|
|
Lake Kussharo is another scenic lake in Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido. Japan's largest caldera lake. Unlike Lake Mashu, Kussharo is accessible to tourists like here at Sunayu.
|
|
Lake Kussharo has two tourist areas. One is here at Sunayu. 砂湯
|
|
Lake Kussharo as seen from Sunayu. Lake Kussharo's caldera volcano started forming over one million years ago. The caldera lake formed over 40,000 years ago. Part of the caldera lake was filled in by Mashu volcano eruptions, making Kussharo lose its round shape and become bean-shaped.
|
|
Lake Kussharo was also known for the "Kusshi" legend similar to the Loch Ness Monster, "Nessie." Credible sightings of Kussi were widely reported from 1973-1974, but stopped after the 2000s.This is an old statue displayed at JR Bihoro Station. Newer statue is at Sunayu near the lake shore.
|
|
Lake Kussharo is noted for its mystical atmosphere. There's a lakeshore road along the southern half of the lake. Water surface covers 79.7 sq. km.You can dig into the sand and find hot spring water.
|
|
Boats can be rented at Sunayu. In May 1938, the Kussharo Earthquake had sulfates seep into the lake from the lake bottom, making the water too acidic (pH4) for fish which got wiped out.
|
|
By the 2000s, the water acidity decreased enough to introduce fish which could endure the acidity. Only small stocks of rainbow trout, Kokanee, and Masu salmon are now in the lake. The lake has no fishing industry.
|
|
Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido
|
|
Boating on Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido.
|
|
When I visited, there were Ainu on the Sunayu beach posing for tourists for a fee.
|
|
The lake circumerence is 57 km. Deepest point is 125 meters. In the middle of the lake is Nakajima island, a volcano. Japan's largest island in a lake. The island is uninhabited by humans.
|
|
Boats for rent at Sunayu, Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido. In winter, the lake freezes over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula is another tourist part of Lake Kussharo. It's a small peninsula (2.5 km shoreline) with natural hot springs. 和琴半島
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula has this free outdoor hot spring bath on the lake shore. Open to both men and women, most bathers wear a swimsuit.
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula's west side.
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula
|
|
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula
|
|
Lake Kussharo's water surface looks artistic.
|
|
Wakoto Peninsula east side.
|
|
Nearest train station is JR Kawayu Onsen Station. Take the Akan Bus to Kawayu Onsen to reach Lake Kussharo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
