Japan's largest caldera, Lake Kussharo, boasts a breathtaking sea of clouds [Tsubetsu Pass, Bihoro Pass, Lake Mashu Observatory, Mt. Mokoto] Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

A breathtaking sea of clouds spreads over Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera [Tsubetsu Pass, Bihoro Pass, Lake Mashu Observatory, Mt. Mokoto]

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: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

1. Enjoy the romance of the sea of clouds from various angles of the caldera's outer rim.

　Tsubetsu Pass

　美幌峠

　Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck

　Mount Mokoto (Highland Koshimizu)

2. Things you should know to see the best sea of clouds

　2-1: What time in the morning should I go?

　2-2: Recommended clothing

　2-3: Where is the most convenient place to stay?

　2-4: When can I watch it, and until when?

3. Enjoy multiple sea of clouds viewing spots in one day!

4. Local tour to enjoy the sea of clouds over Lake Kussharo

5. Obtain information about the sea of clouds.

Final thoughts

Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass Located almost in the center of eastern Hokkaido, the Kussharo Caldera is Japan's largest caldera. The sea of clouds that forms in this caldera, which includes Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo, has recently been attracting a lot of attention.

This time, we will introduce in detail the spectacular views from cloud sea viewing spots, including Tsubetsu Pass, and things you should know to enjoy the cloud sea.

1. Enjoy the romance of the sea of clouds from various angles of the caldera's outer rim.

Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass When you think of a sea of clouds, you might imagine a landscape that's hard to see unless you take a ropeway or hike, but the Kussharo Sea of Clouds can be easily seen by car. Furthermore, there are about four observation points, and the fact that you can enjoy it from various angles is another interesting aspect of the Kussharo Sea of Clouds.

Tsubetsu Pass

Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass This is a classic spot to view the sea of clouds at Mount Kussharo from June through autumn. The sunrise from directly in front is also magnificent.
*Due to the effects of the 2016 floods, the prefectural road leading up to Tsubetsu Pass from Lake Kussharo was closed, but it is scheduled to reopen on May 25, 2018.

美幌峠

Sea of clouds at Bihoro Pass As it's the lowest observation deck for viewing the sea of clouds, it can sometimes be swallowed up by the clouds, but when the sea of clouds is visible, it's a place where you can feel the sea of clouds up close.

Lake Mashu Third Observation Deck

Sea of clouds over Lake Mashu You can enjoy the sea of clouds over the Kussharo Caldera while also enjoying Lake Mashu in the morning. While the probability is lower compared to the Kussharo sea of clouds, you might also see a sea of clouds forming over Lake Mashu... It's a spot where you can enjoy two seas of clouds! And of course, Lake Mashu on a clear, cloudless day is also very appealing♪
*During the winter, the prefectural road to the Lake Mashu Third Observatory is closed. You can still reach the Lake Mashu First Observatory.

Mount Mokoto (Highland Koshimizu)

Sea of clouds from Mt. Mokoto This observation deck is the closest to the Sea of Okhotsk within the outer rim of the Kussharo Caldera. When the vast sea of clouds covers eastern Hokkaido, you can see not only the Kussharo Caldera but also the sea of clouds towards the Okhotsk Sea from here.

*Click to enlarge.

2. Things you should know to see the best sea of clouds

2-1: What time in the morning should I go?

The sea of clouds mainly forms around dawn. Occasionally, the clouds remain until around noon, allowing for observation, but usually they disappear by around 9 AM.

The best time to visit is definitely around sunrise. Starting with the morning glow, the way the light from the rising sun illuminates the sea of clouds is almost like a living thing. The ever-changing, fantastical scenery is the very essence of the mystery of nature. Even if you oversleep, you have a good chance of seeing it before breakfast.

Incidentally, the sunrise times at Tsubetsu Pass are as follows:

Summer solstice 3:35am
October 22nd 3:55am
October 22nd 4:29am
October 22nd 5:04am
October 22nd 5:39am
*This information is from 2015. For reference only.

Sea of clouds at Kussharo A divine spectacle of light and clouds, "Angel Step".

2-2: Recommended clothing

Even the most beautiful scenery can be ruined by the cold, so please dress warmly. Even if the temperature isn't particularly low, the wind at higher altitudes can be stronger than you might expect. Your body heat will be lost, making the perceived temperature lower, so a combination of a warm base layer like fleece and a windproof jacket would be ideal.

Sunrise from Tsubetsu Pass From Tsubetsu Pass. Even if you don't encounter a sea of clouds, you might still witness a magnificent sunrise.

2-3: Where is the most convenient place to stay?

