Japan/Hokkaido: Lakes Mashu & Kussharo
The are three volcanic caldera lakes in the Akan National Park – Akan (with algae), and two truly spectacular calderas of Mashu and Kussharo. Mashu is the smallest and the most spectacular of he the three, it’s a deep volcanic caldera with vertical cliffs all around; there are no buildings on this lake and it is fully protected, just two viewpoints on the rim. Kussharo Lake is much bigger, but still rather undeveloped with just one mediocre hotel. A ten minute drive away from the lake takes you to the spectacular mountain pass where you get to see the entire lake down beneath, stunning at sunset.
