Lake Shikotsu: Japan's Northernmost Non-Freezing Lake and Crystal-Clear Lakeside Resort

Lake Shikotsu, southwest of Chitose City in Hokkaido, is a lake of beautiful water that has repeatedly been ranked first in Japan in the Ministry of the Environment's water quality surveys. Although a caldera lake, it is also known as "Japan's northernmost non-freezing lake," as it does not freeze even in winter. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, this mysterious lake offers a wealth of activities such as sightseeing boats and canoeing. It is one of Hokkaido's finest scenic areas, where you can enjoy untouched nature to the full.

Highlights

• Shikotsu Onsen: Lakeside hot spring ryokan for peaceful relaxation
• Underwater Viewing Boat: See the lake bottom through crystal-clear water
• Canoeing and SUP: Popular water sports on the transparent lake surface
• Ice Festival: Magical winter event featuring ice sculptures

About Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity about 40,000 years ago. Its maximum depth is about 360 m and its average depth about 265 m, making it the second deepest lake in Japan. Because of that depth it almost never freezes over completely, even in winter, and is known as "Japan's northernmost non-freezing lake." Its water is among the very best in the country, having been ranked first nationally (Japan's best water quality) many times in the Ministry of the Environment's water quality measurements for public water bodies. The clear blue surface, known as "Shikotsu Blue," captivates every visitor.

The lake is about 40 km in circumference. It forms part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park (area 99,473 ha), designated on 16 May 1949; because the park brings together, in addition to the two great caldera lakes of Shikotsu and Toya, volcanoes and volcanic landforms of many kinds such as Mount Yotei, Mount Usu and Mount Tarumae, it is also called a "living museum of volcanoes." In the water quality rankings it has a record of taking first place in Japan for 11 consecutive years, and its failure to freeze even in a severe winter is attributed to its abundant volume of water and to a depth that is the second greatest in Japan.

The Spectacle of Shikotsu Blue

Lake Shikotsu's greatest appeal is the beautiful colour of the water produced by its high transparency. The surface, which shines deep blue depending on the light, is called "Shikotsu Blue," and its beauty holds you spellbound. Together with the mountains that surround the lake, such as Mount Eniwa and Mount Fuppushi, it forms a grand and mysterious landscape. The water is so clear that you can see fish swimming through it — genuinely moving.

The symbol of the lakeshore is the red "Sansen Railway Bridge," which stands out against the Shikotsu Blue. Certified as a modern industrial heritage site, it is the oldest iron bridge still in active use in Hokkaido. If you want to learn about the lake's formation and its wildlife, stop in at the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Centre. There you can enjoy large panels, models and VR footage of the world beneath the lake and aerial views, and look out slowly over the lake from the observation deck. Events for engaging with nature — walks, birdwatching, snowshoe walks — are held regularly, and bicycles are available for hire.

Activities on the Lake

At Lake Shikotsu you can enjoy a variety of activities that make the most of this beautiful lake. The underwater sightseeing boat (Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Boat) is appealing for the windows set at a depth of 2 m, through which you can view at close range the formations of the lakebed — the sheer cliff-like columnar jointing — and the ripple patterns in the sand, as if drawn with a brush. In a clear kayak with a transparent bottom, you can see the water below between your own feet and feel as though you are floating in mid-air. There is also winter canoeing, possible only on a lake that does not freeze, and diving in a dry suit that can be enjoyed all year round, so along with canoeing and SUP the choices are plentiful.

There are two types of hot spring on the lakeshore. Shikotsuko Onsen on the eastern shore is a hot spring town whose silky water is loved as a "beautifying bath." Marukoma Onsen on the northern shore is a single inn with the longest history on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, famous for its wild, natural open-air bath separated from the lake only by rocks. The saline water is also called a "hot bath" (netsu-no-yu) and is excellent at retaining warmth.

In winter the "Lake Shikotsu Hyoto (Ice) Festival" is held, where ice objects made by spraying lake water create a fantastical world. By day the objects shine Shikotsu Blue in the sunlight, and after sunset they are lit in vivid colours and change their expression completely. You may also encounter the natural phenomenon of "shibuki-gori," in which spray blown by strong winds freezes onto the trees along the shore, and in early summer the Lake Shikotsu Lake Water Festival is held.

