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

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.