bugs from flying down my windpipe. For around $25 U.S. Dollars I was able to thoroughly enjoy my day zipping about the countryside while being treated to spectacular views such as the undisturbed Lake Mashu of Akan National Park.
- 1 min read
Ezo Riders takes me to Lake Mashu
Exploring Akan National Park by scooter

Community writer

Ezo Riders in Kawayu-Onsen


Remember to bring you International Drivers License

Overlooking the valley and towards Lake Kussharo to the west

A long and winding road

The pristine waters of Lake Mashu

Looking north along the peninsula that is Shiretoko National Park

A national natural treasure

Looking south towards Kushiro

The path leading to the Lake Mashu observation platform

My ride
Join the discussion
1st trip up, totally foggy and visibility of 5 meters. So when I awoke to sunny, clear skies, I rented the scooter and raced up to the peak :) The next night I went on a Lake Mashu Star Tour and again, it was totally foggy with almost no visibility
Nicole Bauer
11 years ago
Lucky you, you got to see the lake! I'm jealous. It looks beautiful! When I was there last year it was so covered in clouds, we had to use our imagination how the lake would look like :-)
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
2
Pierson Museum
Hokkaido -
3
Sand Diplomacy at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka -
4
Free Meat Tastings at Expo 2025's Australian Pavilion
Osaka -
5
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
6
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
7
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
8
Two Japanese Hiking Routes Among World's Best
Activities -
9
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
10
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
6
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
7
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Osaka Expo
Osaka