Lake Shikotsu

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Facts & Figures

The caldera lake Shikotsu is one of the highlights within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park (993 square kilometers, founded in 1949). It is Japan´s northernmost ice-free lake.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. Lake Shikotsu is with a max. depth of 363 meters the second deepest lake in Japan. Most of the lakes shoreline is undeveloped and this makes it a great place for some outdoor activity. My tip: A 1 hour hiking tour to the nearby Mount Tarumae (1041 m). One of Japan´s most active volcanoes will offer you from the top an amazing view over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

• Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (April till November)
• Opening Hours - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (December till March)
• Closed - Tuesdays from December till March, year end, New Year Holidays

History

Lake Shikotsu was created by volcanic activity appr. 40000 years ago. It is surrounded by three volcanoes with the names Mount Fuppushi, Mount Eniwa and Mount Tarumae. The last eruption of Mount Tarumae dates back to 1981.

Sightseeing spots

nearby:

Mount Tarumae - the landscape around the crater of this still active volcanoe is an amazing out of this world sight

Marukoma Onsen - a unique ryokan, opened in 1915, with nice onsens directly located at the shore of the lake - you can book the ryokan here

Moss Canyon (Koke no Domon) - over twenty types of moss cover the rock, enjoy great views over the scenery from the observation platform

Lake Toya - an beautiful caldera lake like Shikotsu

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

January - February

Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Chitose Shikotsu Hyoto Matsuri) (from Jan 24th to Feb 16th)
Ice sculptures, formed by the water of Lake Shikotsu, are exhibited on the shore and lit up daily from 4:30 pm to 10 pm during the festival.