Lake Shikotsu - Hokkaido Attractions

Lake Shikotsu

Photo: JOY-HUNG / Shutterstock.com

Overview

Address

Chitose, Hokkaidō, Japan

( Map ) ( Directions )

Hours

Open 24 hours Open now

Opening Hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Holidays
Open 24 hours

Price

Free

Highlights

Shikotsu Kohan

Located on the lake’s eastern shore, Shikotsu Kohan is a small, tourist-centered town complete with a visitors center. From here, you can rent boats or bicycles and also join a sightseeing cruise to enjoy up-close views of the serene area.

Marukoma Onsen

Marukoma Onsen rests on Lake Shikotsu’s northern banks and is both a ryokan and hot spring spot for day visitors. The onsen’s open-air baths, which are situated along the lake’s coast, act as extensions of the lake and have rustic stone appearances.

Mount Tarumae

Mount Tarumae is the lake’s main mountain and offers great hiking opportunities. From its summit, which is a short, but steep hike, you are treated to magnificent panoramas of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding nature.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is an annual event that takes place from the end of January to mid-February at Shikotsu Kohan. The lively celebration includes ice sculptures, an ice rink, an ice slide, and magical nightly illuminations.

Access

The best way to travel to Lake Shikotsu is via car. Bus travel is also possible, but may have limited departure times and outreach to certain areas. From Sapporo Station, the car ride is about one hour; from New Chitose Airport, it is about 45-50 minutes. You can also opt to take a bus from New Chitose Airport to Shikotsu Kohan. These buses depart about 4 to 6 times a day and take about 50 minutes to an hour.