Lake Shikotsu Lake
Caldera lake in Hokkaido with exceptionally clear water
A caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido within Shikotsu-Toya National Park; visitors find onsen towns on its shore, trout fishing, boat tours and hiking routes into surrounding volcanic peaks.
Lake Shikotsu at a Glance#
Address: Lake Shikotsu, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido, Japan
About Lake Shikotsu#
Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is a deep, clear lake formed in a volcanic caldera.
Recreational activities include lakeside walks, boating and seasonal visitor facilities; nearby towns provide access and facilities for day trips. The lake is valued for its clear water and mountain-backed shoreline.
The lake basin formed by volcanic activity in a caldera; the surrounding area has been protected within the national park and developed with visitor facilities and campgrounds over the 20th century.
Lake Shikotsu lies in southern Hokkaido near the city of Chitose and within driving distance of Sapporo, set among forested hills and volcanic peaks.
- Depth and clarity: Maximum recorded depth is about 363 meters, making it one of Japan’s deepest lakes and noted for water clarity.
How to Get to Lake Shikotsu#
From Chitose Airport, take the JR Chitose Line to Chitose Station, then regional buses toward Lake Shikotsu (about 40-60 minutes depending on route). Driving from Sapporo takes roughly 1-1.5 hours via the Dōō Expressway and local roads.
Tips for Visiting Lake Shikotsu#
- Book accommodations in Chitose or Sapporo and take the JR Chitose Line to Minami-Chitose, then local buses to the lake area; a private car speeds access.
- Visit from late April to October for walking and boating; in winter the lake is surrounded by snowy landscapes but many services close.
- Try the local onsen (hot springs) near the southern shore to warm up after cool Hokkaido mornings.
Best Time to Visit Lake Shikotsu#
Summer and autumn are the best seasons for access and activities, while winter offers a quiet, snow-quietened alternative for those prepared for cold.
Weather & Climate near Lake Shikotsu#
Lake Shikotsu's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1229 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - 1° | -8° | 81 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | -7° - 0° | -8° | 66 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 2° | -6° | 65 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 7° | 4° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.4h |
| June | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 84 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.1h |
| July | Good | 15° - 20° | 17° | 125 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| August | Good | 17° - 22° | 20° | 174 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.7h |
| September | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.3h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 8° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 8° | 1° | 111 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 3° | -4° | 91 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
