Foot Bath
Kawayu Onsen is a small hot spring town inside Akan National Park's eastern section. It is located near Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), between Lake Masshu and Lake Kussharo. Kawayu's close proximity to the famous lakes makes it a popular base for visitors to the national park.
Kawayu's onsen water is known to be especially acidic with a pH of 1.4. Visitors to Kawayu, who do not overnight at a ryokan with hot spring baths, note that many ryokan open their bathing facilities to non-staying guests during the day for typically 500 to 1500 yen. There is also a free public foot bath near the Eco Museum Center.
Eco Museum Center
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Kawayu Sumo Museum
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Kawayu's Eco Museum Center offers general information on Akan National Park and Kawayu Onsen. Nearby, a pleasant walking path takes visitors though a mossy forested area. This path continues onto Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), 2.5 kilometers away.
Besides convenient location and hot spring waters, Kawayu offers a Sumo Museum, which is dedicated to the town's favourite son and biggest star, Taiho Koki. Taiho was a sumo wrestler who achieved the sport's highest title in 1961 at only 21 years of age. He is best known for having won more tournaments than any other competitor in sumo history.
Walking paths
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Acidic hot spring water
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