Kussharo Lake offers a clear view of its natural setting and the local hot spring culture, and this guide organizes the main spots so visitors can understand the area with ease. It highlights experiences such as the sand baths along the wide lakeshore, rustic open-air baths, and scenic viewpoints, while also outlining nearby areas that are easy to explore.
It also covers the lake’s geological background, the peninsula’s nature trail, and the lakeside environment where swans gather, along with secondary elements that help readers imagine their stay.
Kussharo Lake Facts and Points

Kussharo Lake is one of Japan’s largest caldera lakes and sits within Akan-Mashu National Park. The area is known for natural sand baths and lakeside hot springs, along with distinctive volcanic terrain and the peninsula’s vegetation. It is also recognized as a place where swans gather.
Kussharo Lake Spots and Nearby Areas




Kussharo Lake Highlights
- Experience the lakeshore’s geothermal heat at Sunayu
- Walk the Wakoto Peninsula nature trail and follow a quiet lakeside path
- Observe swans at close range around Kotan Onsen
Spots Within 30 Minutes
- View the clear lake surface from the Mashu Lake Observatory
- Explore the sulfur-rich culture of Kawayu Onsen town
- See dynamic volcanic terrain at Mount Iou
Activities Around Kussharo Lake
The area allows relaxed activities such as walking along the lakeshore to feel the geothermal heat or exploring the peninsula’s trail for nature observation. Canoe and kayak tours are available on the lake, and swan viewing is possible in certain seasons. Many visitors use nearby campgrounds as a base during their stay.
Kussharo Lake Access Guide
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit.
From Kushiro Airport, travel to JR Kushiro Station and transfer to the Senmo Line for Kawayu Onsen Station or Mashu Station, a trip of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From the nearest stations, local buses connect to the lakeside area, with stops arranged by major spots.
Another option is to arrive via Memanbetsu Airport and connect through JR Bihoro Station to the Senmo Line, which takes about 2 hours. When combining nearby destinations, local bus routes within Teshikaga offer additional transport options.
Kussharo Lake Visitor Info and Site

Operating hours vary by season, and access to lakeside hot springs or viewpoints may differ depending on conditions. Sunayu, Wakoto Peninsula, and Kotan Onsen are easy to visit year-round and offer opportunities to experience natural terrain and hot spring culture.
The timing for swan viewing and crowd levels differs by season, and conditions for viewpoints or activities also change throughout the year. Check the official site for updated information before your visit. For additional updates, refer to the Teshikaga Navi Official Website.
Kussharo Lake Visit Notes

Kussharo Lake features many points of interest, including sand baths, peninsula trails, and lakeside hot springs, making it a place where visitors can enjoy nature and scenic views together. It also pairs well with nearby destinations and fits easily into travel plans around eastern Hokkaido. The area offers a range of ways to experience its appeal.

