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Lake Kuttara
A mystical caldera lake with some of the clearest water in Japan.
A circular caldera lake located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The lake has a circumference of Approx. 8 kilometers, a maximum depth of 147 meters, and an average depth of 104.5 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in Japan. Its water transparency reaches 28.3 meters, ranking second in Japan after Lake Mashu in Teshikaga, Hokkaido. It is also known for its exceptional clarity, having been ranked No. 1 nationwide in the lake category in a water quality survey by the Ministry of the Environment.
The prevailing theory is that the lake was formed Approx. 40,000 years ago when the summit area of Kuttara Volcano collapsed. With no rivers flowing in or out, it is filled only with rainwater and groundwater. There are few tourist facilities along the shore, and large buses are prohibited from using the road for environmental protection, helping preserve the area’s mystical quiet.
The lake is about a 30-minute drive from the Kojohama area of Shiraoi. Please note that the road is closed from November to late April. You can enjoy a full view of the lake from the Lake Kuttara Ougigata Observatory and Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Highlights
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A circular caldera lake with a circumference of Approx. 8 kilometers.
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Known for having some of the best water quality and clarity in Japan.
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In winter, the road to the lake is closed and access is unavailable.
Photos
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A mystical lake with no rivers flowing into it or out of it
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The cobalt-blue lake surface is stunning
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No, there is not.
Q
Are there any coin lockers nearby?
A
There are no coin lockers.
Q
Are there any restrooms nearby?
A
There is a simple toilet available.
Q
Is there a smoking area nearby?
A
There is no smoking area.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 倶多楽湖
- Postal Code
- 059-0641
- Address
- Kojohama, Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido
- Phone
- 0144-82-2216 (Shiraoi Tourism Association)
- Closed on
- Open for walking anytime (winter road closure from November to late April)
- Hours
- Open for walking anytime
- Admission
- Free to explore
- Access
- Approx. 30 minutes by car from JR Noboribetsu Station
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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