Lake Shikotsuko

What to know

Lake Shikotsuko (支笏湖) and nearby Lake Toyako are the two main highlights of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Both are caldera lakes formed by volcanic collapse.

Most of the lake's shoreline remains undeveloped, except for the small tourist town of Shikotsu Kohan on the western shore. Here you'll find a visitor center, a few lodgings, and rental options for boats, bicycles, and scuba gear. From late April to early November, sightseeing cruises on glass-bottomed boats and speedboats operate on the lake.

Lake Shikotsuko is ringed by mountains, including Mount Tarumae, one of Japan's most active volcanoes (last eruption in 1981). A steep but short climb (under an hour) rewards hikers with views of the barren crater and the lake. A two-hour crater rim walk is possible, but entering the crater is prohibited due to toxic gases. The trailhead is accessible by car from late May to October; no public transport is available.

On the northern shore, Marukoma Onsen ryokan offers unique hot spring baths open to non-guests on certain days. Some baths sit right on the lakeshore, connected by small canals that allow water exchange between the hot pools and the cool lake. The water level fluctuates with the lake, and the pools are uncharacteristically deep for onsen outside winter. Gender-segregated conventional pools are also available.

A rental car is the best way to explore the Shikotsuko area. Buses run infrequently, and the Mount Tarumae trailhead lacks public transport. The lake is a 40-minute drive from Shin-Chitose Airport, 80 minutes from central Sapporo, or an hour from Lake Toya.

From Shin-Chitose Airport, buses run to Shikotsu Kohan (1 hour, 1260 yen one way, every 2-3 hours), stopping at Chitose Station en route (45 minutes, 1140 yen from Chitose Station). The direct bus from Sapporo to Lake Shikotsuko was discontinued in 2010.