Sunayu, Lake Kussharo
屈斜路湖 砂湯
On the eastern shore of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, hot water wells up when you dig into the sand of the lakeshore. In winter, whooper swans gather here.
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, and it is surrounded by hot springs. On the eastern shore, Sunayu is where hot water gushes out when you dig into the lakeshore sand with your hands, creating an impromptu hot spring where you can soak your feet. There are also free foot baths along the lake, and the rest house rents small shovels. In winter, most of the lake surface freezes over, but the area around Sunayu stays ice-free because of the hot springs, and whooper swans fly in from Siberia to spend the winter there, where they can be observed up close. In summer, there are campsites and boat tours by the lake. It is free, and there is a parking lot. It is about 15 minutes by car from Kawayu Onsen.
Opening hours
Open all day; rest house approx. 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Wakoto Peninsula
- Mount Io (Atosanupuri)
- Kawayu Onsen
- Bihoro Pass
- Lake Mashu (First Observatory)
- 900 Grassland
- Kaminoko Pond
- Sokodai Observatory