Kawayu Visitor Center (formerly Kawayu Eco Museum Center)

The Kawayu Visitor Center, formerly known as the Kawayu Eco Museum Center, serves as the primary educational hub for Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido. Established on December 4, 1934, Akan-Mashu is one of Hokkaido's two oldest national parks alongside Daisetsuzan National Park, covering 90,481 hectares. The center is strategically positioned in the Kawayu Onsen hot spring area, providing visitors with essential information about the park's unique volcanic landscape and biodiversity.

The facility showcases the 30,000-year geological history of the Kussharo Caldera, one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. Interactive exhibits explain how the region's plants and animals have adapted to thrive in higher temperatures caused by geothermal activity, offering insight into this distinctive ecosystem where volcanic forces continue to shape the natural environment.

Visitors can explore comprehensive displays featuring the area's flora and fauna through photographs, specimens, and educational materials. English-speaking staff are available to provide guided tours, including excursions to the nearby Wakoto Peninsula. The center serves as an information hub where visitors can obtain detailed hiking maps and learn about nature tours throughout the region. Staff provide current information on trail conditions, seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities, and volcanic activity updates.

From Memanbetsu Airport, visitors can reach the center via Routes 39 and 243 in approximately one hour, while the journey from Nakashibetsu Airport takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes via Routes 13 and 243. Kawayu Onsen serves as one of the main accommodation centers within the park, situated among old-growth forests. Admission to the visitor center is free, making it an accessible starting point for exploring the national park's volcanic wonders and pristine wilderness areas.