Iō-zan

Hokkaidō


This hissing mountain (512m), a couple of kilometres south of Kawayu Onsen, is stained sunshine-yellow in patches from sulphur. Locals steam eggs in the hot volcanic vapours for a speciality known as onsen-tamago. Chances are you'll hear the sellers calling 'Tamago! Tamago! Tamago!' (Eggs!) even before you reach the car park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hokkaidō attractions

1. Taihō Sumo Museum

1.57 MILES

This museum is full of photos, both official and candid, of legendary hometown hero, the sumo wrestler Taihō (大鵬; 1940–2013). He was born on Karafuto …

2. Kawayu Eco-Museum Centre

1.64 MILES

Stop by this museum and visitor centre in Kawayu Onsen to see how the surrounding volcanic landscape got its shape and to pick up hiking maps. There's a…

3. Kussharo-ko

5 MILES

Japan's largest caldera lake is a rich blue on sunny days. A small volcano peeks out from the centre, creating the island Naka-jima – best viewed from the…

4. Museum of Ainu Folklore

5.74 MILES

In the Kussharo kotan (village) on the southern shores of Kussharo-ko, this museum displays traditional Ainu tools and crafts. Ask the staff to play the…

5. Mashū-ko

5.81 MILES

Considered by many to be Japan's most beautiful lake, Mashū-ko once held the world record for water clarity. The island in the middle was known by the…

6. Bihoro Pass

9.55 MILES

This lookout point on Rte 243, which runs between Abashiri and Mashū, has a fantastic panoramic view over Kussharo-ko, with Naka-jima in the middle.

7. Akan Kohan Eco-Museum Centre

20.67 MILES

At the eastern edge of town, this centre has exhibitions on local flora and fauna, including marimo in aquarium tanks. It also has hiking maps in English…

8. Ainu Kotan

21.19 MILES

This collection of shops and households is actually the largest Ainu village in Hokkaidō. Residents make a living promoting their culture: dancing on the…

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