Shikotsukoonsen: Lakeside Hot Spring Retreat
Escape to Shikotsukoonsen: Hokkaido's lakeside hot spring retreat with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty.
Shikotsukoonsen is a charming hot spring town located on the banks of Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The lake is celebrated as Japan's second-deepest and northernmost unfrozen lake, known for its remarkable water clarity. The onsen (hot spring) waters are reputed to have skin-smoothing properties, adding to the allure of this lakeside retreat. Lake Shikotsu's history stretches back approximately 40,000 years when volcanic activity formed the caldera. Today, visitors can enjoy the stunning contrast between the blue lake and the surrounding greenery, a landscape relatively untouched due to the steep mountains that encircle the lake. Shikotsukoonsen provides a range of activities throughout the year. In the summer, the clear waters invite visitors to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and diving. Sightseeing boats, including underwater viewing options, offer unique perspectives of the lake. During winter, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival transforms the area into a magical illuminated ice sculpture display. Several hotels in Shikotsukoonsen offer day-trip access to their hot spring baths. Marukoma Onsen, located on the northern shore, features unique lakeside baths connected to the lake by small canals.
Local tips
- Visit during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (late January to mid-February) for stunning illuminated ice sculptures.
- Enjoy the lake's clear waters through kayaking, canoeing, or a sightseeing boat tour.
- Try the local Himemasu (chip) trout dishes, a regional specialty.
- Take advantage of day-trip onsen options at various hotels to experience the skin-beautifying waters.
- Rent a car for the most flexibility in exploring Lake Shikotsu and surrounding areas, including trailheads for nearby mountains.
A brief summary to Shikotsukoonsen
- Chitose, Shikotsukoonsen, Hokkaido, JP
Getting There
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Bus
From JR Chitose Station, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Lake Shikotsu. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the bus will drop you off at the last stop in Shikotsukoonsen. The fare is around 1140 yen.
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Car
From New Chitose Airport, take Route 36 and then Route 453 to Lake Shikotsu, approximately a 50-minute drive. Parking is available near the lake, with hourly rates around 200-300 yen and daily rates around 800-1000 yen, but can be limited during peak season.
