Lake Kuttara (倶多楽湖, Kuttara-ko) is a remarkable crater lake in Hokkaido, found within Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, and nearby to the Jigokudani Hell Valley. The lake is almost perfectly circular, formed by volcanic activity around 40,000-50,000 years ago. The lake is about 2.4 km across, has a shoreline of roughly 8 km, and sits at an elevation of about 258m above sea level. Lake Kuttara has a maximum depth of around 148 meters. 

Lake Kuttara is among the clearest lakes in Japan, an unspoiled natural beauty. It’s estimated that the visibility in the lake is 19 meters, making it the second most transparent lake in Japan.

One of the best views of the lake can be seen from the Noboribetsu Bear Park, which looks directly out towards from the south west of the lake. While there is a free viewing are on the northern side of the lake, the best view is from the Bear Park. You can also drive down to the lakefront during summer and enjoy the view from there, but the season is limited due to road snow. To get to the Bear Park, you need to take a ropeway/cable car stretching 1.2km from Noboribetsu, to the top of the mountain. Much like many zoos in Japan, there is some controversy around the boring and concrete living conditions the bears can be found at the bear park, which may sadden some visitors despite the parks good reviews.