Lake Shikotsu Complete Guide 2026: Japan's Clearest Lake with Year-Round Activities & Winter Ice Festival
Shikotsuko Lake is a caldera lake located in Chitose City, Hokkaido, and is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Although it's only about a 1.5-hour drive from Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, the lake is surrounded by rich primeval forests where you can experience the grandeur of nature, making it one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations.
At the lake, you can enjoy beautiful scenery as well as try various activities such as underwater sightseeing boats, kayaking, and ice walks. In this article, we will explain the charm of Shikotsuko Lake and how to enjoy it.
Shikotsuko Lake: A Caldera Lake Formed by Volcanic Activity About 40,000 Years Ago
Shikotsuko Lake was formed when the Shikotsu Volcano erupted about 40,000 years ago, and over approximately 20,000 years, water accumulated in the caldera basin.
The lake has a maximum depth of about 363 meters, making it the second deepest lake in Japan. Because of its great depth, the water temperature at the bottom remains relatively warm, preventing the lake from freezing. It is known as "Japan's northernmost ice-free lake."
The lake is also famous for its high transparency, having been ranked first in Japan for 11 consecutive years in nationwide water quality surveys. The area around the lake, with its rich natural surroundings, offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Famous for Its Top-Class Transparency in Japan and the Brilliant "Shikotsuko Blue"
Shikotsuko Lake boasts top-class water quality in Japan due to the low amount of impurities such as plankton in the water.
Water with few impurities allows sunlight to transmit blue light more easily, which is why Shikotsuko Lake features a vivid blue lake surface. This crystal-clear blue surface is called "Shikotsuko Blue," and many tourists visit to see this spectacular view.
When I first saw "Shikotsuko Blue," I was overwhelmed by its jewel-like brilliant blue color and found myself gazing at it, losing track of time.
The Rich Nature Surrounding the Lake, Shaped by Volcanic Activity, Is Another Highlight
Mount Eniwa, Mount Tarumae, Mount Fuppushi, and other mountains around Shikotsuko Lake began their volcanic activity and grew after the Shikotsu Caldera was formed. The majestic mountains rising over 1,000 meters in elevation, combined with the lake scenery, create an atmosphere of rich natural beauty that cannot be experienced in urban areas.
In particular, the hiking trails of Mount Eniwa and Mount Fuppushi contain many untouched natural forests where you can observe various plants and ecosystems up close. If you have time, why not take a leisurely hike along the trails and experience the natural wonders that Shikotsuko Lake has nurtured?
History of Shikotsuko Lake
Shikotsuko Lake was born when water accumulated in the caldera lake formed after the eruption of Shikotsu Volcano about 40,000 years ago.
The name "Shikotsu" is said to derive from the Ainu word "sikko," meaning a large depression (Ainu is the language of the Ainu people, who primarily inhabit Hokkaido).
After the caldera was formed, volcanic activity began at Mount Fuppushi, Mount Eniwa, and Mount Tarumae, and as these mountains grew, the current gourd-shaped lake was completed. In 1949, along with Lake Toya and the Mt. Yotei region, it was designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Three Highlights of Shikotsuko Lake
Shikotsuko Lake, Famous for "Shikotsuko Blue"
The greatest highlight of Shikotsuko Lake is "Shikotsuko Blue." The sight of the crystal-clear Shikotsuko Lake illuminated by sunlight and turning blue is truly worth seeing.
To fully enjoy "Shikotsuko Blue," you can participate in activities on the lake such as diving, kayaking, or canoeing, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside.
The best time to see "Shikotsuko Blue" at its most beautiful is said to be around 1-2 PM when the sun is at its highest position. The view of the lake surface colored in vivid light blue is absolutely breathtaking, and you'll want to gaze at it forever.
Since the area gets crowded with many people during the day, if you want to take photos, visiting early in the morning when there are fewer people will allow you to take your time.
Shikotsuko Onsen: Warm Up While Viewing Shikotsuko Lake
Source:Official website
In the hot spring area "Shikotsuko Onsen" located on the shores of Shikotsuko Lake, there are accommodation facilities where you can soak in hot springs while viewing the lake.
