Overview
Lake Harutori is a lake in Kushiro, Hokkaido. It is a relict marine lake left behind by a fall in sea level, and remains brackish as seawater still flows in through the Harutori River. It is known as a habitat of the crucian carp variety Hibuna, a designated Natural Monument of Japan.
Highlights
- ●A relict marine lake left behind by a fall in sea level
- ●A brackish lake into which seawater flows via the Harutori River
- ●A habitat of the Hibuna, a Natural Monument of Japan
- ●A lake that freezes over from December to April
History
Lake Harutori was formed as a marine relict lake, cut off from the sea when the sea level fell. Its name 'Harutori' is said to derive from the Ainu language, with theories including 'Arutoru' (land beyond the cape) and 'Harutoru' (a slope for gathering wild vegetables).
Access
The lake lies in the city of Kushiro, Hokkaido, and can be reached from the Kushiro urban area.
Best season
As it freezes over from December to April, the lake offers contrasting scenery of open water and a frozen surface depending on the season.
Map
42.9722, 144.4036 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Arrive at the shore and take in the brackish Lake Harutori
- 2Observe the lake as a habitat of the Hibuna, a Natural Monument
- 3Walk the surroundings while reflecting on its origin as a relict marine lake
- 4Return to the Kushiro urban area to conclude the visit
Did you know?
💡 The name 'Harutori' derives from the Ainu language, with several proposed origins.
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