Kawayu Onsen Hokkaido

Kawayu Onsen is a distinctive hot spring resort on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan, located within the Akan-Mashu National Park near the scenic Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. The sulfurous waters of Kawayu are notably acidic, with a pH among the lowest in Japan, and are believed to be effective for skin conditions and fatigue recovery. One of the most unusual features of the resort is Ashi-yu, a large outdoor foot bath running along the main street, where visitors can soak their feet while sitting on wooden benches in the open air. Kawayu's wild Hokkaido setting, with its active volcanic geography and pristine lake scenery, gives the onsen experience a uniquely raw, elemental quality.