Sunayu
Sunayu on the eastern shore of Lake Kussharo offers a unique open-air hot spring experience. If you dig a hole in the sandy beach, natural hot spring water gushes to the surface to create a warm pool. Visitors can soak their feet in the water while taking in the beautiful view of the lake.
The area around Sunayu can be enjoyed year-round. In summer, visitors flock to the shore to swim in the lake and go camping, while in winter, a whooper swan colony comes to Lake Kussharo from Siberia, attracted by the geothermal activity. Sunayu is a popular spot for photographers to capture shots of whooper swans against backdrops of fresh snow and frozen water. There are shops, toilets, and a campground nearby.
Kussharo Kotan
Kussharo Kotan (Kussharo Village) is an Ainu folklore museum located at the southern end of Lake Kussharo. Opened in 1982, the museum displays traditional everyday Ainu artifacts and tools. Visitors can try on Ainu clothing and take a commemorative photograph, try their hand at Ainu-style embroidery, and there are videos about the Ainu people. The Kussharo Kotan is a great place to learn more about the history, culture, and customs of Ainu people. The museum is closed for the winter between November and late April.
The Kotan onsen is in Kussharo Kotan. Located on the shore of Lake Kussharo, this open-air hot spring bath offers beautiful views throughout the year. It is a popular place to see the sunset. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors of the changing foliage of the surrounding mountains, while in winter bathers can sit in the warm water and watch whooper swans on the lake right before their eyes.