Lake Chimikeppu, Natural lake in Tsubetsu, Japan
Lake Chimikeppu is a natural lake in the town of Tsubetsu, Abashiri District, in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, set within old-growth forest that covers most of the surrounding land. The lake sits in a wooded valley, with tall trees lining its shores and reflecting on the water's surface throughout the year.
The Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, lived in this region for centuries and gave the lake its name. In the late 19th century, Japanese settlers moved into the area and the town of Tsubetsu was established, but the forest around the lake was largely left intact.
The name Chimikeppu comes from the Ainu language, spoken by the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and roughly means "place where the water flows." This original name has stayed in use to this day, linking the lake to the people who lived in this part of the island long before modern settlements.
The lake is easiest to reach by car, as public transport in this part of Hokkaido is limited. In winter, the roads around the area can be icy or snow-covered, so it is worth checking conditions before setting out.
The lake sits within one of the most densely forested municipal areas in Hokkaido, where woodland covers more than 86 percent of Tsubetsu's total land. This means that, unlike many lakes in the region, there is almost no open ground or development visible from the shoreline.
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