[2025] Lake Kussharo sightseeing guide! Recommended ways to enjoy the area and access
![[2025] Lake Kussharo sightseeing guide! Recommended ways to enjoy the area and access](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/kussharoko_thumb.jpg)
This time, Eastern Hokkaido of Teshikaga Town Located in Teshikagacho Lake Kussharo (Kussharoko) will be featured.
In Teshikaga Town, Akan Mashu National Park The magnificent nature of Akanmashukokuritsu Park spreads out before you, with Lake Kussharo being a part of it. .
Lake Kussharo and its surrounding areas Activities and sightseeing spots where you can enjoy nature There are many. Ample accommodation options You can enjoy a relaxing and leisurely stay!
In the article, Lake Kussharo We hope you will use this as a hint for your sightseeing!
table of contents
- 1 What is Lake Kussharo?
- 2 How to access Lake Kussharo
- 3 4 Must-see Attractions and Recommended Tourist Spots around Lake Kussharo
- 4 5 Popular Activities to Try at Lake Kussharo
- 5 3 Recommended Hotels Around Lake Kussharo
- 6 Enjoy sightseeing around Lake Kussharo
- 7 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is Lake Kussharo?
Lake Kussharo
(Kussharoko) is,
A lake surrounded by mountains where you can enjoy the magnificent nature of the four seasons
is.
The lake's name comes from the Ainu word "
Kutcharo (throat)
” and means “the outlet of a lake or swamp.”
Lake Kussharo was created by volcanic activity. Japan's largest caldera lake The circumference of the lake is about 57 km. The area is the sixth largest in Japan. We are proud of this.
Caldera Lake
What is that?
A lake formed by the collapse of the ground caused by a volcanic eruption
Volcanic activity occurs beneath Lake Kussharo, and hot springs bubble up naturally all around the lakeside.
In winter, steam rises from the lake surface.
Hot Spring Lake
It creates an atmosphere like this.
On the shores of Lake Kussharo and in its surrounding areas, Hokkaido squirrel or Arctic fox etc. Hokkaido You can observe rare wildlife that can only be seen here. As this is an area with high geothermal energy, there are plenty of hot spring facilities. Another great thing about this place is that you can enjoy the hot springs in the midst of nature!
Lake Kussharo, where approximately 80% of the water comes from springs The lake water is very clear, SUP or Canoeing , boat Such activities are popular!
How to access Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo
is easily accessible from major cities and airports in Hokkaido, and can be visited by rental car or public transportation.
Here,
Access from each area
We will introduce you to the details.
From Hokkaido/Kushiro area | About 1 hour 30 minutes by car
By car
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Kushiro city to Lake Kussharo.
When using public transport
It takes about 45 minutes by bus from Kushiro Airport (Tanchō Kushiro Airport) to JR Kushiro Station. From JR Kushiro Station, take the JR Senmo Main Line to JR Kawayu Onsen Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From JR Kawayu Onsen Station to Lake Kussharo, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi or rental car.
From Sapporo area, Hokkaido | About 5 to 6 hours by car
By car
It takes about 5.5 to 6 hours by car from Sapporo city to Lake Kussharo.
When using public transport
It takes about 4 hours from JR Sapporo Station to JR Kushiro Station. At JR Kushiro Station, change to the JR Senmo Main Line and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to JR Kawayu Onsen Station. From JR Kawayu Onsen Station, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi or rental car to Lake Kussharo.
4 Must-see Attractions and Recommended Tourist Spots around Lake Kussharo
Sightseeing spots around Lake Kussharo
We will introduce the following.
Hokkaido
It is a place where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and hot springs in a unique way.
1. Bihoro Pass
" Bihoro Pass "Bihoro Touge" is It is a 525m high pass on the border between Teshikaga and Bihoro in Hokkaido. A scenic spot overlooking Lake Kussharo is.
From the observation deck at Bihoro Pass, A 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Kussharo On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Iou, Mount Shari, and Mount Tokachi.
Bihoro Pass is It is also famous as a spot where you can see the sea of clouds. If the weather conditions are right in the early morning hours, you may be able to encounter a fantastic view!
At Bihoro Pass there is a roadside station called
Panoramic view of Bihoro Pass
"
There is an observation deck, restaurant and shop on-site.
It has been done.
