屈斜路湖 北海道 Lake Kussharo Part 1, Hokkaido JAPAN

Lake Kussharo 屈斜路湖 is a caldera lake in Akan National Park, eastern Hokkaidō, Japan. As with many geographic names in Hokkaidō, the name derives from the Ainu language. It is the largest caldera lake in Japan in terms of surface area, and sixth largest lake in Japan.
Bihoro Pass 美幌峠 is the site of a superb vantage point from which an excellent view of Lake Kussharo can be enjoyed.
The lake’s central island, Nakajima, is a composite volcano. Volcanic gases render the lake water acidic, and it supports few fish except in areas where inflowing streams dilute the water. Rainbow trout, which are also resistant to fairly acidic water, have been artificially introduced. In 1951, a rare form of cicada (Oncotympana maculaticollis) was discovered, and is now protected by the government.
Along the lake shore are several outdoor hot springs and a sand beach with naturally heated sand and hot ground water. Wakoto Peninsula extending into the lake has a number of active sulfurous vents.
和琴温泉 Wakoto Onsen. At the southern end of Kussharo-ko, the Wakoto peninsula was created by a volcanic eruption much later than that which formed the lake. A circular ‘island’ is connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of land and has a lovely 2.5km nature trail around it. The walk will take about an hour. Relax in the free onsen at the trailhead after your walk.

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