Lake Shikotsu sits about 50 minutes south of Sapporo by car, a volcanic caldera lake surrounded by mountains and forest. The water is remarkably clear — it held Japan’s top water clarity ranking for 11 consecutive years — and the lake never freezes despite Hokkaido’s winters, thanks to its depth (363m, the second deepest in Japan after Lake Tazawa in Akita). The combination of transparent water, volcanic peaks, and genuine quiet makes Shikotsu a refreshing counterpoint to the more developed onsen towns elsewhere in Hokkaido.
Compared to Lake Toya, which has a busy onsen town with hotels and nightly fireworks, Shikotsu feels wilder and less managed. The lakeside settlement of Shikotsu Kohan is small — a handful of hotels, a few restaurants, a visitor centre, and not much else. That is the appeal. If you want a busy resort atmosphere, go to Toya. If you want clear water, mountain silence, and an outdoor onsen with nobody else in it, come here.
The Lake
![500px provided description: at Shikotsu-lake, Hokkaido, Japan. [#sky ,#lake ,#water ,#clouds ,#fishing ,#fujifilm ,#10-24mm ,#xf]](https://visit-hokkaido.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/lake-shikotsu-the-lake-2.jpg)
The water clarity is the defining feature. On a calm day, you can see the lake bottom at depths of 15-20 metres. The water has a blue-green tint caused by its purity and depth — there is almost no algae or sediment. Kayaking and canoeing on the lake in summer is extraordinary — paddling over water so clear it feels like floating above glass. Clear-bottom canoe and kayak tours operate from Shikotsu Kohan from June through October (approximately ¥4,500-7,000/~$30-47 per person, 1.5-2 hours). These are worth the price — the underwater visibility from a clear-bottom boat is genuinely striking.
Swimming is possible in summer but the water is cold even in August (15-18°C at the surface). Locals swim near Shikotsu Kohan beach; a quick dip is refreshing, a long swim is ambitious.
Hiking
Mt. Tarumae (Tarumae-zan, 1,041m)
An active volcano on the south side of the lake with a distinctive lava dome at its summit. The standard hiking route from the 7th Station trailhead takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the crater rim, where you walk along the edge with views of the steaming lava dome on one side and Lake Shikotsu and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The hike is moderate in difficulty — steep in places but short, and the trail is well-maintained. On clear days, the panorama extends from the ocean to the Daisetsuzan mountains.
The 7th Station trailhead is accessible by car only (about 30 minutes from Shikotsu Kohan, rough gravel road for the last section). No public transport. The trail is open June through October; snow closes it earlier and later than the official dates suggest. Check conditions before setting out. Do not approach the lava dome — it vents toxic gas and the ground around it is unstable.
Mt. Eniwa (Eniwa-dake, 1,320m)
A longer and more demanding day hike on the north side of the lake. The trail from the Poropinai trailhead gains about 1,000m over roughly 4km and takes 3-4 hours to the summit. The upper section crosses a volcanic landscape of exposed rock with views into the caldera. This is a proper mountain hike — bring adequate gear, water, and allow a full day. Bears are present; carry a bell. The trail is open July through October.
Koke no Domon (Moss Canyon)
A narrow ravine on the lake’s northwest shore where volcanic rock walls are covered in thick moss — 30+ species creating a wall of green in every shade. Access is by tour boat only (approximately ¥2,500-3,500/~$17-24, departing from Shikotsu Kohan, about 20 minutes each way). The boat drops you at the canyon entrance for a 20-30 minute walk through the ravine. The mossy walls, dripping water, and filtered green light create an atmosphere that feels older than human settlement. Operating season is typically mid-June to mid-October, weather dependent.
Onsen
Shikotsu Kohan has three distinct hot spring sources, each with different water chemistry.
Marukoma Onsen
The standout. A lakeside onsen with outdoor baths (rotenburo) that sit right at the water’s edge — you soak in hot mineral water while looking across the clear lake to the mountains. The water is sodium bicarbonate type, slightly fizzy and excellent for skin. Day-use bathing costs approximately ¥1,000 (~$7). Marukoma is on the opposite shore from Shikotsu Kohan and accessible by car (about 15 minutes) or by tour boat. The boat access adds to the experience — approaching a lakeside onsen by water feels appropriately remote.
Itsukushibe Hotel
In Shikotsu Kohan village, offering day-use bathing with both indoor and outdoor baths. The water is sodium chloride / sodium bicarbonate type. Day use approximately ¥800 (~$5.40). More convenient than Marukoma if you don’t have a car.
Shikotsu-ko Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta
The most upscale option, with a modern spa facility and lake-view baths. Day use is available but limited — check hours and availability. The hotel itself is the best accommodation option at the lake if budget allows. See our onsen guide for general bathing information.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
From late January through mid-February, the lakefront at Shikotsu Kohan hosts an ice festival where structures made from lake water are illuminated at night with coloured lights. The crystal-clear lake water freezes into transparent ice that catches the light differently from the opaque snow sculptures at Sapporo’s Snow Festival. The scale is smaller than Sapporo — this is not a massive event — but the quality of the ice and the dark lakeside setting make it memorable. Free entry. Evening illumination runs from approximately 16:30 to 22:00. See our winter activities guide.
Getting There
By car: About 50 minutes from Sapporo via Route 453 through the mountains, or 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Route 36 and then Route 276. This is the most practical option for exploring the lake area, as the trailheads and Marukoma Onsen are not on public transport routes.
By bus: Chuo Bus runs from New Chitose Airport to Shikotsu Kohan (about 55 minutes, approximately ¥1,050/~$7, 4-6 departures daily). From Sapporo, there is no convenient direct bus — connect via the airport, or drive.
See our car rental guide for rental options.
How Long
Day trip: Works if you have a car. Drive from Sapporo or the airport, kayak or canoe on the lake, hike Tarumae if time allows, onsen soak, and return. A full and satisfying day.
Overnight: Gives you time for both hiking and lake activities, plus a sunset and morning on the water when conditions are calmest and the light is best. Stay at Tsuruga Resort or one of the smaller hotels in Shikotsu Kohan.
Combine with: Lake Shikotsu is 1 hour from Noboribetsu and 1.5 hours from Lake Toya, making it a natural first or last stop on the southern Hokkaido onsen loop. See our road trip guide.