Lake Togo

Brackish lake in Tottori's Yurihama town, traditionally counted among the Eight Beautiful Sights of San'in for its shape said to resemble a crane with spread wings. Geothermal water rises naturally along the shoreline, which is why the Hawai Onsen and Togo Onsen resort areas grew up here. Cycling the dedicated path around the lake takes about an hour, with views shifting between the water, surrounding hills, and distant Mount Daisen. Local shijimi clams, harvested from the lake, are prized for their flavor in miso soup. Sunset over the water, when it turns gold and the peaks silhouette behind it, is the most rewarding time to be here.