A spectacular viewpoint for a limited time
Of the four mountain passes around Lake Kussharo, Tsubetsu Pass is the highest.
The road is very narrow, and the pass, which winds up a steep mountain road, is exciting just to keep going, with new scenery opening up around every curve.
After climbing the pass, a further 2.5 km up the branched forest road is the 947-meter-high Tsubetsu Pass Observation Deck. The view from the observatory, which looks like an old medieval European castle, offers a 360-degree panorama of Lake Kussharo and the magnificent Lake Kussharo. The magnificent Lake Kussharo, the Sea of Okhotsk stretching far beyond, and the beautiful ridges of the Akan peaks make you feel as if you are in a foreign land.
From spring to fall, this pass is also known for its sea of clouds. The sea of clouds that covers Lake Kussharo and turns red with the morning sun as dawn breaks is a majestic sight. It is no wonder that photographers gather from all over the country to capture this unforgettable view on their cameras.