'''Lake Shikotsu''' (_x____ ''Shikotsu-ko'') is a volcanic caldera lake in the central part of Hokkaido, Japan.

Understand

44 kilometers in diameter, Lake Shikotsu is famed for the clarity of its water. Along with nearby Lake Toya, it forms a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Surrounded by hills, the dominant feature is '''Mount Fuppushidake''' (___s___x), an Ainu name cleverly written in kanji as "Wind-never-dies Peak". The main town is '''Shikotsu Kohan''' (_x______), on the eastern side of the lake.

Get in

By plane

Sapporo's '''New Chitose Airport''' ('''CTS''') is quite close to Shikotsu and there are direct buses to Shikotsu Kohan (55 minutes, ¥920).

By bus

Buses connect Shikotsu Kohan to Chitose, Sapporo and other major destinations in the vicinity..

Get around

As in much of Hokkaido, buses are infrequent, so your own wheels or hitchhiking are the best ways to get around. Motorized boats are, thankfully, not allowed on the lake.

See

  • '''Moss Canyon''' (________ ''Koke no d?mon''). On the south side of the lake, these are in fact two canyons, both several hundred meters long, densely carpeted with thick, green moss. Free entry and well worth a visit.
  • Do

    In season, you can rent '''swan boats''' for paddling out on the lake. '''Fishing''' is also popular.

    Being a volcanic lake, there are a number of hot springs in the vicinity. Both hot springs below also offer lodging.

  • '''It? Onsen''' (__________). Tel. 0123-25-2620, [http://www.shikotsuko.co.jp/english/index.htm]. Located on the northern side of the lake, 3 km west from the main road towards Sapporo. Notably primarily for a pleasant outdoor ''rotenburo'' with great views of the lake; it's a little strange to stand by the lakeshore completely naked, but hey, you're just a flyspeck if seen from the other side. Entry ¥700, 10 AM to 4 PM only.
  • '''Ky?kamura Shikotsu Onsen''' (_x_____x________). [http://www.qkamura.or.jp/shikotsu/]. A somewhat clinical hot spring resort not far from Shikotsu Kohan. Perhaps a tad overpriced at ¥700 for a dip.
  • Buy

    Eat & Drink

    Shikotsu Kohan has the usual array of Japanese restaurants. There are some basic stalls near the Morappu Camping grounds as well.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Morappu Camping''' (___[___b_v_L_____v__). A basic lakeside campsite popular with fishermen, with toilets, rental equipment and some food stalls nearby. ¥500 per person.
  • '''Shikotsu Youth Hostel'''. Tel. 0123-25-2311, [http://www.youthhostel.or.jp/English/c_shikotsuko.htm]. Largish youth hostel in Shikotsu Kohan featuring its own hot springs, beds ¥3045 per night for HI members.
  • Midrange

  • '''Lapland''' (___b_v_____h ''Rappurando''). Tel. 0123-25-2239, [http://www.north-wind.ne.jp/~lapland/]. A quirky but pleasant log house minshuku, 10 minutes south of Shikotsu Kohan. A night with two meals and a trip to the nearby onsen is just ¥4900.
  • Contact

    There is a small '''tourist information office''' in Shikotsu Kohan near the bus station.