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On the eastern side of Shikotsu-Toya National Park about 25km west of Chitose, Shikotsu-ko (支笏湖) is Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake plunges as deep as 363m – Japan’s second-deepest lake surrounded by volcanic mountains.
On the eastern shore of the lake, Shikotsuko Onsen is a charming hot spring resort and a good base for mountaineering the volcanoes. It is a perfect place to chill out after a long flight.
Sightseeing
On the eastern shore of Shikotsu-ko, the tiny village of Shikotsuko Onsen (支笏湖温泉) is the best day trip or overnight stay from Chitose. The village’s luxury resort hotels don’t open their onsen for day bathing.
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
支笏湖ビジターセンター
2min walk from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
On the shore of Shikotsuko Onsen, this center has an informative exhibition of local flora and fauna, including himemasu (kokanee salmon) in a tank. Afterwards, head next door to Yamasen-kohan Station (山線湖畔驛) where the history and dioramas of the former Oji narrow gauge from Tomakomai are displayed.
Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Boat
支笏湖観光船
5min walk from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
A glass-bottomed sightseeing boat provides an opportunity to see the underwater life and columnar joints of Shikotsu-ko while staying dry. The boat trip takes 30 minutes and runs from Shikotsuko Onsen.
Chitose – Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
千歳・支笏湖氷濤まつり
5min walk from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
Held at the lakeside of Shikotsuko Onsen in mid-winter, Hyoto Matsuri boasts the blue ice sculptures such as caves and mountains. They are lit up with colorful lights at night. Weekend fireworks start at 6.30pm.
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Hotels
Shikotsuko Onsen has pricer resort hotels, a mid-range inn and a guesthouse.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Shikotsu-ko Tsuruga Resort Mizu-no-Uta ♨︎
しこつ湖鶴雅リゾートスパ水の謌
1min walk from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
Right opposite Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop, this resort spa has spacious Japanese- and Western-style eclectic rooms. Some luxury rooms have its own private onsen. A free shuttle bus runs from New Chitose Airport via JR Minami-Chitose and JR Chitose Stations (compulsory reservation).
Photo: じゃらんnet
Marukoma Onsen Ryokan ♨︎
丸駒温泉旅館
15min by free shuttle from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
Founded in 1915 at the northern shore of the lake, the secret Marukoma Onsen has two pleasant open-air baths: super panoramic bath and calm rocky bath. Hot water quality is perfect. Japanese-style rooms with a lake or forest view, dinner features himemasu (kokanee salmon) cuisine. A free shuttle is available to/from Shikotsuko Onsen.
Photo: じゃらんnet
Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku ♨︎
レイクサイドVILLA翠明閣
8min walk from Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
This stylish hotel is a prime location on the lake shore of Shikotsuko Onsen, spacious rooms have a private bath and massage chair with a nice view. A scenic restaurant Azzurro serves Italian and coffee.
Map
Getting There
BUS
Chuo Bus 4 runs to Shikotsuko-onsen from New Chitose Airport (57min) via JR Minami-Chitose Station and JR Chitose Station west gate stop 4 (34min).
Getting Around
BICYCLE
You can rent a bike at the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center and excursion to its surrounding area. Late Apr-early Nov.
Information
Head for the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center. See also Lake Shikotsu official website.
Shikotsuko-onsen bus stop
支笏湖温泉 | 시코츠코 온센
Address：17 Shikotsuko-onsen, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Distance：25km from Chitose
Elevation：270m
北海道 支笏湖溫泉 旅遊觀光 飯店住宿 | 홋카이도 시코츠코 온센 여행 호텔