A brackish lake where hot springs well up from the lake bed, flanked by Hawai Onsen and Tōgō Onsen resorts.
Lake Tōgō is a brackish lake with a circumference of about 10 km located in Yurihama Town, Tottori Prefecture, notable for the rare phenomenon of hot springs rising naturally from its bed and shores. Hawai Onsen spreads along the western shore and Tōgō Onsen along the southern shore, creating a distinctive landscape where lake and hot springs blend seamlessly. Viewed from Mt. Hachibuse, the lake's outline resembles a crane spreading its wings, earning it the name 'Crane Lake' (Tsuru-no-Ko) and a place among the Eight Views of San'in.
The brackish ecosystem—where fresh water and salt water intermingle—nurtures distinctive wildlife. The large-grained freshwater clams harvested here are so prized they are nicknamed 'Black Diamonds.' Visitors can also witness the traditional four-hand-net fishing (yotsude-ami) on the lake surface, a scene that has long defined the character of Lake Tōgō.
The lakeside Tōgō Lake Hawai Lakeside Park and several foot baths make for pleasant strolling while taking in the lake views. The lake is about a 5-minute walk from JR Matsuzaki Station, and staying at a lakeside inn to watch the sunset color the water at dusk is highly recommended.