All Reviews of Lake Shikotsu

When visiting Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! Located west of Chitose, about a one-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the lake has crystal-clear water and is surrounded by forests, mountains, and volcanic scenery. The whole environment is very relaxing and perfect for slowing down and taking in nature.

Lake Shikotsu is also Japan's northernmost ice-free lake, so you can still enjoy the lake and mountain views in winter. There are also hot springs nearby, so it's no wonder it has become a popular resort destination around Sapporo and Chitose.

The much-anticipated winter Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is usually held from late January to mid-February. The dreamlike ice sculptures made with natural water from Lake Shikotsu are truly beautiful! Unfortunately, the timing of this visit didn't work out, so I couldn't see the Ice Festival in person. I could only stroll around the lakeshore, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery, which was a different kind of travel experience.

You really have to get close to the water at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido to appreciate its beauty. I especially recommend taking a boat ride or walking along the stream next to the visitor center. The water is so clear you can almost see straight to the bottom, and its deep blue color inevitably brings Jiuzhaigou to mind. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and the air is fresh and pleasant. As for cycling around the lake, the scenery is fairly ordinary. If you’re short on time, definitely save it for the lake itself—it’s much more worthwhile!

When I arrived at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, I was immediately captivated by the lake and mountain scenery. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is clear and pristine, and together with the vast natural landscape, the whole view was so beautiful that it made me feel calm. In summer, you can also take a sightseeing boat and admire Lake Shikotsu's beauty from a different angle.

I really like places like this, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, where simply looking at the scenery feels so soothing. It's just that this trip was too rushed, and my stay was far too short. I had to leave before I'd seen enough.

Lake Shikotsu is absolutely beautiful! The water is so clear and calm, surrounded by mountains—super relaxing. Taking a boat ride or soaking in the hot springs here is fantastic. It's a great place to visit on your day off!