Lake Kussharo
屈斜路湖
Water scenery — lakes, gorges and falls that reset the pace of a trip.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
What this place is
Lake Kussharo (屈斜路湖, Kussharo-ko) is a caldera lake in Akan National Park, eastern Hokkaidō, Japan.As with many geographic names in Hokkaidō, the name derives from the Ainu language.It is the largest caldera lake in Japan in terms of surface area, and the sixth largest lake in Japan.It is also the largest lake in Japan to freeze over completely in winter.The name Lake Kutcharo is also sometimes used.The lake's central island, Nakajima (not to be confused with another island of the same name in Lake Tōya), is a stratovolcano.It is also Japan's largest recursive island.Volcanic gases render the lake water acidic, and it supports few fish, except in areas where inflowing streams dilute the water.Rainbow trout, which are resistant to fairly acidic water, have been artificially introduced.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.
- Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.
- Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.
What you can do here
- Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.
- Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.
- Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.
- Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.
Getting there
We do not have step-by-step transit directions for this spot yet. Open the location on Google Maps for routes from where you are staying.
Good to know before you go
- Paths near falls stay wet and slippery — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
- Water volume peaks after rain and during snowmelt; the falls are far more dramatic then.
- Boat services shrink or stop in winter, so check the seasonal timetable before travelling.
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