I stayed at an inn where you could see Shikotsuko Lake from the large public bath, and I enjoyed the collaboration of the lake and surrounding mountains from the bath. Captivated by the wonderful scenery that cannot be seen in urban areas, I enjoyed the bath twice—once at night and once in the morning.
During my early morning bath, I could see Shikotsuko Lake together with the sunrise, and I spent a wonderful morning time.
If you gaze at Shikotsuko Lake while soaking in the hot spring, you're sure to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax!
Beautiful Nature That Changes with the Seasons
Because Shikotsuko Lake is surrounded by abundant nature, you can see different scenery depending on the season.
In spring, you can see cherry blossoms and fresh greenery; in summer, the most beautiful "Shikotsuko Blue" of the year under abundant sunshine; in autumn, fall foliage; and in winter, "splash ice" (formed when lake spray freezes on surrounding trees and rocks). Each season offers its own unique expression.
My recommendation is autumn when the trees turn red and yellow. The autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface create a fantastical beauty, and you can capture photos you'll want to show off to friends and family.
3 Spots to Visit for a Deeper Experience of Shikotsuko Lake
Shikotsuko Lake Visitor Center
Source:Official website
The Shikotsuko Lake Visitor Center is a facility where visitors can learn about the formation of Shikotsuko Lake, volcanic activity, and the ecology of flora and fauna through videos, models, and panel exhibits, all under the theme of "To the forest, to the mountains, to the lake—another journey to Shikotsuko Lake."
A distinctive feature of the building is its environmentally conscious design, utilizing natural materials sourced from the Shikotsuko Lake area and renewable energy sources including solar power.
An appealing aspect of the facility is its multilingual support, offering information not only in English but also in Chinese, Korean, Thai, and other languages. You can also learn about the natural environment and activity information around Shikotsuko Lake, so be sure to stop by during your sightseeing.
〈information〉
Address: Bangaichi, Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 0123-25-2404
Official Website: https://shikotsukovc.sakura.ne.jp/
Yamasen Bridge Ruins
The Yamasen Bridge Ruins is an iron bridge that crosses the Chitose River, which flows along the shores of Shikotsuko Lake. The bridge was designed by a British engineer in 1899 and is a British-made Double Warren Truss bridge with X-shaped diagonal members—the oldest iron bridge in Hokkaido.
Recognized as an important historical resource in Japan's bridge engineering history, it was designated as a Chitose City Tangible Cultural Property in 1999.
Originally used as a railway bridge, it has now been converted into a railway promenade and is popular among tourists. Its striking red-painted appearance is a distinctive feature. In addition to looking down at the lake from the bridge, taking photos of the bridge together with the lake from the lakeshore is also recommended.
〈information〉
- Address: Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0123-25-2404
- Official Website: https://www.city.chitose.lg.jp/docs/95-3242-169-915.html
Moss Corridor
At the Moss Corridor, moss grows naturally in an area formed when welded tuff created by the 1739 eruption of Mount Tarumae was eroded by debris flows.
On the rock walls, approximately 10 meters high, over 80 species of moss including Ebi-goke and Ezo-chouchin-goke grow densely, creating a landscape that evokes another dimension.
I once visited the Moss Corridor while enjoying a hike. Although the moss appears similar at first glance, when observed up close, there are differences in texture and color, and I found myself captivated by observing these variations.
This mystical space created by nature over many years offers an experience of feeling as though you have wandered into the world of an animated film.
〈information〉
- Address: Morappu, Chitose City, Hokkaido
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Official Website: None
3 Recommended Activities to Fully Enjoy the Beauty of Shikotsuko Lake
Underwater Excursion Boat
Source:Chitose Kankou Navi
On the underwater excursion boat, you can observe the lake's interior through approximately 70 cm square windows located 2 meters below the water surface inside the vessel.
Through approximately 16 windows, you can enjoy about 30 minutes of viewing the beautiful underwater world, including fish swimming in the "Shikotsuko Blue" waters, columnar joints (uniquely shaped rocks), and gently swaying aquatic plants.
