Mount Io (Iozan), literally meaning a sulfur mountain, is an active volcano where you can see volcanic activity up close at its base.
Once you arrive at the mountain, you will find volcanic gas and steam rising from many fumaroles. You can walk around to feel the heat from steam, sense a smell of sulfur and see the earth breathing!
Mount Io is located between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu, so best to visit with them altogether. Keep the parking ticket here (500 yen/car), since it is valid for a parking at a lookout for Lake Mashu as well.
A shop next to the parking area sells eggs cooked with steam from the volcano, which is a must-try. This steamed egg has somehow richer flavor and tastes better than a normal boiled egg in my opinion, due to sulfur I guess. I was so exited to visit this mountain when I was a kid, just because of the eggs!
At that shop, you will find an instruction and duct tape. This is a little hack to peel a hot steamed egg without tossing it around between your hands. Just wrap an egg with duct tape, roll on the table to crack the shell all over, and pull off the tape…and, voilà!
Mount Io
When to visit: all year around
Admission Fee: Free
Parking: 500 yen per car. The parking ticket is valid for a lookout for Lake Mashu as well.
Access: 1 hour from Shari, 1.5 hour from Kitami by car.
Public transportation operates in high seasons (summer and winter).
More info >> http://www.eco-passport.net/
