Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shikotsu-Toya National Park (支笏洞爺国立公園, Shikotsu-tōya-kokuritsukōen) is one of Hokkaido's most accessible and spectacular national parks, located in the central part of the island. The park is named after its two magnificent caldera lakes — Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya — and also encompasses several active volcanoes including Mount Usu, Mount Showa-Shinzan, and Mount Tarumae.

The landscape was forged by massive volcanic eruptions over tens of thousands of years. Lake Shikotsu has stunningly clear water, claimed to be Japan's most transparent, while Lake Toya is a near-perfect circular lake 11 km in diameter. The park's volcanic activity has created numerous hot springs, making it one of Hokkaido's premier onsen destinations. The park covers 983 km² and attracts millions of visitors annually.

Summer temperatures reach around 25°C, while winters are cold with moderate snowfall. The park is beautiful year-round: cherry blossoms in spring (May), greenery and water activities in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn (October), and serene snow-covered landscapes with steaming hot springs in winter.

By Plane

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the main gateway, conveniently located near the park's eastern edge. The airport is about 1 hour from Lake Shikotsu and 2 hours from Lake Toya by car or direct bus.

By Train

The JR Hakodate Main Line runs through the region. Toya Station serves Lake Toya (15-20 minutes by bus). Sapporo to Toya Station is about 1.5 hours by Limited Express. Lake Shikotsu is accessible by bus from JR Tomakomai Station or Chitose Station.

By Car / Road

Driving is the best way to explore the park. From Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu is about 1 hour via National Route 453. Lake Toya is about 2 hours via the Hokkaido Expressway. Direct express buses from Sapporo serve both lakes.

A rental car is strongly recommended for maximum flexibility. Local buses connect the main lake areas and trailheads but schedules are limited. Both lakes have walking paths around their shores. The Shikotsu-Toya area is large (about 1 hour drive between the two lakes), so plan your base accordingly.

• Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖) — Japan's northernmost ice-free lake and the clearest in Japan, with visibility over 20 metres. The caldera was formed 40,000 years ago. Take a glass-bottom boat tour.

• Lake Toya (洞爺湖) — A perfectly circular caldera lake 11 km in diameter with Nakajima Island at its centre. Year-round sightseeing cruises.

• Mount Usu (有珠山) — An active volcano that last erupted in 2000. The Usuzan Ropeway ascends to the crater rim with dramatic views of the bay and lake.

• Mount Showa-Shinzan (昭和新山) — A young volcanic dome that pushed up from farmland during 1943-45, now a popular tourist attraction with a ropeway.

• Mount Tarumae (樽前山) — An active volcano above Lake Shikotsu, with a distinctive crater and relatively easy hiking trail.

• Shikotsuko Onsen — A lakeside hot spring village on the northern shore of Lake Shikotsu with various ryokan and a public foot bath.

• Toyako Onsen — The larger hot spring town on the northern shore of Lake Toya, with foot baths, walking paths, and the nightly fireworks display.

• Lake Toya fireworks (nightly, late April to October) — launched from boats on the lake, one of Japan's most famous fireworks shows.

• Sightseeing cruises on both lakes — glass-bottom boats on Lake Shikotsu, and larger vessels on Lake Toya that stop at Nakajima Island.

• Hike Mount Tarumae — a 1.5-2 hour hike to the active crater with views of Lake Shikotsu.

• Hike Mount Usu — trails of varying difficulty around the volcano, including accessible crater rim walks.

• Canoeing and kayaking on both lakes, particularly on the calmer waters of Lake Shikotsu.

• Onsen hopping — both lakes have hot spring resorts, many with day-use facilities.

• Cycling around the lakes — bicycle rentals available in summer.

• Skiing and snowshoeing at the active volcanoes in winter.

• Visit the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark visitor centres.

The onsen towns offer excellent Japanese dining, with many ryokan serving elaborate kaiseki dinners. Both lakes are known for their seafood — particularly wakasagi (Japanese smelt) from the lakes, and fresh crab, salmon, and squid from nearby coastal waters. Hokkaido soup curry and Genghis Khan barbecue are widely available. Lake Shikotsu is famous for its shikotsu-masu (cherry salmon).

Both onsen towns have izakaya and bars in the evening. Many hotels offer drinks with dinner. Local sake and Hokkaido craft beer are widely available. The resort bars and lounges are perfect for a nightcap after a day of exploring.

• Lake Shikotsu: The lakeside offers several ryokan and hotels, including Shikotsukohan Hotel Kyu Kaitakushi and Marukoma Onsen Ryokan — both with onsen facilities and lake views. Rooms from around ¥12,000 per person with meals.
• Lake Toya: The larger selection of accommodation includes budget pensions, mid-range hotels, and luxury ryokan. The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort offers premium accommodation. Mid-range options from ¥10,000-18,000 per person with meals.
• Budget: Camping is available near both lakes during summer season.

Both onsen towns have souvenir shops selling volcanic-themed items, local crafts, and Hokkaido food products. Usuzan-yaki pottery, made from local volcanic clay, is a unique souvenir. Seafood products, particularly from nearby Uchiura Bay, are popular. Lavender products and local sake are also available.

• Noboribetsu (1 hour from Lake Toya) — Hokkaido's most famous onsen town, featuring Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and numerous bath houses.
• Sapporo (1-2 hours by car) — Hokkaido's capital, with museums, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and world-class dining.
• Hakodate (2.5 hours from Lake Toya) — Historic port city with the iconic Mount Hakodate night view.
• Niseko (1.5 hours from Lake Toya) — World-renowned ski resort with outdoor activities year-round.
• Otaru (1.5 hours from Lake Shikotsu) — Charming canal city with historic warehouse districts and fresh seafood.
• Shinhidaka (1 hour from Lake Toya) — Horse country with pastures and the Hidaka Horse Museum.