Hamatonbetsu – Gold Rush History and Lake Kutcharo

Hamatonbetsu offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: Lake Kutcharo and a facility dedicated to its protection, walking trails in Benya Primeval Flower Garden, gold rush history along the Usotannai River, and a summer festival. If you are looking for a hotel, you can start by asking which aspect of the area suits the purpose of your trip: are you interested in protecting the lake, taking a walk, panning for gold using historical methods, or attending a summer event? The following places and activities show what makes Hamatonbetsu a distinctive destination.

Lake Kutcharo and Nature Conservation

The Hamatonbetsu Kutcharo Lake Waterfowl Observatory was established to protect and preserve Lake Kutcharo, which is registered under the Ramsar Convention, and to promote its appropriate use. Protecting the lake is therefore one of the themes that define Hamatonbetsu. For travelers interested in nature conservation, it offers a point of interest in its own right—distinct from a specific walk or festival program. The picture of Hamatonbetsu thus encompasses not only individual activities, but also the institutional purpose associated with the lake.

Walking Trails and Views

Benya Primeval Flower Garden has walking trails that visitors can choose from depending on how much time they have. You can tailor your route to the time you have available for a walk. Clover Hill offers a different focus: this clover-covered grassland sits on a hill and overlooks Lake Kutcharo. This gives you two different options for planning your trip: a walk whose route you can choose based on the time available, or a view of the lake from a clover-covered hill. If you would like to plan a walk, consider the garden; if you want to focus on the lake views, Clover Hill offers a different landscape.

Gold Rush History Along the Usotannai River

Gold was discovered along the Usotannai River in 1898, after which the river experienced three gold rushes. This history is tied to a specific place and a sequence of events. At Usotannai Gold Mining Park, visitors can pan for gold using historical methods. Here, gold rush history connects with a hands-on activity: the topic is more than just a look back at the discovery and the gold rushes that followed. For travelers who want to combine history with an activity, this is a different focus from the garden trails and the nature conservation associated with Lake Kutcharo.

Summer Festival by the Lake

The Lake Kutcharo Festival is held every summer, though the exact festival dates may vary. The Hamatonbetsu Taiko performs at the festival, and grilled local scallops are served. The event concludes with around 700 fireworks over the lake. Music, local food, and fireworks each give the event a different character. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the exact dates in advance; the food offerings may also vary. This summer event is distinct from year-round themes such as gold rush history, walking trails, and scenic views.

Hamatonbetsu Soba at the Roadside Station

At the North Okhotsk Hamatonbetsu roadside station, Yokoyama Farms serves Hamatonbetsu soba. It is praised for its rich aroma and smooth flavor. Unlike the grilled scallops served at the festival, soba is a named product at the roadside station. If this specialty is important to your travel plans, check before your trip to see if it is available. This gives you two different culinary options: food served as part of the annual summer festival, and soba whose availability you can check separately.

Discover more destinations: Oshidomari, Kitahiroshima, Muroran, Shinhidaka, Fukuyama, Ashoro District, Tokachi District, Shibetsu District

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.