[2025] Complete guide to sightseeing at Lake Shikotsu! A trip to enjoy hot springs, activities and spectacular views
![[2025] Complete guide to sightseeing at Lake Shikotsu! A trip to enjoy hot springs, activities and spectacular views](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/shikotsuko_thumb.jpg)
This time Hokkaido· Lake Shikotsu Recommended sightseeing spots in will be featured!
If you visit the area, be sure to check it out first.
Picking out popular spots
.
In addition
Hotels in the area, hot spring facilities, and recommended access methods
We also introduce the following:
Next Hokkaido When you travel, why not get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a rich experience of nature?
table of contents
- 1 What is Lake Shikotsu?
- 2 Top 5 popular activities at Lake Shikotsu
- 3 3 recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu
- 4 If you're planning a winter getaway, check out the Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival!
- 5 Recommended hotel accommodations around Lake Shikotsu
- 6 How to get to Lake Shikotsu
- 7 A one-day itinerary to see the highlights of Lake Shikotsu
- 8 Enjoy sightseeing around Lake Shikotsu
- 9 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is Lake Shikotsu?
Lake Shikotsu
teeth
Hokkaido
・
Chitose City
It is a lake located in
They are formed when water accumulates in depressions created by eruptions.
It is the second largest caldera lake in Japan after Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido.
We are proud of this.
The maximum depth is about 360m.
The second deepest in Japan
.
The water is highly transparent because there are few nutrients and plankton is unlikely to grow.
Selected as number one in Japan many times in surveys by the Ministry of the Environment
It has been done.
The lake surface does not freeze even in winter. Frozen Lake " Also known as Even in winter Canoe cruising, etc. You can enjoy the following activities: is.
It is a rare spot for winter tourism in Hokkaido where you can enjoy outdoor experiences.
Surrounded by lush green mountains
Lake Shikotsu
It is also a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons.
There are also hot springs in the vicinity, as described below.
Tourism & Accommodation
It seems that many people visit for this purpose!
Top 5 popular activities at Lake Shikotsu
- 4.9
- (4 reviews and experiences)
[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish peeking out of the crystal clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through the great outdoors.
- 5.0
- (5 reviews and experiences)
[Event period] March 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 * During the Golden Week period, we are accepting reservations for the Golden Week plan. [Regular holidays] * Irregular holidays [Required time] ① 9:00-11:00 ② 11:00-13:00 ③ 13:30-15:30 ④ 15:30-17:30 * Meeting → Disbanding Approximately 2 hours [Golden Week period] In addition to the above hours
- 5.0
- (8 reviews and experiences)
[Chitose River Cruise] Just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, the Chitose River will make you think, "Wow, there's so much nature in such a place!" You'll go down the river accompanied by a guide, watching the fish peeking out of the crystal clear water and the birds flying through the trees. You'll learn a lot about Hokkaido's wildlife and vegetation, Ainu culture, and pioneering history through the great outdoors.
- 4.7
- (13 reviews and experiences)
●This is a local SUP tour shop for Lake Shikotsu! We have a changing room, bath towels, hair dryers, cotton swabs, tissues, bamboo combs, and various amenities. ●You will be guided by a "JSPASUP Basic Instructor," so even first-timers can participate with confidence! ●You will wear a dry suit (11/1-5/15), so you will not get wet at all.
- 4.9
- (47 reviews and experiences)
"Extraordinary Experience Activity" held at Lake Shikotsu in Chitose / Approximately 2 hours of SUP experience tour. A luxurious SUP experience tour at Lake Shikotsu, which has the best water quality in Japan for 11 consecutive years. The high quality water and beautiful scenery will enrich your soul and create the best memories with your friends and precious family. You can also see the oldest "Mountain Line Iron Bridge" in Japan! The guide will take photos and provide them to you as an album.
3 recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu
Three recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu introduction!
We focus on spots where you can learn and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu.
1. Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
Lake Shikotsu
When you arrive at
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
"fart!
"
Another trip to Lake Shikotsu, to the forest, to the mountains, to the lake
"The theme is
Exhibits focusing on Lake Shikotsu's nature, origins, and the flora and fauna that inhabit it
We are currently working on the following.