For accommodation, if you plan to view the lake from Tsubetsu Pass, stay in accommodations in Tsubetsu Town. If you plan to view it from Bihoro Pass, stay in accommodations around Lake Kussharo. If you plan to view it from Mt. Mokoto or the Lake Mashu Third Observatory, accommodations in Kawayu Onsen are convenient.

Sunrise from Bihoro Pass A sunrise viewed from Bihoro Pass. A breathtaking view that rivals even a sea of clouds.

2-4: When can I watch it, and until when?

Image of the sea of clouds at Kussharo While sea of clouds can be seen year-round, the probability of them occurring is higher from June to August.

There are two main processes by which the Kussharo Sea of Clouds forms.

One possibility is that the lake water evaporates due to the temperature difference between the water and the air, or that water vapor in the air turns into fog and fills the caldera.

Another factor is the sea off Kushiro, where cold currents flow in. When warm air from the south flows into this area, large-scale fog forms, covering the lower elevations of the Pacific coast of eastern Hokkaido. The fog pushes further inland and flows into the Kussharo Caldera, surrounded by its outer rim, where it has nowhere to escape and accumulates.

Seas of clouds originating from lakes occur year-round, while seas of clouds rolling in from the sea occur during the summer months.

Winter sea of clouds at Bihoro Pass A winter sea of clouds viewed from Bihoro Pass.

3. Enjoy multiple sea of clouds viewing spots in one day!

The joy of seeing the sea of clouds begins the moment you leave your accommodation. On a morning when you're expecting to see the sea of clouds, it's usually overcast or shrouded in fog when you leave your accommodation. As you approach the viewpoint, your altitude increases, and eventually you break through the clouds and encounter a magnificent sea of clouds in the sky.

Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass A sea of clouds from Tsubetsu Pass. Wakoto Peninsula can be seen through a break in the clouds.

As an idea, you could start by climbing to the highest point, Tsubetsu Pass, to get a panoramic view of the Kussharo Caldera. If other observation decks are visible, you could then move to those decks and enjoy the sea of clouds from different angles.

Also, the sunrise over Lake Mashu is mystical. If you're lucky, you might even witness a double sea of clouds over both Mashu and Kussharo. You could also watch the sunrise from the Lake Mashu Third Observatory and then see it from the direction of Lake Kussharo (Tsubetsu, Bihoro). Where you choose to watch the sunrise is entirely up to you.

sea of clouds A sea of clouds on a cloudy day. It displays a variety of expressions.

4. Local tour to enjoy the sea of clouds over Lake Kussharo

There are also several guided tours available in the area to enjoy the sea of clouds. If you're feeling uneasy about going to an unfamiliar place on your own, joining a tour can give you peace of mind.

Enjoy the sea of clouds from Lake Mashu's Third Observatory: Mashu-Kussharo Sea of Clouds Tour
Implemented by: Tourism Teshikaga
TEL: 015-483-2101
Dates: June 1st to October 10th (typically)
For further information, please read CLICK HEREClick

Tsubetsu Pass Sea of Clouds Tour
Implemented by: Lamp no Yado Mori Tsubetsu (*Discount available for overnight guests)
TEL: 0152-76-3333
Dates: June 1st to October 10th (typically)
For further information, please read CLICK HEREClick

Lake Kussharo Sea of Clouds Tour (Lake Mashu Sea of Clouds)
Implemented by: Leisure Guide Asobiya
TEL: 0167-22-0534
Setting date: June 1, 2018 to October 8, 2018
For further information, please read CLICK HEREClick

Lake Kussharo Sea of Clouds Tour (also available during winter)
Implemented by: Kussharo Wilderness Youth Guesthouse (※For guests only)
TEL: 015-484-2609
Scheduled dates: Year-round, excluding the year-end and New Year holidays.　
For further information, please read CLICK HEREClick

5. Obtain information about the sea of clouds.

Now, when you're planning a trip to see the sea of clouds, you'll want to know the latest information and conditions, right? Here's a page that's perfect for you.

Bihoro Pass Sea of Clouds Prediction Page
http://www.bihoro-k.com/unkai/

津別峠ライブカメラ
https://www.town.tsubetsu.hokkaido.jp/60camera/

Final thoughts

In June 2017, the probability of a sea of clouds appearing at Tsubetsu Pass was 57%, while in July of last year it was 51%. Statistically speaking, this means it can be seen about once every two days. Why not witness this magnificent fantasy created by nature, a sight that words cannot fully describe, and imprint it on your own memory?

Sea of clouds over Tsubetsu Pass