Lake Kussharo is the biggest crater lake in Japan, located in the Akan-Mashu National Park. The best lookout for this lake is Bihoro Mountain Pass (美幌峠 / Bihoro Toge) where you can get the broad panorama of the lake from 525m high.
The cloud sea here is absolutely breathtaking. It stays over the lake only in the morning, so get up early. Getting there for sunrise is highly recommended, it's just so beautiful. Though it appears all year around, you would want to aim around June to August with 50% possibility to get the view. Here are some useful websites that provide sea cloud forecast for the next day.
- http://www.bihoro-k.com/unkai/
- https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/weekend-explorer/unkai/02.html
Even without the sea cloud, Lake Kussharo is worth visiting at any time of the day and in any season. The lookout has a plenty of parking lots, a souvenir shop and food stand selling local goodies, so don't miss out!
Lookout at Bihoro Mountain Pass（美幌峠 / Bihoro Toge）
Hours: Anytime
Seasons: All Year Around
Admission Fee: Free
Access: 30 min from Bihoro and Memambetsu Airport, one hour from Kitami and Abashiri by car.
Bus is available from middle July to early October between Memambetsu Airport, Bihoro Station and Bihoro Mountain Pass operated by Akan Bus.
