Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen (�쓒����) is a small hot spring town inside Akan Mashu National Park's eastern section. It is located near Iozan (Sulfur Mountain), between Lake Mashu 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 especially acidic with a pH of 1.4. Visitors to Kawayu, who do not overnight at a ryokan with hot spring baths, can bathe at some of the ryokan that 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.

Kawayu's Eco Museum Center offers general information on Akan Mashu 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 held the record for most tournament victories for several decades.