Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

993 km² of a gross area of a huge national park called “a Museum of Volcanic Activity”.

4.03 4

Last update :

The Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwest of Hokkaido and the scale of the ground reaches 993km.

Various types of volcanoes and volcanic landforms can be observed here, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu are called the two major crater lakes (The water was accumulated inside of the crater, which became a lake), and the other volcanoes and volcanic terrains such as Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, and Mt. Tarumae. The places are popular to observe the frequently-occurred volcanic activities and geothermal phenomenons sprucing surfers, that’s a reason to be called “a Museum of Volcanic Activity”.

In 2009, Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark was designated as a UNESCO Global Geoparks for the first time in Japan by selecting their globally-important geopark. Lake Shikotsu is well known as an ice-free lake located in the most northern part of Japan and the special dark green color of the surface of the lake fascinates the visitors.

The directions from the center of Sapporo city and the new Chitose airport are easily accessible and many people visit for a nature trip, hiking, and learning about alpine plants. If you want to enjoy hot springs, go to various popular hot springs in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya Onsen, Shikotsu, and more, each with their different quality of the water.

Highlights

  • There are five areas: Lake Shikotsu, Jozankei, Toya, Mt. Yotei, and Noboribetsu.
  • Lake Shikotsu has one of the most excellent shear lake waters in Japan.
  • The Jozankei area is located easily-accessible and popular to go for a day-trip hiking from Sapporo area.
  • At different altitudes, various group plants growing in colonies and alpine plants near the summit can be seen.
  • A walking route is around the crater of Konpira and Nishiyama-sanroku on which the volcanic crater and the realistic damages by disaster can be observed.

Photos

  • One of the most excellent shear lake waters in Japan, the ice-free  Lake, Shikotsu located in the most northern area in Japan.

    One of the most excellent shear lake waters in Japan, the ice-free Lake, Shikotsu located in the most northern area in Japan.

  • Lake Toya with ice trees in winter.

    Lake Toya with ice trees in winter.

  • The foliages in the Jozankei area is popular as a day trip hiking route.

    The foliages in the Jozankei area is popular as a day trip hiking route.

  • A native plant, Wheel Lily, in Mt. Yotei. This flower grows at the highest altitude of sea level.

    A native plant, Wheel Lily, in Mt. Yotei. This flower grows at the highest altitude of sea level.

  • The Konpira crater is seen near a hot spring town of Lake Toya.

    The Konpira crater is seen near a hot spring town of Lake Toya.

  • The severed route by eruption is seen at the Nishiyama-sanroku crater.

    The severed route by eruption is seen at the Nishiyama-sanroku crater.

Reviews

4

If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.

    It really feels like being in a European town—such picturesque scenery! The Ice Festival in winter is a unique local event you shouldn't miss.

    Crepuscular rays, also called 'Jesus rays,' are a common sight at Lake Shikotsu. It's a freshwater lake in Chitose, Hokkaido, and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It's actually the northernmost lake in Japan that doesn't freeze over.

    It's so quiet and beautiful here—kind of like a grander, cleaner version of Sun Moon Lake. The wind on the lake can get strong depending on the season, but there are lots of little shops and dessert places around, perfect for a break. You have to try the cream puffs from Sweets shop PATISSIER LAB (Tarumae Mountain Cream Puff, 220 yen) and the cheesy potatoes—they're super delicious!

    The lakes and mountains here are just as beautiful as those in Europe. After taking photos by the lake, you can buy some grilled corn at the shop—it's super sweet and tasty.

    A trip to Lake Toya was so beautiful and peaceful!

Details

Name in Japanese
支笏洞爺国立公園
Postal Code
066-0281
Address
Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Telephone
011-299-1950(Hokkaido Regional Environment Office)
Admission
Free
Holiday
Open every day
Directions
About a 55-minute ride on Hokkaido Chuo Bus from the New Chitose Airport and get off at “Lake Shikotsu” station.
Official Website
Official Website (English)