Lake Kussharo Viewing & Birdwatching Hike up Mt. Mokoto
Overview
Join a guided tour up Mt. Mokoto for your chance to see Siberian chipmunks and mountain hares, rare wild birds, and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Kussharo.
Highlights
- Enjoy an easy nature hike suitable for all ages
- Spot red-flanked bluetails, spotted nutcrackers, and other rare birds
- Take in incredible views of the surrounding forest, mountains, and Japan's largest caldera lake
- Meet the wildlife of Japan’s National Parks — perhaps you’ll make new friend!
Description
On this birdwatching nature tour up Mt. Mokoto, you'll enjoy pristine forests and unforgettable views of Akan-Mashu National Park with a local guide. Mt. Mokoto is a peak in Akan-Mashu National Park, Hokkaido, accessible by a 40-minute car ride from the Memanbetsu Airport or JR Hamakoshimizu Station. Setting out from the Highland Koshimizu 725 trailhead, it takes around two hours to hike to the summit, which sits 1000 meters above sea level. It is quite a gentle climb suitable for to all ages, yielding stunning views of Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, and when the skies are clear, the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. You’ll also have great views of Mt. Shari and Mt. Unabetsu. Mt. Shari is listed as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, so it attracts climbers from all over Japan—and the world. Being a more challenging climb than Mt. Mokoto, it perhaps best enjoyed from afar! Besides the incredible views to be had, this climb is made even more special by your birdwatching guide, who will help you to spot some of the wildlife that calls the mountain home. Depending on the season you might see buzzards or white-tailed eagles, spotted nutcrackers, or red-flanked bluetails. Besides the rare birds, be on the lookout for mountain hares and Siberian chipmunks. As you approach the summit, take a break and enjoy the view from Center House, near the seventh station. Here you’ll see sweeping panoramas of forests, mountains, and lake for miles and miles.