If you're lucky, you might encounter kokanee salmon, which only inhabit lakes with high transparency!
By boarding the excursion boat, you can appreciate not only the underwater scenery but also the beautiful nature surrounding Shikotsuko Lake from the deck, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenic views of Shikotsuko Lake.
Clear Kayak
Source:Ocean Days
Clear kayaks are made of transparent material, allowing you to leisurely enjoy a water stroll on the lake while peering into the highly transparent waters of Shikotsuko Lake.
Since clear kayaking involves paddling to move forward, an appealing feature is that you can enjoy not only the views from the lake but also the active element of physical exercise.
Although the operation may look difficult at first, even I, as a first-timer, was able to paddle through to the end, so if you're interested, please give it a try!
Diving
Source:Ocean Days
Diving allows you to enjoy the underwater world while feeling the sunlight in Japan's most transparent waters.
The highlights include seeing rare plants and creatures up close, such as the endemic Chitose-baikamo (Chitose water buttercup), white-spotted char, and kokanee salmon. The sight of Chitose-baikamo blooming small white flowers among the lush green aquatic plants—a species that only grows in pristine water—is a must-see.
When I first saw the delicate blooms of Chitose-baikamo, I was instantly captivated by their beauty.
Since the lake has minimal currents, even those who are not confident swimmers or diving beginners can participate with peace of mind.
My Recommendations! Special Experiences to Enjoy at Shikotsuko Lake in Winter
Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Source:Official website
The Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is an annual winter festival held at Shikotsuko Lake Onsen, where you can see various ice sculptures made by freezing the water of Shikotsuko Lake.
With the theme of "Ice Museum," the festival offers different atmospheres throughout the day—during daytime, you can admire natural blue ice creations reminiscent of "Shikotsu Blue," while at night, the sculptures are colorfully illuminated for a lively atmosphere, allowing you to experience two different worlds in a single day.
The venue can get quite cold, but hot coffee, corn soup, roasted marshmallows, and other warm treats are available for purchase, so enjoy the festival while warming yourself up.
Snowshoe and Snow Trekking
Source:Official website
Exploring the area around Shikotsuko Lake by snowshoe or snow trekking is also highly recommended.
Among the spots you can visit on snowshoe or snow trekking tours, I particularly recommend Shichijo Otaki Falls. Shichijo Otaki Falls is approximately 15 meters tall, and in winter, giant icicles of about 10 meters form, allowing you to appreciate the magnificent ice artistry created by nature.
Enjoy winter sports unique to the season while taking in the magical snowy landscape painted in silvery white!
Ice Walk
Source:Ocean Days
Ice Walk is an experience where you can enjoy various ways of playing with ice while wearing a dry suit that keeps you from feeling the cold, all under the theme of "Playing with Ice."
During the experience, you can feel the thrill of walking on ice thin enough to break easily, try riding on drifting ice, and since the dry suit has buoyancy, you can even break through the ice and dive into the lake.
Every moment was filled with experiences I could never have otherwise, and my excitement never faded from start to finish.
This new sensation winter activity, held only during the period when ice forms on the lake, is open to elementary school students 140 cm or taller, so why not enjoy winter at Shikotsuko Lake with your whole family?
After Returning from Shikotsuko Lake, Enjoy Bar Hopping with a Local Guide at Night!
After returning from Shikotsuko Lake, enjoy bar hopping with a local guide in the evening. The Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour takes you to three izakaya (Japanese pubs) recommended by local guides in Susukino, Sapporo's famous entertainment district, where you can enjoy food and drinks.
At the first stop, you will savor dishes made with local ingredients, mainly seafood caught in nearby waters, along with drinks. At the second stop, the guide will take you to an izakaya that perfectly matches your group's preferences. For the final course, you can choose between a parfait or ramen.
Sapporo has a custom of ending a night of drinking with a parfait, so be sure to give it a try!
Enjoying exquisite cuisine in Susukino, with its diverse array of unique establishments, will surely make for an unforgettable night in Sapporo.
Information:
- Meeting point: Under the NIKKA sign outside Susukino Station
- Tour area: Susukino
- Start time: 18:00
