Overview
Lake Kutcharo is a brackish lake with a circumference of about 27 kilometers, located in Hamatonbetsu, Esashi District, Sōya Subprefecture, in northern Hokkaido. It consists of two basins, a smaller one to the northwest and a larger one to the southeast, separated by a peninsula. Designated a Ramsar site in 1989, it is known as a gathering place for diverse waterfowl and other wildlife.
Highlights
- ●A brackish lake formed of two basins, a smaller and a larger one
- ●A Ramsar site designated in July 1989
- ●A stopover for tundra swans and many varieties of ducks
- ●Part of the Kita-Okhotsk Prefectural Natural Park
History
The name derives from the Ainu word 'kut-char,' meaning the mouth where a lake's water flows out, sharing its origin with Lake Kussharo. The lakes were designated a Ramsar site in July 1989 and are recognized as an important wetland for biodiversity. Rivers flow into the lakes, which drain toward the Sea of Okhotsk.
Access
The lake lies in Hamatonbetsu, Esashi District, in northern Hokkaido, forming part of the Kita-Okhotsk Prefectural Natural Park. It can be reached from the center of the host town.
Best season
The seasons when migratory waterfowl arrive are well suited for nature observation. Clothing appropriate to the Sea of Okhotsk climate is advisable.
Map
45.1333, 142.3333 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Arrive at the lakeshore and grasp the layout of the two-basin brackish lake
- 2Visit spots for observing migratory waterfowl and ducks
- 3Experience the wetland environment recognized under the Ramsar Convention
- 4Stroll through the surrounding nature of the Kita-Okhotsk Prefectural Natural Park
Did you know?
💡 The name comes from an Ainu word meaning the mouth where a lake's water flows out, the same origin as Lake Kussharo.
Nearby spots
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