The popular winter activity tour at Lake Nukabira, “Cross the Frozen Lake! Taushubetsu Bridge Tour,” is a tour where participants wear snowshoes and walk across the frozen surface of Lake Nukabira toward the Taushubetsu Bridge, a Hokkaido Heritage site. Due to the short period when the frozen lake is open for activities, the tour is so popular that reservations are difficult to secure even months in advance. The tour is organized by “Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Center,” which has extensive knowledge of the nature and attractions surrounding Lake Nukabira.

On the tour day, participants gather at the guide center for a tour briefing and snowshoe instruction, then drive about 10 minutes to the starting point at Nukabira Lake Gonosawa. From here, they enter the forest heading toward the lake. Walking between large snow-covered coniferous trees, participants gradually become accustomed to snowshoe hiking while enjoying packed snow and fresh powder. Occasionally hearing bird calls, the group stops to search for animal tracks and listen to explanations. As they approach the lake, the trees change from large conifers to birch trees, and finally descend onto the lake surface.

The open snowy expanse of the lake is the third largest in Hokkaido, with a perimeter equivalent to Tokyo’s Yamanote Line—an impressive scale. While being overwhelmed by the magnificent nature, the destination Taushubetsu Bridge is approximately 2 km one way. Walking across the snowy field in unfamiliar snowshoes can work up a light sweat if blessed with good weather. Along the way, one of the highlights is photographing “ice bubbles”—methane gas generated by photosynthesis from the lake bottom trapped within the ice.

Upon reaching Taushubetsu Bridge, participants receive an explanation about the bridge, followed by free time to enjoy it from their favorite spots. A popular photography location is around the back of the bridge with the mountains as a backdrop. The contrast between the magnificent presence of nature and the ephemeral beauty of the deteriorating arch bridge further enhances the bridge’s appeal. For the 2026 season, due to abundant water levels in the lake, the tour is expected to be enjoyable through the end of February. For details, contact “Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Center.”

A video has been created (1 minute 50 seconds).

Cross the Frozen Lake! Taushubetsu Bridge Tour 2026 Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK6reqxBeGM

Putting on snowshoes and finally starting!

Finally stepping onto the frozen surface of Lake Nukabira

“Ice bubbles”—gas generated by photosynthesis from the lake trapped within the ice

Arriving at Taushubetsu Bridge

Popular photo spot with mountains as backdrop