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Lake Kussharo (‹üŽÎ˜HŒÎ, Kussharoko) is a beautiful caldera lake in Akan Mashu National Park. With a circumference of 57 kilometers it is the park's largest lake. Various outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, kayaking and cycling, can be enjoyed around the lake.

A further attraction are several outdoor hot spring baths (rotenburo) which are located along the lake's shores and can be used for free and, unlike most other hot spring baths in Japan, in swim suits. Note, however, that some of these baths do not always look very well maintained.

A particularly nice spot to visit is the Wakoto Peninsula at the lake's southern end. The peninsula offers attractive walking trails through the forest, two more hot spring baths and some sulfurous vents at its tip.

Sightseeing Spots

Sunayu Beach

Hours: Always open
Admission: Free

Ainu Folklore Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: December to mid April
Admission: 420 yen

Public Baths

Ikenoyu Open Air Bath

Hours: Always open
Admission: Free

Kotan Open Air Bath

Hours: Always open
Admission: Free

Wakoto Peninsula Open Air Bath

Hours: Always open
Admission: Free

Wakoto Peninsula Indoor Bath

Hours: Always open
Admission: Free

Getting there and around

From late January to early March (January 27 to March 3, 2024), there are very infrequent buses between Mashu Station, Lake Kussharoko, Kawayu Onsen, Mount Iozan and Kawayu Onsen Station.

And from late July to early September (July 29 to September 3, 2023), there are infrequent buses between the western shores of Lake Kussharo, the town of Kawayu Onsen, Mount Iozan, Kawayu Onsen Station and Lake Mashu.

During the rest of the year, public transportation around Lake Kussharo is virtually non-existent. The best means of transportation to get around are a rental car or a bicycle.

How to get to and around Akan Mashu National Park