Lake Kuttara Lake

Deep volcanic caldera lake on Hokkaido island

On southern Hokkaido, Lake Kuttara fills a volcanic caldera near Shiraoi; known for unusually clear water, the lake invites short walks, seasonal trout fishing and quiet summer visits from local hikers.

Main image
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Lake Kuttara at a Glance#

How to Get to Lake Kuttara#

Lake Kuttara is near Shiraoi in Hokkaido. The usual approach is by car from Tomakomai or Muroran; local buses connect smaller towns seasonally. From Shiraoi Station, regional bus and taxi services can be used to reach the lake area.

Tips for Visiting Lake Kuttara#

  • Visit on a clear day to appreciate the caldera's sheer sides and the lake's deep blue.
  • There is a short walking path around parts of the crater rim-use it for different vantage points.
  • Respect the official no-swim advisories; water quality and depth can make swimming risky.

Best Time to Visit Lake Kuttara#

Summer months offer the best access and visibility; winter is harsh but photogenic for experienced travelers.

Summer
June-August · 10-20°C
Milder weather and long daylight suited to hikes and photography.
Winter
December-February · -15 to 0°C
Snow can cover roads and transforms the caldera into a silent white bowl.

Weather & Climate near Lake Kuttara#

Climate

Lake Kuttara's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1273 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 45 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -8° - -1° -11° 74 mm overcast 89% 4.4 m/s 0.1 low 9.3h
February Poor -8° - -1° -11° 64 mm overcast 86% 4.4 m/s 0.3 low 10.4h
March Poor -5° - 2° -7° 71 mm overcast 85% 4.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.8h
April Poor 0° - 8° 1° 81 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 13.2h
May Acceptable 5° - 13° 7° 95 mm partly cloudy 85% 4.1 m/s 1.2 high 14.4h
June Good 10° - 17° 13° 98 mm overcast 88% 3.6 m/s 1.4 high 15.1h
July Good 15° - 21° 18° 142 mm overcast 90% 3.5 m/s 1.4 high 14.8h
August Good 17° - 23° 20° 185 mm overcast 88% 3.6 m/s 1.3 high 13.7h
September Good 13° - 19° 16° 167 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.7 m/s 1.0 high 12.3h
October Acceptable 6° - 14° 8° 113 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.1 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.9h
November Poor 0° - 7° 0° 102 mm overcast 83% 4.5 m/s 0.2 low 9.6h
December Poor -5° - 2° -6° 81 mm overcast 88% 4.4 m/s 0.1 low 9.0h