Things to do in Kawayu Onsen in Winter

Kawayu Onsen & Lake Kussharo — Winter in Hokkaido
−8°
Kawayu Onsen
Hokkaido, Japan · Winter
川湯温泉 · 屈斜路湖

Kawayu
Onsen

Steam, snow, and scenic trains in eastern Hokkaido — a slower, quieter side of Japan

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♨ Travel Vlog · Watch the Journey
Kawayu Onsen & Lake Kussharo · Winter Journey

Hokkaido in winter feels like a different world — like stepping inside a snow globe. Quiet towns wrapped in white, forests dusted with powder, and hot spring steam rising gently into the icy air.

This journey captures the slower side of Japan through Kawayu Onsen and Lake Kussharo, where beauty lies in silence, warmth, and nature.

❄ ❄ ❄
01 · Getting There

A Scenic Train Ride Overlooking the Winter Landscape

Our adventure begins at Kushiro Station as we head toward the countryside of Kawayu Onsen Station. Today, we explore the slower, more peaceful, and less crowded side of travel in Japan.

Some journeys are meant to be savored slowly — and the train ride through Hokkaido’s winter landscape is one of them.
Scenic winter train ride in Hokkaido

Winter countryside views from the JR Senmō Line · Photo by @genobear

02 · Arrival

Arriving at Kawayu Onsen Town

Arriving on the small rural platform of Kawayu Onsen Station, the world feels quieter. The station is much smaller compared to others. The air is cold, and you can hear faint running water from nearby hot spring streams outside.

This charming onsen town is known for its strong mineral waters and peaceful atmosphere — perfect for travelers who love a slow-paced journey. You can freely walk through town, noticing small inns, gentle river steam, and the comforting scent of sulfur in the air.

Cats freely walking around the snowy town

Where cats freely walk around the snowy town · Kawayu Onsen · Photo by @genobear

03 · Highlight

♨ Outdoor Onsen by Lake Kussharo — Kotan Onsen

There is a bus waiting outside the train station that you can take — around ¥2,000 for an unlimited two-day ride. The driver makes short stops from the town leading to Lake Kussharo, one of Japan’s largest caldera lakes.

Along its shore sits Kotan Onsen, an outdoor hot spring famous for its overlooking view of the frozen lake, often with swans in the background. Best of all — this onsen is free.

Soaking here is a full sensory experience: hot mineral water envelops you while cold air brushes your face, and gentle steam rises into the pale sky. The lake remains still and quiet, amplifying the peacefulness of the moment.

What to Bring to the Onsen:

Swimsuit
Small towel
Warm outer layers
Plastic bag for wet clothes
Hot spring warmth against winter's chill

Hot spring warmth against winter’s chill · Kotan Onsen, Lake Kussharo · Photo by @genobear

04 · Nature

A Moment of Stillness in Nature

Beyond the hot springs, the area around Lake Kussharo invites slow exploration. You can enjoy watching whooper swans and different kinds of ducks swimming around the lake. Occasionally, you stop to admire the winter landscape and the beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

Whooper Swans swimming at Lake Kussharo

Whooper Swans at Lake Kussharo · Hokkaido · Photo by @genobear

05 · Food

🍜 Warming Up After the Cold

After enjoying the outdoor onsen, you can return to the bus stop and head back to the main station. There is a café inside Kawayu Onsen Station where you can order food and drinks. The restaurant usually offers three lunch menu options.

Winter meals taste better after snow-filled adventures.
Lunch menu at Kawayu Onsen Station café

Lunch at the café inside Kawayu Onsen Station · Photo by @genobear

06 · Reflections

Final Thoughts

Winter scenery at Kawayu Onsen

The calm of Kawayu Onsen in winter · Photo by @genobear

Kawayu Onsen and Lake Kussharo offer a different side of Japan. Some of the highlights include scenic winter views while riding the train, getting up close to Mt. Io, enjoying whooper swans at Lake Kussharo, and soaking in the outdoor hot spring at Kotan — and many more simple yet memorable moments.

Visiting here is not about ticking off attractions. It’s about feeling the season, enjoying the slow-paced journey, and letting the calm of winter stay with you long after the snow melts.

Mood of this trip:

❄ Quiet ♨ Cozy 🏔 Reflective 🦢 Scenic
07 · Planning

Travel Tips for Winter Hokkaido

Complete Travel Guide · Kawayu Onsen & Lake Kussharo

🚃 Getting There

  • JR Senmō Line from Kushiro or Abashiri to Kawayu Onsen Station
  • Travel time: around 1.5–2 hours depending on transfers
  • Arrive earlier in the day — trains are limited in winter

🚌 Local Bus

  • Bus waits outside Kawayu Onsen Station
  • 2-Day Unlimited Pass: approx ¥2,000 (cash recommended)
  • 3-Day Unlimited Pass: approx ¥3,000 (cash recommended)
  • Stops include Lake Kussharo and nearby attractions

📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Late January to February for deeper snow and whooper swans
  • Morning for quiet scenery
  • Sunset for steam and sky colors at the outdoor onsen

🏠 What to Bring

  • Waterproof winter boots with good grip
  • Heat packs
  • Small towel and swimwear for onsen
  • Extra socks and plastic bag for wet clothes
  • Power bank — cold weather drains phone batteries faster

🥽 What to Wear

  • Thermal layers
  • Waterproof boots
  • Gloves, beanie, thick coat

🏠 Facilities

  • Coin lockers usually available at the main station
  • Limited shops at night — buy snacks earlier if needed
  • Mobile signal is stable, Wi-Fi not always available
  • Walk slowly on icy platforms and roads
  • Check last train and bus schedules to avoid being stranded

❤ Ideal For

Nature Lovers Slow Travelers Couples Photographers Winter Seekers
♨

Experience More on YouTube

To experience more of Kawayu Onsen, Lake Kussharo and the quieter side of Japan in winter, watch the full vlog on our channel.

▶ Watch on YouTube · Genobear
@genobear · genogoesplaces
Kawayu Onsen & Lake Kussharo · Hokkaido, Japan · Winter
Location: Kawayuonsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3465, Japan

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