Lake Tōro

What it is

• The largest freshwater lake located within the Kushiro Wetland in eastern Hokkaido.
• A former lagoon that formed after the sea receded from the area.
• Part of the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, measuring 6.5 kilometers wide.
• Named after the Ainu word for a place of marshes.

What to see

• Endangered marimo algae living within the freshwater lake waters.
• The Toro Lake Eco Museum Center and nearby campground facilities.
• Water flowing from the lake into the Kushiro River.
• Views of the surrounding protected wetland landscape.

When to go

• Winter season for popular smelt fishing activities on the ice.

Getting there

• Accessible via Toro Station on the Senmo Main Line.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.