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
12 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
Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
4
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
5
24-Hour Yaro Ramen in Shibuya Revolutionizes Noodles With an All New Type of Ramen Taking Over Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6
Explore Ako, Tatsuno, and Himeji with Ease From Kamenoi Hotel Ako
Hyogo - Sponsored -
7
Three Tokyo Bars Named Among World's 50 Best
Planning -
8
12 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Shibuya
Culture -
9
Arima Onsen: One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Towns
Hyogo - Sponsored -
10
Hotel NORD Otaru, Your Front-Row Seat to Otaru’s Canal District
Hokkaido - 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
Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
5
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
6
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
10
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo