Lake Kuttara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Kuttara倶多楽湖 |
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View from the crater rim (August 2017).
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| Coordinates | 42°30′N 141°10′E / 42.500°N 141.167°E |
| Type | oligotrophic crater lake |
| Primary inflows | none |
| Primary outflows | evaporation |
| Basin countries | Japan |
| Surface area | 4.68 km2 (1.81 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 148 m (486 ft) |
| Shore length1 | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 258 m (846 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Lake Kuttara (倶多楽湖, Kuttara-ko) is a beautiful lake located in Shiraoi, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is famous for having some of the cleanest water in the entire country. This special lake is part of the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.
About Lake Kuttara
Lake Kuttara is a type of lake called a caldera lake. This means it formed in the huge bowl-shaped hollow left after a volcano erupted and then collapsed. The lake is quite deep, reaching about 148 m (486 ft) at its deepest point. It covers an area of about 4.68 km2 (1.81 sq mi).
What makes Lake Kuttara so special is its amazing water quality. The water is incredibly clear. Japan's Ministry of the Environment, which is a government group that protects nature, says the lake has a transparency of 19 metres (62 ft). This means you can see clearly down into the water for 19 meters! It is the second clearest lake in Japan, right after Lake Mashū.
Animals Living in Lake Kuttara
Even though the lake is very clear, some interesting animals call it home. A type of salamander called the Ezo salamander (エゾサンショウウオ, Ezo Sanshōuo) lives in and around the lake. These small amphibians are an important part of the lake's ecosystem.
Since 1909, a type of fish called Sockeye salmon has also been introduced to Lake Kuttara. These salmon are known for their bright red color when they are ready to reproduce. They are a popular fish species in many parts of the world.
