Kussharo-ko | Travel

Wakoto Peninsula

和琴半島

2min walk from Wakoto-hanto bus stop

This little peninsula at the southern end of Kussharo-ko is the perfect place for spend an active day. You can hike a 2.5km-long pleasant circumference nature trail on the peninsula takes about an hour, passes by the volcanic hot springs Oyakotsu Jigoku (オヤコツ地獄).

Wakoto Onsen ♨︎

和琴温泉

2min walk from Wakoto-hanto bus stop

At the base of the Wakoto Peninsula, there is a free mixed open-air bath (24hr) facing the lake, with changing facilities. There is also a campsite. Summer and weekends are often bustling with holidaymakers, plan your trip during the weekdays.

Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum

弟子屈町立屈斜路コタンアイヌ民族資料館

15min walk from Kotan-bunki bus stop

Designed by Kushiro-born architect Mozuna Kiko, this unique museum is located in the small Ainu kotan (village) on the southeastern shores of Kussharo-ko. Exhibits included local Ainu household implements and crafts. You can wear traditional costumes. Don’t miss a 30-minute video for Ainu history and culture.

Kotan Onsen ♨︎

コタン温泉

17min walk from Kotan-bunki bus stop

A man-made rocky mixed open-air bath by the lake, this scenic onsen is about 150m north of the Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum. In winter you can see swans from a bathtub. There are changing rooms, bring a bathing suit. The bath is maintained on Tuesday and Friday (8am-4pm) by locals.

Ike-no-yu ♨︎

池の湯

4.2km north of Kotan Onsen

Tucked away within the lakeside forest, Ike-no-yu is Kussharo’s largest mixed open-air bath like a lukewarm pool. The bath is 200m from the lakeside road. There are changing rooms, but night-time lighting is not available. The best bathing season is late spring to early autumn.

Suna-yu ♨︎

砂湯

3km north of Ike-no-yu / 7.6km west of Kawayu Onsen

On the eastern shores of Kussharo-ko, you can find hot water in the sand here. Dig a hole for your own natural hot pool. Suna-yu is a popular spot especially group tourists and campers, you should wear a bating suit if you want to soak in hot water. There are no bathtubs and changing rooms.

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Kussharo Prince Hostel ♨︎

屈斜路プリンスホテル

1min walk from Kussharo Prince Hostel bus stop

Located on Kussharo-ko’s western shore, this seasonal resort hotel offers nicest lake views from its Western-style rooms. Buffet dinner and breakfast cost extra. There is an onsen. It is closed in winter, from late November to late April.

Website

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Photo: じゃらんnet

Sanko Onsen ♨︎

三香温泉

15min walk from Wakoto-hanto bus stop

Rustic, isolated and nostalgic, Sanko Onsen is the town’s most atmospheric lodging on the southern shore of Kussharo-ko in the trees. There are just four rooms, communal indoor and open-air baths with 100% onsen. Meals are home-style and using local ingredients of the region.

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Photo: じゃらんnet

Wakkanupuri ♨︎

ワッカヌプリ

10min by car from Kawayu-onsen Station

Located beyond Kawayu Onsen on the shore of Kussharo-ko, Wakkanupuri is a contemporary private onsen, with indoor and open-air baths facing the lake. Dinner serves kaiseki cuisine using Eastern Hokkaido’s ingredients. A free transfer is available from JR Kawayu-onsen Station.

Website

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