Hokkaido

Shikotsu Toya National Park

PIXTA

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, and it offers a variety of volcanic and geothermal features such as Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, Mount Yotei, Mount Usu, and Mount Tarumae. The park is often referred to as a "living museum of volcanoes" due to its numerous volcanic activities including diverse hot springs and fumaroles. Thanks to these volcanic blessings, popular hot spring resorts like Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Jozankei thrive in Hokkaido, offering breathtaking landscapes of lakes, forests, and volcanoes that soothe the minds of visitors. Lake Shikotsu, known as the northernmost ice-free lake, captivates visitors with its unique deep blue surface. The park is easily accessible from Sapporo city center and New Chitose Airport, attracting many visitors. In addition to self-driving and group bus tours for exploring volcanic phenomena and enjoying rejuvenating hot springs, the park is also utilized for mountain climbing and alpine plant viewing.(Source: Ministry of the Environment, Japan, website: https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/list/)

Activity

Ice wakl in Lake Shikotsu

Highlights

This activity is a hot topic and a new sensation. It's a winter activity where you can freely play by breaking the ice and jumping into the lake, or sliding on the ice. And don't worry about getting wet, as you'll be wearing a dry suit. This is an experience you won't want to miss!

Detail

This activity is only conducted during the period when the lake is frozen. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself with an ice walk at Lake Shikotsu, a national park. This activity is a new kind of marine sport that can be enjoyed on a partially frozen winter lake. In this activity, you can peek under the ice, ride on the ice, and dive into the snow for fun. Wearing a dry suit makes you float, so even those who can't swim can enjoy it safely.

Summary

Location Lake Shikotsu,Lake Toya

Operating Hours In the morning or In the afternoon

Required time 2hours

Transportation No

Meal No

View Availability

Access

How to get there

Shikotsu-Toya National Park near Sapporo, Hokkaido, is dominated by volcanoes and rugged landscapes. It can be divided into five areas: Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, Mount Yotei, and the onsen towns of Noboribetsu and Jozankei. Public transportation provides links to the park's main areas, but services are infrequent. A bus tour or a car is the best way to see the park.

From Tokyo

Although Japan Rail Pass holders might be tempted to take the train to reach areas within Shikotsu Toya National Park, doing so takes about eight hours. The shinkansen goes all the way to Hakodate from Tokyo and a transfer to a limited express train is required for onward travel. A quicker option is one of the frequent 90-minute plane rides from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to New Chitose Airport near Sapporo. From there, take the Hokkaido Chuo bus to Lake Shikotsu Bus Terminal (55 min) for Lake Shikotsu. To get to Noboribetsu, take the JR Chitose Line (Airport Rapid) to Minami-Chitose Station (3 min), then the JR Chitose Line/Muroran Main Line to Noboribetsu Station (1 hr 20 min). To continue to Lake Toya from Noboribetsu Station, take the Muroran Main Line to Toya Station (1 hr 15 min) or JR Super Hokuto (40 min).

From Sapporo

The onsen town of Jozankei can be reached from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal by Jotetsu Bus Nos. 7 or 8 bound for Jozankei Onsen (1 hr 15 min). Noboribetsu is accessible from Sapporo by train via the Limited Express Hokuto (1 hr 15 min) or by bus with Donan Bus (1 hr 40 min). Limited express trains traveling from Sapporo to Hakodate stop at Toya Station (1 hour 40 min). There is currently no direct service from Sapporo Station to Lake Shikotsu. Instead, sign up for a seasonal bus tour from an operator like Hokkaido Chuo Bus. Mount Yotei is difficult to reach via public transport due to infrequent service and a lack of official English-language timetables, so renting a car is your best bet.