Lake Kutcharo & Summer Festival｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Lake Kutcharo & Summer Festival

Japan's Northernmost Ramsar Site, Home to More Than 300 Bird Species

Discover one of Hokkaido's premier natural sanctuaries, where more than 300 species of wild birds thrive in a rich wetland ecosystem.

Lake Kutcharo is a 30-km-long, gourd-shaped lake formed by the larger Lake Ohnuma and smaller Lake Konuma. In spring and autumn, thousands of tundra swans gather on its waters, creating a spectacular seasonal scene. Breathe in the cool breeze and enjoy the beauty and vitality of nature.

With the Okhotsk Sea just 3 km away, a fresh, salty scent drifts across the lake, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of wings. At the Waterfowl Observatory, visitors can watch Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles soaring over the shallow waters, which average just 1.5 meters in depth.

In summer, the Lake Kutcharo Festival fills the area with energy. The powerful rhythms of Hamatonbetsu Taiko and the savory aroma of freshly grilled local scallops create a lively festival atmosphere. The celebration culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, with around 700 fireworks launched over the lake, illuminating the night sky and their reflections on the shimmering water.