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Yuya Enjo / CC BY-SA 4.0
UPCOMINGFREE ENTRYOther· Annual
Kussharo Lake Ice
屈斜路湖氷結
Hokkaido
Japan's largest caldera lake freezes solid each winter — whooper swans stay year-round in the geothermally warm inlets and are visible year-round. The midwinter walk across the ice to Wakoto Peninsula is extraordinary.
- Dates
- January 20 – February 28Dates follow the event's usual annual pattern — confirm with the organizer before you travel.
- Location
- Hokkaido
- Nearest station
- No nearby station — bus/car from Kawayu-Onsen Station (JR Senmo Line, ~40 min)
- Crowd level
- Local attendance
- Entry
- Free entry
Happens every year
What to expect
Experience the vast, icy expanse of Kussharo Lake, with its frozen surface stretching endlessly beneath a crisp winter sky. The serene presence of whooper swans in the warm inlets adds a touch of life to the stark landscape.
Best viewing tips
For the best experience, embark on the ice walk to Wakoto Peninsula during midday when the sun illuminates the frozen lake. Dress warmly and wear sturdy boots for traction on the ice.
How to get there
From Sapporo Station · ~5h 17m by car
Your turn
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