A coveted open-air bath with a spectacular view

An open-air bath on the shores of Lake Kussharo. Kotan no Yu, known as a hidden hot spring, is a stone bath facing the spacious lake. It is kept very clean by the locals.

There are separate changing rooms for men and women, so you can change clothes without worry. However, although the bath is separated by a large rock in the middle, it is basically the same as mixed bathing. Therefore, you can bathe in a swimsuit or wrap a towel around yourself.

The bath's water level is almost the same as the lake. In winter, swans float in front of you, making it seem as if you are bathing together with the swans. Also, at dusk, when the lake turns golden, it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Kotan Onsen has been featured in numerous magazines and on television. Its spectacular open-air bath is definitely one you'll want to try at least once.