"Using potatoes from Bihoro
Fried sweet potatoes from Bihoro Pass
"or"
From Bihoro potatoes
You can also enjoy local gourmet food such as "!
2. Sand bath
Lake Kussharo's " Sand bath "teeth, A rare spot where hot springs bubble up when you dig into the sand is.
Children can have fun playing in the sand and create their own original hot spring bath.
Free foot bath
It's also nice to enjoy the view of the surrounding area while soaking your feet in the footbath!
Around Sand Bath
Even in winter, the heat from the hot springs keeps it from freezing.
A resting spot for migratory whooper swans
It will be
.
The sight of swans resting their wings is a winter feature unique to Sand Bath.
This is a rare spot where you can observe swans up close.
3. Wakoto Peninsula
" Wakoto Peninsula "(Wakoto Hanto)" is It is a volcanic peninsula that juts out to the south of Lake Kussharo. A place of attraction with lush virgin forests and bubbling hot springs The lakeside does not freeze even in winter, so rare plants and animals live here and you can enjoy the scenery that changes with the seasons.
The entire peninsula is covered in virgin forest, rare alpine plants bloom on the lakeside, and the sounds of insects chirping can be heard even in winter due to the geothermal heat. The northernmost part of Japan Cicada Inhabits As the "Wakoto Minmin Cicada breeding ground", National Natural Monument is specified.
Hot springs gush out all over the Wakoto Peninsula, While enjoying the hot springs on the lakeside, fishing or Canoeing You can experience activities such as .
At the tip of the peninsula, there is a remnant of volcanic activity called " Oyakotsu hell " and from the observation deck you can get a close-up look at the steam rising!
At the entrance to the peninsula
Wakoto Field House
" In
There are displays and videos about the surrounding nature and topography, with easy-to-understand explanations.
It has been done.
You'll have more fun if you gather information before you go exploring!
4. Mount Iwo (Atosanupuri)
" Mount Iwo (Atosanupuri) "teeth, A mountain located about 20 minutes by car from Lake Kussharo is.
Mount Iwo is Another name for this mountain is "Atosanupuri," which means "naked mountain" in the Ainu language. But as the name suggests, There are no trees on the mountainside, and the rough rock surface spreads out. Smoke rises vigorously everywhere, creating a spectacular sight.
Mt. Iou once prospered through sulfur mining and contributed greatly to the development of Teshikaga Town. I stayed at the tourist facility " Iouzan MOKMOK Base " You can learn about the mining history of that time and the development of the region.
5 Popular Activities to Try at Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is also known for its beautiful water.
In the following,
Activities you can enjoy at Lake Kussharo and in the surrounding area
We will introduce the following.
1. Tour the source of the Kushiro River by canoe or boat
The clearest water in the 154km length of the Kushiro River is The headwaters course starting from Lake Kussharo If you want to fully enjoy the Source Course, Canoeing or boat is recommended is!
You can take a leisurely canoe ride down the river, or have fun with the family on a boat. Enjoy the great outdoors of the Kushiro River in the style that best suits you!
The 113km long Kushiro River has the cleanest water on this headwaters course that runs down from Lake Kussharo. Taking a break between the mirrors where spring water flows and going through the trees is very relaxing. *This is the standard course.
2. SUP Cruising
Lake Kussharo SUP While cruising on Fish that live on the lake bottom or on the lake shore Hokkaido squirrel Small animals such as can be observed.
What is SUP? Standing on a board and paddling It's very stable, so kids can easily enjoy it!
Lake Kussharo offers a variety of tours where you can experience SUP (stand-up paddle boarding)! Photos from the tour as a gift Yes, you can!
There are remains of a volcano Wakoto Peninsula " Oyakotsu hell " In the plan to go to A rare experience of making hot spring eggs in the source If you have time, please consider joining us!
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic SUP cruise on Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake! You can experience making hot spring eggs from the spring at the tip of the peninsula. Looking into the water from the SUP, you can see the lake bottom and the fish, and enjoy the natural terrain and scenery. You may also encounter small animals such as Hokkaido squirrels while cruising the lake shore.
Enjoy a spectacular panoramic SUP cruise on Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake! You can experience making hot spring eggs from the spring at the tip of the peninsula. Looking into the water from the SUP, you can see the lake bottom and the fish, and enjoy the natural terrain and scenery. You may also encounter small animals such as Hokkaido squirrels while cruising the lake shore.
