Wakoto Natural Trail
Wakoto Natural Trail
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4.0
39 reviews
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Brun066
Florence, Italy13,776 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
The interaction with Lake Kussharo, which we developed on our trip into Akan National Park, can be summarized in two highlights: the general view of the lake from above, which we were able to enjoy from the Bihoro Pass, and the walking ring trail through the Wakoto peninsula.
We walked this last trail on a sunny and clear afternoon in early August, and we did it in an anti-clockwise direction.
The trail starts flat, and continues like this for a considerable stretch, then it climbs a few dozen meters above the level of the lake, among thick vegetation, which remains constant until the end of the route.
Near the extreme tip of the peninsula, in a place called Oyakotsu Jigoku, a terrace allows on one side to enjoy the splendid panorama of the center of the lake, on the other to observe from above the "pseudovolcanic" manifestations of the boiling water that flows at the foot of a cliff, at lake level, and which constantly emits a cloud of steam.
The most difficult climb of the entire route follows, on a long wooden staircase, built to overcome the cliff. From here the route is easier, on a flat or slightly downhill slope. Numerous panels, bilingual Japanese-English, illustrate the characteristics of the trees or other plants encountered along the route.
At the end of the trail there's an open-air onsen, with very hot water, where you can at most immerse your feet. But given the hot day and the fatigue endured, we preferred to immerse ourselves in the cool water of the lake.
A rewarding route, more than recommended!
We walked this last trail on a sunny and clear afternoon in early August, and we did it in an anti-clockwise direction.
The trail starts flat, and continues like this for a considerable stretch, then it climbs a few dozen meters above the level of the lake, among thick vegetation, which remains constant until the end of the route.
Near the extreme tip of the peninsula, in a place called Oyakotsu Jigoku, a terrace allows on one side to enjoy the splendid panorama of the center of the lake, on the other to observe from above the "pseudovolcanic" manifestations of the boiling water that flows at the foot of a cliff, at lake level, and which constantly emits a cloud of steam.
The most difficult climb of the entire route follows, on a long wooden staircase, built to overcome the cliff. From here the route is easier, on a flat or slightly downhill slope. Numerous panels, bilingual Japanese-English, illustrate the characteristics of the trees or other plants encountered along the route.
At the end of the trail there's an open-air onsen, with very hot water, where you can at most immerse your feet. But given the hot day and the fatigue endured, we preferred to immerse ourselves in the cool water of the lake.
A rewarding route, more than recommended!
Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
Boston, MA89 contributions
June 2016
We took this 2.5-km trail on a cool, windy day in June. The views out over the lake were lovely, the trail was in good shape, and signage was informative, although a little more English would have been helpful for folks who don’t speak Japanese. The vegetation was lush, and some of the plants were labeled in Latin. The nationally protected “robust” cicadas that live there, at the northernmost edge of their habitat, were unfortunately nowhere to be seen. (Although Hokkaido is generally cold, the geothermal energy in the area warms the ground, allowing the cicada larvae to survive the winter.) “Hell” was doing its menacing best, puffing out clouds of sulfurous steam.
If you follow the trail clockwise, you’ll have ups and downs, but you’ll avoid climbing an enormous number of steps. There are bathrooms as you enter the peninsula and just before you start on the trail, but nothing more until you return. And there’s a camping area at the foot of the trail.
Written 27 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C
33 contributions
Nov 2019
A nice, calm and beautiful trail was the young and not-so-old. Some tricky slopes, but you get to be surrounded by everlasting nature. A good place to enjoy mother nature and just take it all in.
Written 9 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oren M
Haifa, Israel212 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
A wonderful, hour + long (2.5 km) circular route. Some steps and bridges. Very good signage along the route. Very clear toilet at the begining. Not to be missed
Written 4 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P T
Geylang, Singapore35 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We were almost the only people there in the morning. Was not expecting too much but instead found a nice easy trail (clockwise) through the forest teeming with birds, insects and colourful plant life. About 2.4km so will not take too much over an hour depending on the stops one makes. It runs by the water so could spot a couple of anglers by the water’s edge along the way. A good way to spend the morning. An outdoor hot spring at the trailhead so bring your swimsuit if you’re up to it. Toilet facilities also available.
Written 15 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Leavenworth, KS1,286 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This is a beautiful peninsula with a nice hour-long hiking trail and an outdoor mixed bathing hot spring. Good for birding. The trail is close to the hot spring and a camp ground. If you don't want to hike around Wakato, consider taking a canoe and paddling around the peninsula. Visited September 22, 2017.
Written 21 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StellersEagle
Hokkaido, Japan76 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
The short trail around the peninsula is passable during most months of the year and provides easy access into mature forest with a wide mixture of the common woodland birds of east Hokkaido.
Written 4 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DLi_hk
Hong Kong, China17,638 contributions
May 2016
did not take the walking trail but just dropped by to enjoy the lakeview as in the past. There's an info centre which provides info on sighteeing, camping, trekking, geological, biological etc
Written 2 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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