Impressive
Three stuffed brown bears
or
Aquarium display of fish that live in Lake Shikotsu
, a spot that is currently off-limits
"
Moss Cave
"
Life-size panel of
etc.
There are plenty of topics related to Lake Shikotsu that you can enjoy just by looking around!
After learning about the surrounding nature spots, it's time to set off to explore Lake Shikotsu. .
Address: Shikotsu Lake Onsen Bangaichi, Chitose City, Hokkaido
2. Lake Okotanpe
Viewed from Lake Shikotsu in the northwest direction.
A small lake surrounded by virgin forest at the foot of Mt. Eniwa
is!
There are no man-made structures in the surrounding area, and the magnificent scenery, left untouched by nature, is a must-see.
Depending on the viewing angle, weather and season of the day,
The color of the lake surface changes from cobalt blue to emerald green.
And it is a delight to the eyes of all who visit.
When you get to the site, you drive along the lake. An observation deck with parking space located along Route 78, Lake Shikotsu Line Let's take advantage of this!
Address: Okutama, Chitose City, Hokkaido
3. Chitose Bifuki Campsite
Lake Shikotsu
West Coast,
A campsite located near the mouth of the Chitose River
is!
Natural forest area around Lake Shikotsu & Lakeside area with Lake Shikotsu right in front of you
You can enjoy camping.
The view from the free campsite in the lakeside area is particularly spectacular. This is a great location with no obstructions to the view, so you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Shikotsu!
In the campsite, In addition to tents, tarps, and sleeping bags, you can also rent items necessary for BBQ. .
Hokkaido Why not visit this place light-heartedly during your trip and immerse yourself in the views of Lake Shikotsu and the outdoors?
Address: Bifuki, Chitose, Hokkaido
If you're planning a winter getaway, check out the Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival!
If you are visiting Lake Shikotsu in the winter, be sure to check out the area's popular festival,
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
" Be sure to check it out!
This is an ice festival held every year around February, using the water source of Lake Shikotsu.
In the venue, Ice monuments of various sizes are on display, made by spraying water onto a structure using a sprinkler. will be done.
A huge ice wall formed by icicles
or,
A green ice tunnel containing coniferous trees
And so on.
These simple yet intricately designed works never get boring to look at, and they attract a lot of attention every year!
Why not try shooting with your favorite exhibit in the background and create a dynamic photo that is typical of Hokkaido in winter?
At night
Light up
Also held,
Another great thing about the same monument is that you can enjoy different expressions during the day and at night.
.
It would be interesting to visit the venue at each time and see the differences in the atmosphere and scenery!
Recommended hotel accommodations around Lake Shikotsu
Recommended hotels and hot springs around Lake Shikotsu Introducing.
We have picked a good balance of options, from day-trip bathing facilities to luxury inns.
1. Marukoma Onsen
A long-established hot spring inn founded in 1915
is!
The facility is located in
The north shore of Lake Shikotsu, with no man-made objects blocking the view
You can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Shikotsu from both the indoor and outdoor baths.
Among the most popular are: A natural open-air bath where you can soak in hot spring water that gushes out from underground. " Natural open-air bath " !
The water level in the baths on the lake shore is the same as that of Lake Shikotsu. Enjoy a secret hot spring in a mystical landscape where the bathtub seems connected to the spectacular view before your eyes. can.
Immerse yourself up to your shoulders and experience this fantastic location with your whole body.
Day bathing is available from 10am to 3pm (reception open until 2pm)
.
Lake Shikotsu
Why not stop by during your sightseeing trip and enjoy a luxurious lunchtime experience at a hidden hot spring with a spectacular view?
Address: 7 Horominai, Chitose City, Hokkaido
2. Holiday Village Shikotsuko
The west shore of Lake Shikotsu
A hot spring hotel located near the mouth of the Chitose River
is.
The surrounding area is filled with forests where many wild birds live, and you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of Lake Shikotsu.
.
There is also a campsite, with an attractive free site on the lake shore.
