Shikotsu-Toya National Park is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular natural destinations, offering visitors a chance to experience volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and relaxing hot springs all within a single region. Located in southwestern Hokkaido, the park is easily accessible from Sapporo, with most areas reachable in approximately one to two hours by public transportation.
About Shikotsu Toya National Park
Officially designated as a national park in 1949, Shikotsu-Toya National Park covers nearly 1,000 square kilometers and protects a landscape shaped by powerful volcanic activity over thousands of years. Caldera lakes, active volcanoes, geothermal features, and rich ecosystems combine to create one of Japan’s most unique outdoor environments.
Whether you're interested in scenic walks, geological wonders, wildlife, photography, or simply relaxing in a traditional onsen, the park offers something for every type of traveler. While it can be visited throughout the year, many visitors consider spring, summer, and autumn the best seasons for outdoor exploration, while winter offers beautiful snowy scenery and peaceful landscapes.
What to do at Shikotsu-Toya National Park
1. Explore Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan. Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, this caldera lake is renowned for its exceptional water clarity and dramatic mountain backdrop.
At approximately 360 meters deep, Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s second-deepest lake. Its depth helps prevent it from freezing during winter, allowing visitors to enjoy its deep blue waters year-round.
One of the biggest attractions is simply enjoying the peaceful natural environment. Visitors can walk along the lakeshore, rent bicycles, or relax while taking in views of the surrounding forests and mountains. During warmer months, kayaking, canoeing, and boating are popular ways to experience the lake's remarkably clear waters.
The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers ideal conditions for water activities, autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant colors, and winter creates a stunning snow-covered setting.
The lakeside area also features casual cafés and restaurants serving local specialties, including freshwater fish dishes and Hokkaido's famous dairy products such as homemade ice cream.
For travelers looking for a peaceful nature escape close to Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu is often the preferred choice.
2. Visit Lake Toya
While Lake Shikotsu offers relaxation and a chance to explore nature, Lake Toya provides a more developed resort-style experience.
Lake Toya is another caldera lake within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and covers approximately 70 square kilometers. Like Lake Shikotsu, it remains unfrozen throughout winter due to its depth and geothermal activity associated with the surrounding volcanic landscape.
One of the lake's most distinctive features is Nakajima Island, located in the center of the lake and formed through volcanic activity.
The area surrounding Lake Toya offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing boat cruises, lakeside walking paths, cycling routes, hot spring resorts, cafés, shops, and scenic viewpoints. The well-developed infrastructure makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors to Hokkaido.
The lake is also famous for its seasonal fireworks displays during the warmer months, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Japan.
Compared to Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya offers more amenities and activities in a compact area. Travelers seeking a combination of nature, sightseeing, comfort, and convenience often find Lake Toya to be the ideal destination.
3. Discover the Volcanic Landscapes
One of the most fascinating aspects of Shikotsu-Toya National Park is its active volcanic environment, particularly, Mount Usu, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and one of the park's most popular attractions.
Standing approximately 733 meters tall, this active stratovolcano has erupted multiple times in modern history, most recently in 2000. The mountain provides visitors with a rare opportunity to safely observe volcanic terrain up close.
A ropeway transports visitors partway up the mountain, where observation decks offer spectacular panoramic views over Lake Toya, surrounding forests, and volcanic landscapes. Walking trails near the upper station lead to viewpoints overlooking craters, lava fields, and areas affected by previous eruptions.
Many visitors ask whether they can hike Mount Usu. While access to the active crater itself is restricted, there are several well-maintained walking paths around older crater areas and observation points that are safe and accessible for most travelers.
What makes Mount Usu particularly special is the opportunity to experience a living volcanic landscape firsthand. Instead of simply learning about volcanoes through books or museums, visitors can walk through terrain shaped by recent eruptions while enjoying some of the most dramatic scenery in Hokkaido.
4. Relax in Natural Hot Springs
No visit to Shikotsu-Toya National Park would be complete without experiencing its natural hot springs.
The park's volcanic activity creates abundant geothermal resources, resulting in numerous onsen towns and hot spring resorts throughout the region.
