After introducing Lake Mashu and Lake Toya, finally its turn for Lake Kussharo located in eastern part of Hokkaido. Lake Kussharo is Japan’s largest crater lake and also the largest lake to freeze over winter.
There are outdoor hot springs by the lake which is a popular tourist spot as well as the locals. Taking a hot spring beside the lake with the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains is such a luxury entertainment.
Ladies are allowed to wear swimsuits in this hot spring, but men have to enter naked. I have no idea why, perhaps there is nothing special to see for gentlemen.
During winter, Lake Kussharo is covered in ice except for its lake shore where the hot spring is located. Hundreds of geese and swans from Siberia congregate around these areas as the temperature of the water provides them a suitable place to stay.
The lake has a legend too! A monster named Kusshie is believed to inhabit Lake Kussharo, therefore it is also known as Japan’s Loch Ness. I was lucky that I managed to capture a photo of this monster. Without selfishness, the photo would be open to public as per below.
Map:
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