Lake Hangetsu
半月湖
A half-moon-shaped crater lake on the northwest foot of Mount Yotei, surrounded by forest. Lakeside trails offer reflections of Mount Yotei, and the Hirafu trailhead for Mount Yotei is located here.
Lake Hangetsu is a crater lake formed by a parasitic volcano on Mount Yotei. Its half-moon shape gives it its name. The lake is about 1.5 km around and is surrounded by primeval forest. From the lakeside observation deck, you can see Mount Yotei reflected in the water, and autumn foliage complements the color of the lake. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lakeshore, and about an hour to walk all the way around the lake, which has ups and downs along the trail. Admission is free. Next to the parking lot are the Mount Yotei Hirafu trailhead and the Hangetsu Lake campground. The lake is about 15 minutes' drive from Hirafu. It is quiet and uncrowded, ideal for a morning walk. Bear warnings are common in the forest, so carry bear bells and walk in a group.
Opening hours
Open all day (trail may be snow-covered in winter)
Nearby sights
- Hirafu Village
- Mount Yotei
- Niseko United
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort
- Michi-no-Eki Niseko View Plaza
- Shiribetsu River Rafting
- Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm
- Mount Niseko Annupuri