The Lake Toya area is particularly well known for its lakeside hot spring hotels, where guests can soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Nearby hot spring destinations also provide opportunities to relax after a day of sightseeing, hiking, or exploring volcanic landscapes.
For many travelers, combining outdoor activities with an onsen experience is one of the highlights of visiting the park.
5. Go Hiking and Nature Walking
Shikotsu-Toya National Park is ideal for travelers who enjoy nature walks without requiring advanced hiking skills.
Most trails within the park are easy to moderate and designed for casual visitors. Routes are generally well-maintained, clearly marked, and suitable for beginners, families, and older travelers.
Short walks of 30 minutes to one hour can be found around both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, offering scenic lakeside views and easy access to natural attractions.
Medium-length trails ranging from one to three hours lead through forests, river valleys, and scenic viewpoints. Visitors looking for a more immersive experience can also explore longer half-day routes that combine volcanic landscapes, lakes, and forest environments.
Unlike many mountain destinations that focus on challenging trekking, the park emphasizes relaxed exploration, making it easy to combine walking with sightseeing, photography, café visits, and hot spring experiences.
6. Experience Autumn Colors
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
As temperatures begin to cool, forests surrounding the lakes and mountains transform into vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow foliage. The reflection of autumn colors on the clear waters of Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya creates some of the region's most memorable scenery.
Popular viewpoints around the lakes, volcanic slopes, and forest trails provide excellent opportunities for photography and leisurely walks.
For travelers seeking seasonal beauty, autumn offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Hokkaido.
7. Sample Local Cuisine
Exploring the park isn't just about nature—it's also an opportunity to enjoy Hokkaido's renowned food culture.
Restaurants around Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya serve a variety of local specialties, including freshwater fish, seasonal vegetables, and regional seafood.
Visitors should also take advantage of Hokkaido's famous dairy products. Fresh milk, soft-serve ice cream, cheese, and other dairy-based treats are widely available throughout the region and are considered among the best in Japan.
Many lakeside cafés offer scenic views alongside local cuisine, making them excellent places to relax between sightseeing activities.
8. Visit Nearby Attractions – Noboribetsu
Visitors with additional time should consider exploring Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido's most famous hot spring destinations.
Known for its geothermal activity and dramatic volcanic scenery, Noboribetsu offers a different perspective on the volcanic forces that have shaped the region.
The area is famous for its steaming vents, sulfurous landscapes, and therapeutic hot springs. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, observation points, and traditional onsen experiences while learning more about Hokkaido's geological history.
A visit to Noboribetsu complements the natural attractions found within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and provides another memorable stop during a trip through southwestern Hokkaido.
Why Visit Shikotsu-Toya National Park?
Shikotsu-Toya National Park offers one of the best opportunities in Japan to experience volcanic landscapes, pristine lakes, and natural hot springs in a single destination.
Its accessibility from Sapporo, variety of outdoor activities, and stunning scenery make it suitable for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, an introduction to volcanic geology, scenic walking trails, or a relaxing onsen getaway, the park delivers an unforgettable experience throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lake should I visit if my time is limited?
If your schedule only allows one visit, Lake Shikotsu is generally the better option. It is closer to Sapporo, easier to access, and offers stunning scenery with minimal travel time. Its peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for a half-day or day trip.
Choose Lake Toya if you're particularly interested in volcanic landscapes, hot spring resorts, and a wider range of tourist facilities.
Do I need hiking experience to explore the lakeshore trails?
No. Most walking routes around Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are easy and suitable for beginners. The paths are generally well-maintained with gentle gradients. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Can I visit both lakes year-round?
Yes. Both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya can be visited throughout the year. Each season offers different scenery, from spring greenery and summer activities to autumn foliage and winter snow-covered landscapes. Notably, neither lake fully freezes during winter.
Is it possible to visit both lakes in a single day?
Generally, no. While technically possible with private transportation, trying to visit both lakes in a single day usually results in a rushed experience. Most visitors find it more rewarding to focus on one destination and explore it at a relaxed pace.