Popular Tours & Experiences in Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu offers a wealth of natural landscapes and unique experiences. Beyond the lake's exceptional clarity, you can explore the mystical 'Koke-no-Dōmon' (Moss Tunnel) to immerse yourself in lush, primeval ecology. In the Lake Shikotsu Onsen area, you can not only enjoy relaxing hot springs but also have the chance to savor local delicacies. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking Mount Eniwa or Mount Fūbushi offers spectacular panoramic views. Various water activities like canoeing and SUP are available on the lake, allowing you to appreciate the scenery from different perspectives, or you can take a scenic cruise for a leisurely exploration of the lake.

Lake Shikotsu is very well-suited for family travel. It boasts an open natural environment, far from city noise, with fresh air. Children can enjoy leisurely strolls by the lake, reveling in nature's beauty, or rent bicycles for a fun ride around the lake. Taking a sightseeing boat or a transparent-bottom boat offers an exciting experience for kids as they observe underwater life. During specific seasons, such as the winter Shikotsu-Toya Ice Festival, activities like ice sculpting and snow sports provide a delightful winter wonderland experience for children. Camping or relaxing in the hot springs can also help the whole family unwind.

Both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya offer unique charms in winter. Lake Shikotsu is renowned for its limited-time winter event, the 'Shikotsu-Toya Ice Festival,' where lake water is sprayed and frozen to create ice sculptures. Illuminated at night, these creations appear dreamlike, offering a truly special ice and snow experience. In winter, Lake Shikotsu's water clarity is even higher, and the lakeshore, covered in snow, appears exceptionally serene and pure, ideal for travelers who appreciate natural scenery and tranquility. Lake Toya, on the other hand, has a lively hot spring town where you can enjoy warm baths even in winter, and sometimes hosts a winter fireworks display. The surrounding area of Lake Toya is more developed, making access to the Usuzan Ropeway relatively convenient. If you seek unique ice art and pristine tranquility, Lake Shikotsu is an excellent choice; if you prefer hot springs, a lively atmosphere, and more diverse facilities, Lake Toya might be more suitable.

Lake Shikotsu is beautiful in every season, but for unique experiences, summer offers various water activities, and autumn provides magnificent views of the mountains ablaze with fall foliage. Winter is an unmissable time, with the 'Shikotsu-Toya Ice Festival' being the main attraction. Ice sculptures are formed by spraying lake water, displaying a natural icy blue hue during the day and transforming with colorful lights at night, showcasing great artistic beauty. Besides the ice festival, the snow-covered surroundings in winter are perfect for snowshoeing and snow hiking, allowing you to experience the purity and serenity of a snow country. It's also an ideal time to enjoy lakeside hot springs, where you can soak while admiring the snowy landscape—a truly unique relaxing experience.

There are several ways to travel to Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo. The most convenient is by car, with scenic drives taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. By public transport, you can take the JR train from Sapporo to Chitose Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the Lake Shikotsu Onsen area; travel time depends on schedules. Some hot spring inns also offer shuttle services from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport; it's advisable to confirm when booking. Accommodation around Lake Shikotsu mainly consists of hot spring inns, many offering lake-view rooms and high-quality services, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while relaxing in the onsen. Additionally, there are resort hotels providing different lodging experiences. During summer, lakeside campsites offer a chance to stay close to nature.

For an in-depth exploration of Lake Shikotsu, you can engage in a variety of activities. Try transparent canoeing or SUP boarding; due to the lake's clear water, you can see the bottom clearly, making it a unique way to connect with the water. Taking a sightseeing boat allows you to observe aquatic life from the cabin below. Stroll along the lakeside paths or rent bicycles to circle the lake, experiencing the pristine forest air and changing lake views. Visit the mysterious 'Koke-no-Dōmon' (Moss Tunnel), covered in vibrant green moss, transporting you to a fantasy world. Don't forget to savor local specialties like 'Hime-masu' (small trout) dishes. In different seasons, there are limited-time events like summer fireworks or the winter Ice Festival to enrich your journey.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is vast, and beyond the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu itself, there are many other must-see spots and experiences. Lake Toya, located to the west of the park, is another major highlight with its caldera lake landscape and lakeside hot spring town. You can take the Usuzan Ropeway up to the summit for panoramic views of Lake Toya and Mount Showa-Shinzan. Additionally, the famous hot spring resorts of Noboribetsu Onsen and Jozankei Onsen are also within the park, offering diverse hot spring bathing experiences. For hiking enthusiasts, you can challenge volcanoes like Mount Tarumae or admire the elegantly shaped Mount Yotei. The park also features numerous forest trails and nature reserves perfect for hiking and connecting with nature.

For a one-day trip to Lake Shikotsu, it's recommended to allocate at least half a day to a full day to fully experience its charm. If you have ample time, you can arrive in the morning, take a sightseeing cruise, or enjoy water activities like canoeing or SUP. Have lunch at the lakeside hot spring area, and in the afternoon, visit the 'Koke-no-Dōmon' (Moss Tunnel), stroll by the lake, or relax with a soak at a hot spring inn. For a more in-depth experience, consider joining a local day tour package that includes transportation and various activities, saving you the hassle of planning logistics. Booking such tours through KKday provides support from Chinese-speaking customer service and flexible cancellation policies, making your trip more secure and convenient.

The top specialty food around Lake Shikotsu is the local delicacy, 'Hime-masu' (small trout) cuisine. This trout, farmed in the clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, has delicate and delicious flesh. Whether grilled, served as sashimi, or cooked in rice, you can savor its unique flavor. Restaurants by the lake often feature Hime-masu dishes, allowing visitors to taste the most authentic flavors. Additionally, some lakeside hot spring inns offer Japanese set meals or specialty dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, finding a cafe with a lake view for a cup of aromatic coffee or a special dessert is also a leisurely pleasure.

For a deeper dive into Lake Shikotsu's hidden gems, consider early morning canoeing or SUP boarding. At this time, the lake surface is calm and mirror-like, offering a chance to witness breathtaking sunrises and the mystical morning mist. In winter, besides the Ice Festival, join a snowshoeing tour led by a professional guide into the lakeside forests to explore pristine snow-covered landscapes, experience the silence and charm of the snowy region, and perhaps spot wildlife tracks. Furthermore, challenge yourself by climbing Mount Tarumae, a volcano near Lake Shikotsu featuring a unique lava dome and volcanic vents. From its summit, you can overlook Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding mountains, making it a highly rewarding natural adventure.