Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsuko) Tours
2 Reviews
Located in southwest Hokkaido, close to Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsuko) is the second-deepest lake and second-largest caldera lake in Japan. Surrounded by volcanoes on all sides, the lake is a popular recreation area for locals and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, hot springs, and beautiful scenery.
The Basics
There are many ways to enjoy Lake Shikotsu. Go bird-watching at Shikotsu Wild Bird Nature Path or the Yacho-no-Mori bird sanctuary. During the summer, popular activities include fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and camping. During the winter, popular activities include snowmobiling, snow rafting, and sledding. Hot springs (onsen) can be enjoyed year-round.
Visit independently or as part of a guided hiking, mountain biking, snow-activity, or Ice Festival tour to Lake Shikotsu. Visitors looking to explore more of the area can join a guided tour with additional stops at Lake Toya and the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lake Shikotsu is ideal for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure travelers.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture stunning vistas around the lake.
- Onsen hotels around the lake are open to nonguests.
- Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and activity.
How to Get There
Lake Shikotsu is located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, about 27 miles (43 kilometers) south of Sapporo and 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of New Chitose Airport. For those not visiting as part of a tour, it’s easiest to get there and around by car. By public transport, take the train from Sapporo to Chitose Station, then transfer to a bus to Lake Shikotsu. Buses are also available from New Chitose Airport.
When to Get There
When to visit Lake Shikotsu depends on which activities you want to do. Several popular festivals take place nearby, including the Lake Shikotsu Festival in late July, the Lake Shikotsu Autumn Leaves Festival in early October, and the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in late January to mid-February.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Every year, water from Lake Shikotsu is sprayed to create stunning ice sculptures, which are lit at night, for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. In addition, the festival includes a variety of activities such as ice skating, sledding, and tubing. On weekends and public holidays, there are additional special events, including drumming performances and fireworks displays.
Address: Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsuko)
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Explore Lake Shikotsu, Toya & Mount Usu
Discover Hokkaido’s stunning lakeside scenery by going on a comprehensive day tour to Lake Shikotsu, Toya, and Mt. Usu. Save time organizing transport by having round-trip transfers from a central meeting point included. Travel with ease between dispersed sites and enjoy the spectacular views along the way. Highlights include Silo View Point, Lake Toya, Lake Hill Farm, a ropeway trip up Mt. Usu, and a delicious lunch at Mt. Usu Village.
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From
$113.82
From
$113.82
Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya National Park Private Day Trip
This is a full day trip to Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya from Sapporo.
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and a picturesque crater lake with famous hot spring resort.
First, we'll drive to Lake Shikotsu, and visit visitor center to learn about the National Park. After the short hike along the lake shore, we'll take a short walk at Bifue Kyoboku-no mori ( Virgin forest in Bifue)
W'll then visit Lake Toya, famous caldera lake. After having a lunch at the local restaurant, we'll take a cable car to go up Mt.Usu to see a crater.
If you are interested in the optional tours such as canoeing, fruits picking, and hiking, please ask us!
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From
$261.82
Price varies by group size
From
$261.82
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Mount Tarumae Hiking Day Trip
Your journey begins with a one hour and 30 minutes drive to Lake Shikotsu, a beautiful caldera lake.
After the quick stay at the lake shore, it's a short drive to the 7th station of Mt.Tarumae where the hike begin.
Trail is well-maintained but steep! It takes about one hour to reach the top of crater rim.
Once at the peak, directly in front of you lies the lava dome.
The views towards the lake below are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see Mt. Yotei and pacific ocean.
We can stop by onsen hot spring after the hike, please let us know in advance to our guide.
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From
$221.46
Price varies by group size
From
$221.46
Price varies by group size
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