Lake Shikotsu, Sapporo Travel Guide

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Discover Lake Shikotsu: Hokkaido's pristine caldera lake with crystal-clear waters, stunning volcanic landscapes, and year-round outdoor adventures.

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Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu, nestled in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is a stunning caldera lake renowned for its exceptional water clarity and dramatic volcanic surroundings. As Japan's second deepest lake and northernmost ice-free lake, it offers year-round natural beauty and outdoor activities.

A brief summary to Lake Shikotsu

Chitose, Hokkaido, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Shikotsu.

Visit the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center to learn about the lake's history, geology, and ecology before exploring the area.
Enjoy a sightseeing cruise or rent a boat to experience the lake's beauty from the water.
Hike Mount Tarumae for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains (accessible from late May to October).
Visit during winter for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, featuring illuminated ice sculptures and winter activities.
Consider staying at Shikotsuko Onsen to enjoy the lakeside hot springs and explore the area.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

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Bust of Dr. William S. Clark

Shiraito Falls

Bokka Statue

Explore Lake Shikotsu on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lake Shikotsu, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From New Chitose Airport, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Lake Shikotsu from platform 28 (domestic) or 66 (international). The bus ride takes approximately 55 minutes to the final stop at Lake Shikotsu. The fare is around ¥650-¥850. From JR Chitose Station, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Lake Shikotsu (Route number “空4” Sora 4) and get off at the “Shikotsuko” terminal. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes and costs around ¥1140.
Car

From New Chitose Airport, drive approximately 40 minutes to Lake Shikotsu. The drive covers about 36 kilometers. From Sapporo, the drive takes about 1 hour via well-maintained roads. Parking is available at Lake Shikotsu, with fees of ¥500 per day for automobiles. Automobiles measuring 5 meters or longer will be charged as microbuses for ¥1,000.

Discover more about Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu, located in Chitose, Hokkaido, is a captivating natural wonder formed from volcanic activity approximately 40,000 years ago. This caldera lake, part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, boasts a circumference of about 40 kilometers and a maximum depth of 363 meters, making it the second deepest lake in Japan. The lake's name originates from the Ainu word "shikot," meaning large depression or hollow. Its exceptional water clarity, consistently ranked among the highest in Japan, is attributed to its low nutrient content and minimal plankton growth. The water shimmers with a brilliant blue hue under sunlight, known as "Shikotsu Blue".Surrounded by majestic mountains like Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi, and Mount Tarumae, Lake Shikotsu offers breathtaking scenery in every season. Visitors can explore the area through hiking, camping, and various water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving. Sightseeing cruises, including underwater tour boats, provide unique perspectives of the lake's beauty.The Shikotsuko Onsen, a hot spring town on the lake's eastern shore, offers accommodations, restaurants, and the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center. The visitor center provides insights into the lake's formation, volcanic activity, and local ecosystem through exhibits, videos, and guided tours. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, held in February, transforms the lake into an illuminated wonderland with ice sculptures and attractions.Lake Shikotsu's allure lies in its unspoiled nature and diverse recreational opportunities. Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or cultural experiences, this pristine caldera lake promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hokkaido's wilderness.