Lake Kutcharo / Kutcharo Lake Festival

Highlights include fireworks reflected on the lake's surface

Lake Kutcharo is Japan's northernmost Ramsar Convention designated site. It has a unique gourd shape formed by two ponds—a larger and smaller one—connected by a narrow waterway. The lake serves as an important stopover for migratory birds traveling between Japan and Russia, including many swans and other migratory birds that rest their wings here. At the Waterfowl Observatory on the lakeshore, visitors can carefully observe wild birds and learn about Lake Kutcharo's four seasons through photo panels and video presentations.


Kutcharo Lake Festival: Held in early July

The festival features many enjoyable attractions including performances by Hamatombetsu Taiko drummers, brass band performances by local students, a raffle with luxurious prizes, and log-walking races on the water. During the nighttime fireworks display, special fireworks launched from the lake surface illuminate the night sky. Numerous food stalls serve local specialties such as grilled scallops and scallop rice.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Postal code
〒098-5739 
Address
北海道浜頓別町クッチャロ湖畔
Telephone Number
01634-2-2534(Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory)
Other contact details
01634-2-2346(Hamatonbetsu Tourist Association)
Open
9:00-17:00(Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory)
Closed
Mondays, the day following a national holiday (Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory)
Prices
Free(Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory)
Car Park
52 spaces, free
Directions
●By car: About 60 minutes from JR Otoineppu Station
Website

Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory (Japanese)

Lake Kutcharo Lake Festival (Japanese)

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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