Lake Kussharo is the most magnificent natural heritage inside Akan Mashu National Park. Serving as the largest caldera lake in Japan, this place possesses not only the mysterious “Omiwatari” (God’s Crossing) winter wonder, but also features the fun-filled “Sunayu” experience, attracting countless travelers to come for pilgrimage.

However, surrounding attractions of Lake Kussharo such as the Wakoto Peninsula and Mt. Mokoto are distributed extremely widely. If you wish to travel all around Lake Kussharo attractions within a short time, choosing a Hokkaido private car charter is the most efficient plan.

Through an exclusive car charter, you can avoid the long waiting of transferring buses. Shuttle freely between lakeside hot springs and magnificent observatories to deeply feel the infinite charm granted to Hokkaido by the volcanic zone.

Lake Kussharo Attraction Guide: Traveling All Around the Three Lakes of Eastern Hokkaido, Feeling the Volcanic Miracle Spanning Millions of Years

Lake Kussharo: The Breathtakingly Beautiful Lake Under Crustal Pulsation

Lake Kussharo: The largest lake within the national park, a caldera lake situated on the Kussharo Caldera. It is pointed out that volcanic activities began in this area as early as 1 million years ago, and Lake Kussharo was formed due to a volcanic eruption around 30,000 years ago.

Because it is a volcanic zone, there are many natural hot springs all around, and different entertainment facilities are constructed too. During summer, you can enjoy camping, boating, and fishing nearby. When winter arrives, in addition to enjoying Kawayu Onsen, you can further witness the frozen lake surface forming faults due to temperature gaps, which is the wonder named “Omiwatari.”

Lake Kussharo Sunayu: The Must-Not-Miss “Sand-Digging Hot Spring” Experience

Lake Kussharo Sunayu: Located right next to Lake Kussharo, an attraction exceptionally worth visiting. It is a great place for you to experience the hot springs of the Kawayu area. As long as you dig open the sand, hot spring water will flow out.

The most special part is that the hot spring water here is drinkable, allowing you to try the taste of hot spring water. Nearby shops are available, selling hot spring eggs, beverages, and various light meals.

*This forms the most popular photography check-in spot of the Lake Kussharo Sunayu private car charter one-day tour.

Cultural Interweaving: Kussharo Ainu Kotan Folklore Museum

Kussharo Ainu Kotan Folklore Museum: Located right next to Lake Kussharo. The Ainu people form the indigenous ethnic group of northern Japan, living across various places in Japan and Hokkaido for hundreds of years. This museum, possessing an exterior with ancient temple style, introduces the history, culture, and daily lives of the Ainu nation to tourists.

Wakoto Peninsula: The Ecological Secret Realm Extending into the Lake

Wakoto Peninsula: Originally an island formed by volcanic activities. Later, under sedimentation effects over many years, it slowly connected with the surrounding landforms of Lake Kussharo, becoming a peninsula terrain extending into the lake.

Free open-air hot springs available for soaking stand at the entrance. The nearby Wakoto Field House serves concurrently as camping grounds and a center introducing the natural environment and wildlife of Lake Kussharo. The walking path starting from here can let you walk to various scenic zones to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Lake Kussharo.

Mt. Mokoto: The Symphony of Forests and Sea Views

Mt. Mokoto: The highest mountain situated in the northern area of Lake Kussharo, possessing an altitude height of 1,000 meters. However, the mountaineering difficulty is not high. You can fully feast your eyes on the scenery inside the forest along the path. Autumn forms explicitly a place for enjoying autumn leaves.

After climbing to the mountain summit, you will see mountain ranges surrounding the area. Admire the red and green Mt. Mokoto from the highest point, overlooking the panoramic scenery of the national park zone and Lake Kussharo. You can further gaze far out at the ocean, and even possess opportunities to view Mt. Shari and Mt. Unabetsu in the distance.

Lake Kussharo Travel Guide: Seasonal Clothing Recommendations

The surroundings of Lake Kussharo feature relatively large altitude variations. Especially when playing at Sunayu or climbing mountains, you must pay attention to windproofing.

Why Choose a Private Car Charter to Explore Lake Kussharo Sunayu Attractions?

Lake Kussharo’s charm lies in its diverse natural experiences, but distances between attractions are relatively far. Choosing a Hokkaido private car charter, you can enjoy the pleasure of digging hot springs at “Sunayu” at your own will, or look down at the panoramic view from Mt. Mokoto without worrying about return transportation.

For family groups carrying elderly seniors or young children, a car charter provides a warm and comfortable moving space. It allows you to maintain the most relaxed mood whether exploring the history of the Ainu nation or enjoying open-air hot spring baths.