ARTICLES
Explore the History of Teshikaga's Mount Io (Iozan)
Teshikaga, a town in eastern Hokkaido, is known for natural wonders like Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo, and is dotted with several hot spring areas. Among this rich nature, one of the key driving forces behind the town's development was Mount Io (Iozan).
The sight of steam still powerfully venting from the mountain is dynamic and has made it a popular tourist spot. In this article, we'll introduce Mount Io and delve a little into its history.
Mount Io is located just 1.6 km from JR Kawayu-Onsen Station, a mere 2-minute drive. The parking fee is 500 yen, which allows you to use the Mount Io parking lot and the Lake Mashu No. 1 Observatory once each. Please note that during the winter season (late November to early April), the parking lot is closed for business and open to the public for free. However, be aware that you are responsible for any accidents or trouble.
Mount Io is a 512-meter-high lava dome classified as a Rank C active volcano. As its name, which means "Sulfur Mountain," suggests, it is rich in sulfur. In the Ainu language, it is called "Atosanupuri," meaning "naked mountain." The distinctive smell of sulfur hangs in the air, and you can even see sulfur crystals near the fumaroles.
During the Meiji era, sulfur was a valuable mineral resource, used not only as a raw material for matches and gunpowder but also as a means of earning foreign currency. Full-scale mining began in 1877, transport routes were built, and it eventually grew into a major enterprise. However, the mass transport that began in 1887 quickly depleted the sulfur resources. Finally, in 1896, mining was discontinued.
However, there is no doubt that Mount Io led to the construction of a railway in the area and supported the development of the nearby Kawayu Onsen. The sight of smoke still billowing from the mountainside is filled with an overwhelming power, even for those unaware of its history.
It's on the way to the Kawayu Onsen town, so why not stop by?
＜With cooperation from＞
Lake Mashu Tourist Association
Location: 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 015-482-2200
Official Website: https://www.masyuko.or.jp
The sight of steam still powerfully venting from the mountain is dynamic and has made it a popular tourist spot. In this article, we'll introduce Mount Io and delve a little into its history.
Mount Io is located just 1.6 km from JR Kawayu-Onsen Station, a mere 2-minute drive. The parking fee is 500 yen, which allows you to use the Mount Io parking lot and the Lake Mashu No. 1 Observatory once each. Please note that during the winter season (late November to early April), the parking lot is closed for business and open to the public for free. However, be aware that you are responsible for any accidents or trouble.
Mount Io is a 512-meter-high lava dome classified as a Rank C active volcano. As its name, which means "Sulfur Mountain," suggests, it is rich in sulfur. In the Ainu language, it is called "Atosanupuri," meaning "naked mountain." The distinctive smell of sulfur hangs in the air, and you can even see sulfur crystals near the fumaroles.
During the Meiji era, sulfur was a valuable mineral resource, used not only as a raw material for matches and gunpowder but also as a means of earning foreign currency. Full-scale mining began in 1877, transport routes were built, and it eventually grew into a major enterprise. However, the mass transport that began in 1887 quickly depleted the sulfur resources. Finally, in 1896, mining was discontinued.
(Photo courtesy of Lake Mashu Tourist Association)
(Photo courtesy of Lake Mashu Tourist Association)
However, there is no doubt that Mount Io led to the construction of a railway in the area and supported the development of the nearby Kawayu Onsen. The sight of smoke still billowing from the mountainside is filled with an overwhelming power, even for those unaware of its history.
It's on the way to the Kawayu Onsen town, so why not stop by?
＜With cooperation from＞
Lake Mashu Tourist Association
Location: 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 015-482-2200
Official Website: https://www.masyuko.or.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will continue to share the charm of this wonderful Hokkaido.