Nature

The lake sits within Shikotsu-Toya National Park alongside mountains like Mt. Tarumae. Rich in wildlife and plants, ideal for nature observation.

Best Season and Access

The seasons of fresh greenery and autumn colour are recommended, and summer if you want to enjoy activities on the lake. The winter Ice Festival is also a highlight. For access, take a Hokkaido Chuo Bus route bus: about 55 minutes from New Chitose Airport and about 44 minutes from JR Chitose Station, alighting at the terminus, the "Shikotsuko" bus stop. Close to the airport, it is easy to use as a starting point for a trip around Hokkaido. By car it is about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport. The "Shikotsuko Sky Road," a single road cutting through forests of larch, white birch and Mongolian oak, is popular as a scenic drive where you can also enjoy autumn colours and winter rime ice. In winter, however, the road surface can freeze into sheet ice, so considerable care is needed if you are not used to driving on snow.

For a meal, choose the lake's speciality, "chippu" dishes. Chippu is the local name for himemasu (kokanee salmon), delicious grilled or as sashimi, and long loved locally as a feature of summer. The lakeshore has a good range of places to try the speciality: "Poropinai Shokudo," where wild himemasu can be enjoyed at a reasonable price; "Oshokujidokoro Kotobuki," specialising in himemasu dishes; and "Shikotsuso," a minshuku and eating house run by two generations over 60 years. Note that Lake Shikotsu is a very deep lake with a maximum depth of about 360 m, there are places where it becomes deep immediately from the shore, and the water temperature is on the low side throughout the year. Wear a life jacket, and avoid swimming alone or venturing recklessly to the water's edge. Do come and experience the crystal-clear spectacle of Shikotsu Blue and its rich nature at first hand.

Practical Information

• Best viewing period / best season: The seasons of fresh greenery and autumn colour, and summer if you want to enjoy activities on the lake. In winter the Ice Festival is the highlight. Lake Shikotsu has been ranked first nationally (Japan's best water quality) many times in the Ministry of the Environment's water quality measurements for public water bodies.
• Event period / illumination: The Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival runs from Saturday 31 January to Monday 23 February (public holiday) in 2026, and from Saturday 30 January to Tuesday 23 February (public holiday) in 2027. Hours are 10:00–20:00, with illumination from 16:30 to 20:00. The venue is Shikotsuko Onsen.
• Fees: The cooperation fee for the Hyoto Festival in 2027 is, for junior high school students and above, 1,000 yen (tax included) on weekdays and 3,000 yen (tax included) at weekends and on public holidays. For the 2026 event it was 1,000 yen for junior high school students and above (free for elementary school age and younger). Because the fee structure changes from year to year, please check the official website.
• Access: By Hokkaido Chuo Bus route bus, about 55 minutes from New Chitose Airport (via Chitose Station) and about 44 minutes from JR Chitose Station, alighting at the terminus, the "Shikotsuko" bus stop.
• Parking: There is space for 400 vehicles around the Hyoto Festival site, free during the winter period (large buses 2,000 yen, microbuses 1,000 yen; no reservation required).
• Clothing and equipment: Because the winter Hyoto Festival means spending long periods outdoors below freezing, warm clothing, a hat, gloves and non-slip shoes are essential. Even in summer the lakeshore is cold morning and evening, so bring a jacket.

*[Caution regarding water accidents] Lake Shikotsu is the second deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum depth of about 360 m and an average depth of about 265 m; there are places where it becomes deep immediately from the shore, and the water temperature is on the low side throughout the year. When entering the lake for canoeing, SUP, swimming and so on, always wear a life jacket, avoid going alone, and do not go out on the lake on windy days. In winter, even where the surface appears frozen there are places where the ice is thin, and going out onto the ice is extremely dangerous.*

Tips

Conveniently close to New Chitose Airport — perfect for a final sightseeing stop before departure. The February Ice Festival is hauntingly beautiful.

*(Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Hokkaido Regional Environment Office https://hokkaido.env.go.jp/ ; Ministry of the Environment, "Let's Go to a National Park! Lake Shikotsu" https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nationalparks/try/all/act546.html ; Chitose Tourism Federation "Chitose Kanko Navi" https://www.1000sai-chitose.or.jp/ ; Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival official site https://hyoutou-special.asia/ )*