Bihoro Pass — Kussharo Caldera Rim (Route243).
Distance
62 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
500 m
Bihoro Pass — Kussharo Caldera Rim (Route 243).
The Bihoro Pass climbs National Route 243 to 525m on the rim of the Kussharo caldera — Japan's largest caldera lake. From the roadside station and hilltop lookout the whole caldera unfolds, ringed by peaks with the cobalt lake below and, on clear days, the Shiretoko mountains beyond. One of Hokkaido's most celebrated viewpoints, immortalised in Hibari Misora's song about the pass. Best May to October.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance62 km
Days1
Total climb500 m
DifficultyEasy
Loading map...
The route.
BihoroStart · Start in Bihoro on the Okhotsk plain, National Route 243. Fuel here before climbing to the caldera rim.
Bihoro PassMountain Pass · The 525m rim of the Kussharo caldera. From the roadside station and the hilltop lookout the entire caldera unfolds — Lake Kussharo below, ringed by peaks. One of Hokkaido's finest views.
Lake Kussharo — SunayuScenic Point · Descend to the lakeshore at Sunayu, where geothermal heat warms the sand — dig a hot foot-bath at the water's edge. Whooper swans winter here.
Teshikaga (Mashu)Restaurant · Lunch in Teshikaga, gateway to Lake Mashu. Try the local Mashu soba.
Lake Mashu LookoutPhoto Spot · The First Lookout over Lake Mashu — among the clearest lakes on earth, ringed by sheer caldera walls and often wrapped in its famous fog.
Kawayu OnsenEnd · End at Kawayu Onsen, a steaming sulphur hot-spring town between Mashu and Kussharo — the acidic springs are strong enough to tarnish a coin.
More routes in JP 01
Save this ride. Open the app.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.
Open in MotoVault
Navigate this route with GPS