神の子池 (Kaminoko-ike) ~ God’s child pond~
This beautiful pond locates near 摩周湖 -Lake Mashū in Hokkaido.
Kaminokoike explanation
This pond gets its name, literally meaning “Child of the gods,” from stories that it is fed by underground waters from Lake Mashuko, which is known by the Ainu as Kamuito or “Lake of the Gods.” It is just 220 m around 5m deep, and replenished with about 12,000 t of spring water per day.
The water is crystal clear and stays a low 8℃ throughout the year, which makes the bottom visible from the surface and keeps the submerged trees from rotting.
Red-spotted Dolly Varden trout (オショロコマ Oshorokoma in Japanese) add to the indescribable beauty as they swim amongst the petrified-looking debris.
How to get Kaminoko ike?
You need a car to get there. Take 道道 (dou-dou, Prefectural road) route 1115 from 緑駅 (Midori station) to the south, and about 15 mins, you’ll see a sigh board on the right. there is a parking lot near the pond.
map 神の子池 Kaminokoike
摩周湖 ~Lake Mashū~
Lake Mashū (摩周湖 Mashū-ko) (in Ainu language: Kamuy-to) is located in Akan National Park in Hokkaidō. The lake is the second clearest lake in the world next to Lake Baikal.
Lake Mashū, view from Ura-Mashū observatory (Another side of Lake Mashū observatory)
Lake Mashū is surrounded by steep crater walls 200 m high. It has no significant inlets and no outlet. In summer, the Lake Mashū is covered with fog, and this has given the lake name “mysteriousness” -摩周湖 –Mashūko (=Lake Mashū) – Lake of mysterious surroundings).
Driving around this area is also very pleasant! Please visit this place if you have chance 🙂
