Lake Kussharo and Sunayu in Winter: A Place Where Frozen Lake Surfaces and Hot Springs Coexist

Winter at Lake Kussharo's Sunayu Hot Springs: Swans enjoying the hot springs.

: Post

: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

The sand baths of Lake Kussharo and the migrating swans
Lake Kussharo is known as a "winter stopover" where swans gather during the winter months—from the end of November to April.
Why do they come to this place where the lake surface freezes over to rest their wings? We'll explain the reason.

Frozen Lake Kussharo Eastern Hokkaido is extremely cold. In winter, the lake surface freezes over, and snow accumulates on top of it.
However, upon closer inspection, a faint wisp of steam could be seen rising from the lakeshore...

Lake Kussharo and swans

Yes, the defining feature of Lake Kussharo is its shoreline.

Hot springs are bubbling up from beneath the sandy area by the lake.
Sand baths and hot springs at Lake Kussharo (In some places, you can even find hot water by digging in the sand with your hands or a shovel!)

Because of this, the edge of the lake does not freeze, creating an open-air bath exclusively for the swans.
Swans of Lake Kussharo It looks very comfortable.

"I wonder if the swans are getting too excited..."
Swans of Lake Kussharo

With those worries in mind, I dipped my hand into the water, and it was pleasantly warm.

There's also a footbath in the sandy area by the lake. (This one's for humans only!)
Sand baths and foot baths at Lake Kussharo

I take off my boots and socks, and soak my feet in a warm footbath.
Sand baths and foot baths at Lake Kussharo And so, we gazed upon the vast caldera lake and the beautiful sight of swans.