basic information

Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya are the two most prominent geographical features of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Both lakes, called Shikotsuko and Toyako in Japanese, are caldera lakes, which were formed from collapses in the earth after volcanic activity.

Shikotsu Kohan is a small, touristy town located on the bank of the lake. From there visitors can rent boats, bicycles, or scuba gear to enjoy the natural surroundings. There is a visitor center in the town, and cruises can be arranged for enjoying the area from the water.

Cruises are offered in regular boats, glass bottomed boats and in speed boats. Sightseeing boats do not operate from early November to mid April. During the rest of the year, regular sightseeing boat rides depart every 30 minutes, take 30 minutes and cost 1200 yen.

The trail up Mt. Tarumae

The trail around Mt Tarumae's summit

Lake Shikotsu is encircled by mountains, one of which is Mount Tarumae. Tarumae is an active volcano from which you can enjoy impressive views of the crater and the surrounding area, including Lake Shikotsu below. The trail to the top is steep, but easy, and it takes less than an hour to ascend. The trailhead and a small parking lot are located 15 km from Shikotsu Kohan.

Koke no Domon, Japanese for "Moss Canyon", is another site of interest in the area. Located 10 km south of Shikotsu Kohan, Koke no Domon is a gulley with a rich variety of plant life lining its walls. There are said to be over twenty types of moss alone. Visitors cannot actually enter the gulley, but there is an observation platform from which it can be viewed.

Enjoying the beach at Lake Shikotsu

Koke no Domon, or Moss Canyon

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how to get there

By Car:

A rental car is the recommended mode of transportation for exploring the Shikotsuko region, as buses to the park operate only infrequently and neither the trailhead of Mount Tarumae nor Koke no Domon are accessible by public transportation.

Lake Shikotsu is a 40 minutes drive from Shin-Chitose Airport, an 80 minute drive from central Sapporo, and about an hour drive from Lake Toya.

By Bus:

From Shin-Chitose Airport, there are 4-6 buses a day (1 hour, 1000 yen one way) to Shikotsuko Kohan, while from Sapporo Station, there are 4 buses a day (90 minutes, 1470 yen one way). Be advised that buses on the Sapporo route only run from early June to mid October, while the Shin-Chitose route is served around the year.

There is no direct public transportation between Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu.

hours and fees

Koke no Domon
Hours:	9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	Free

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