You can also enjoy Lake Shikotsu in a more natural setting.
is.
Lake Shikotsu
It is recommended not only as a base for sightseeing, but also as a place to stay and enjoy nature experiences.
The natural hot springs available at the facility are: A skin-beautifying bath with a thick, creamy texture Day use is also possible from 10am to 3pm (reception is until 2:30pm).
Available for day use " Komorebi no Yu " As its name suggests, this is an indoor bath with a calming view of sunlight filtering through the windows. .
Stop by early during your tour of Lake Shikotsu. Hokkaido Why not relax in the great outdoors and refresh yourself in natural hot springs that are gentle on your skin?
Address: Shikotsu Lake Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
3. Lake Shikotsu First Hotel Suizantei
"
Lake Shikotsu First Hotel Suizantei
"The first hotel in Japan, Suisan-tei"
A luxury hot spring inn located on the west shore of Lake Shikotsu
is!
Enjoy a premium accommodation experience with luxurious Japanese modern interiors and rooms.
.
The meals are made using carefully selected ingredients from Hokkaido.
For dinner, choose from three courses of different sizes and content.
can.
The hotel uses groundwater from Lake Shikotsu to create its handmade "
Suizan Tofu Shop
"
The tofu is a must-try
is!
Hot springs are
Lake Shikotsu Onsen, known for its skin-beautifying properties
.
The bathtub in the large communal bath is
There are two types of baths: an indoor bath made of ancient cypress and an open-air bath made of rocks.
is!
In addition to the large public bath, there is also a luxurious private open-air bath available.
Enjoy the high-quality space, food, and hot springs to the fullest at the shores of Lake Shikotsu!
Address: Shikotsu Lake Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
How to get to Lake Shikotsu
How to get to Lake Shikotsu from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo We will introduce each of them.
Access to Lake Shikotsu from New Chitose Airport
Hokkaido The travel time from New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Lake Shikotsu, is: Approximately 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus, both of which take less than an hour !
It is easily accessible via national and prefectural roads.
If you want to arrive as soon as possible, Rent a car from the airport let's!
Access to Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo
A staple of Hokkaido tourism
Sapporo
The travel time from to Lake Shikotsu is:
About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
.
Get on the Do-o Expressway from Sapporo Minami IC, get off at Chitose IC and drive on the general road.
If you use train, taxi or bus, the travel time is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
is.
Take the Rapid Airport train from JR Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport to JR Chitose Station, then take a taxi or bus.
I will.
Taking a taxi can shorten travel time, but the drawback is that transportation costs can be high.
If you are on a tight budget, make sure to check the timetables and schedules and plan to use local buses!
The access methods and travel times introduced here are only estimates. Travel time may vary depending on snow conditions in winter. !
Be sure to check the season and weather when you visit Lake Shikotsu and choose the best route to get there.
A one-day itinerary to see the highlights of Lake Shikotsu
A one-day model itinerary for sightseeing around Lake Shikotsu by car Introducing!
A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy nature spots and activities!
| time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:00～11:00 |
Canoeing experience on Lake Shikotsu
We recommend that you make a reservation for your canoeing experience in advance. |
| 11:30～12:30 |
Lunch at a lakeside restaurant
The recommended menu item is Lake Shikotsu specialty, kokanee salmon dishes (grilled with salt or as a set meal). |
| 13:00～14:00 |
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
Visit
It's also a convenient place for toilet breaks and souvenir shopping. |
| 14:30～15:30 |
Lake Okotampe
Enjoy the magnificent view of
It's about a 30-minute drive from Lake Shikotsu, and the drive is pleasant as it is surrounded by forest. |
| 16:00～17:30 | Marukoma Onsen Ryokan Day trip bathing at |
Enjoy sightseeing around Lake Shikotsu
This time Recommended sightseeing spots and hot spring accommodations in Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido We featured it!
Activities, stunning views, gourmet food, and hot springs Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding area are full of spots where you can enjoy the charms of Hokkaido.
Please refer to this special feature. Hokkaido Enjoy sightseeing at Lake Shikotsu on your trip!
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
Featured image provided by:
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