3. Trekking
In Teshikaga Town, Mount Iou, Mount Mashu, Mount Nishibetsu There are several mountains perfect for trekking, such as: .
Trekking Unlike mountain climbing, An activity where you can enjoy nature while walking on a relatively gentle path. It's easy for even small children to try, so parents and children can enjoy the great outdoors together.
In trekking,
You may encounter rare alpine plants and animals that you would not normally be able to see.
!
If the weather is good, you can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Mashu and the Shiretoko mountain range from the summit!
Eastern Hokkaido is the area with the most typical Hokkaido scenery. The vast Kushiro Marshland, the sea of coniferous forests, the pristine mountains, and the lakes and marshes will make you feel like you are in a foreign country. On this course, you can enjoy climbing Mt. Iou while taking in the nature.
4. Wildlife watching
Many areas around Lake Kussharo experience little snowfall due to the influence of geothermal heat and hot springs. The environment is conducive to animals' activity even in winter. Therefore, Ezo deer, red fox, brown bear may make an appearance!
In places where the ground does not freeze easily due to the effects of hot springs, brown bears may wake up from hibernation earlier than usual. Take thorough safety precautions, such as carrying a bear bell. Let's do it.
5. Hot Spring Experience
Lake Kussharo is located in an area with high geothermal energy. Therefore, there are a variety of facilities, from rustic spots where you can enjoy the hot spring water as it is, to full-scale hot spring facilities. hot spring You can enjoy.
Around Lake Kussharo, you can enjoy the open view overlooking the lake and experience the fantastic atmosphere created by the steam rising from the hot springs. A hot spring experience unique to Lake Kussharo Yes, you can.
3 Recommended Hotels Around Lake Kussharo
To fully enjoy the charming area around Lake Kussharo, we recommend staying at a nearby accommodation.
Hotels and inns offering great views, good quality hot spring water, and a relaxing stay
I'll introduce it to you!
1. Kussharo Prince Hotel
"
Kussharo Prince Hotel
"teeth,
A resort hotel with a great location
(The park will be closed for the winter from March 1st to April 25th, 2025).
With Lake Kussharo right in front of you,
You can enjoy hot springs and meals while admiring the magnificent view.
Yo.
The restaurant in the hotel is an open, glass-walled space. Buffet Style So you can freely choose the food you like, which is a nice plus. There is a wide variety of menu items, so even children can enjoy themselves without getting bored!
Kussharo Onsen springs from 1,000 meters underground for, It is rich in salt and carbon dioxide, which warms the body from the inside out. The high-quality spring water will soothe your tired body and soul after your trip.
2. Wakkanupuri Inn on the Shore of Lake Kussharo
"
Wakkanupuri
"teeth,
Located on the shores of Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido
Accommodation limited to one group per day
is.
"Wakka" is the Ainu word for water and "Nupuri" is the word for mountain.
As the name suggests, you can spend a quiet and luxurious time surrounded by nature, lake and forest!
The hot spring water is of good quality and warms the body from the core.
Hokkaido
They use plenty of local ingredients and are designed to allow you to enjoy the flavors of each season.
The windows of the rooms offer magnificent views of the lake and mountains.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season
can.
3. Kawayu Kanko Hotel
" Kawayu Tourist Hotel "teeth, A hotel located in Kawayu Onsen town in Teshikaga town is. Kawayu Hot Springs teeth, Boasting excellent spring quality and efficacy, it has long been popular as a medicinal bath. .
The Kawayu Tourist Hotel, which owns the hot spring, Free-flowing hot spring water The temperature of the spring is high at 60℃, but it is adjusted without adding water. Three types of baths: high temperature, medium temperature, and low temperature So children can bathe safely.
Despite being able to enjoy high-quality hot springs, Another attractive feature is the relatively reasonable accommodation costs. This hotel is highly recommended for hot spring lovers!
Enjoy sightseeing around Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo teeth Japan's largest caldera lake, a rare lake with hot springs gushing out from the lakeside is.
There are plenty of accommodation options in the surrounding area, allowing you to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Canoeing or SUP , Trekking etc. Plenty of activities Why not come and visit with your family?
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
Featured image provided by:
AdobeStock
