Mount Iō, Active volcano in Akan Volcanic Complex, Hokkaido, Japan.
Mount Iō is an active volcano in the Akan Volcanic Complex standing at 512 meters with a bare, rocky surface. Around 1,500 steam vents scatter across the terrain, releasing sulfurous gases that shape this unusual landscape.
The mountain served as a major sulfur mining site from 1877 to 1963, with exports reaching China and the United States. Traces of this mining era remain visible on the landscape today, though operations ceased decades ago.
The mountain carries the Ainu name Atosanupuri, referring to its barren surface stripped of vegetation by volcanic forces. Today, steam vents dot the landscape and reflect the deep connection between the indigenous people and this geothermal land.
A 30-minute walk from Kawayu-Onsen Station takes you to the mountain, with parking available on site. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and releases steam in places.
The mountain's geothermal heat directly feeds the hot springs of Kawayu Onsen with mineral-rich volcanic waters. This connection between the mountain and the spa resort shows how deeply nature shapes the region's character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
