Lake Shikotsu surrounded by jagged mountains such as Mt. Eniwa (Eniwadake) and Mt. Tarumae (Tarumaesan) is a caldera lake that is approximately 40 km wide and is the northernmost lake in Japan with a maximum depth of 360m, the second deepest lake in Japan. Lake Shikotsu will reach low temperatures while rarely freezing over, even in the middle of winter.

Lake Shikotsu's hot springs is the main attraction of tourism where there are hot spring hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, and much more.

You cannot leave out a cruise when visiting Lake Shikotsu! This cruise lets you see the waters from below.

The dock is short walk from Lake Shikotsu's hot spring area. Buy your ticket at the counter and get right on board!
While the view from the ship's bottom is the main attraction, do not forget to enjoy the scenery from above.

While at first the color of the lake may appear emerald green, the moment you leave the coast the color turns into a deep blue. Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake so it becomes deep very quickly, which along with sunlight, gives the lake an appearance of different colors.

Unlike the ocean, the lake is calm with the rocking of the ship hard to even notice. The cool wind blowing through the lake is a pleasant addition to this spot in the summer!

A few minutes after leaving we arrived at the highlight of the ride. The landscape of Lake Shikotsu where a formation of pillar-like joints have been created by cooled magma that has hardened and expanded over time.

This unique topography, is not only on the land but also continues underwater!

After spending some time enjoying the scenery of columnar joints, we return to the pier. This, however, is not the end to our trip. There are so many scenic delights!

The contrast between the blue and green colors as well as the unique underwater view from the bottom of the ship really gives you your money's worth. When you visit Lake Shikotsu, make sure to start with the nature of Lake Shikotsu with this glass bottom boat cruise!

After enjoying the sights of Lake Shikotsu, now it’s time to enjoy the tastes! The special dish of Lake Shikotsu, is their chips. These chips are freshwater prawn fish related to the salmon family that inhabit pure water lakes with low temperatures. This fish is an orange color like salmon, and is delicious no matter how you eat it.

Now let us introduce you to "Shokujidokoro Kotobuki" the shop where you can enjoy this dish located in Lake Shikotsu's hot spring town.

Here they offer several chip dishes including different varieties of chip sushi or cooked chips with rice.

This set menu contains a grilled chip dish, four pieces of chip sushi, chips marinade, chips and soba noodle rolls, chip soup, and other delicacies. The main entree is grilled to completion allowing you to eat nearly the entire fish.

This fish, a fancy alternative to salmon, may leave you wondering if this is really a freshwater fish. It is rather meaty and does not have an unpleasant smell that most freshwater fish have. The chip fish sauce is also used for a hint of flavor in the soup, giving a very elegant taste and a pleasant flavor that may linger in your senses.

The chip and soba noodle roll was rather impressive. This item is chips wrapped in soba noodles which is then deep fried, an original item created by this this store with a new and eccentric flavor!

Of course, the chips are products of Lake Shikotsu. In the fishing seasons from June to August, fresh chips are caught each day in the morning and at night and are brought to the store twice a day.
You can taste a wide range of chip dishes while in Lake Shikotsu, which boasts cool, pure water, of the highest quality in Japan

After a meal, how about some light exercise? Go for a refreshing walk along the bank.

The classic walking course goes around the Yama Line railway bridge and is about four to five minutes on foot from Lake Shikotsu's hot spring town or one to two minutes on foot from the glass bottom boat.

The Yama Line Ibarabashi is a railroad that crosses the track of the miniature (Keibe) railway that carried wood from Lake Shikotsu to Tomakomai's paper mill from 1908 (Meiji 41) - 1951 (Showa), but is now used for human transport.

Here you can see the Chitose River that flows out from under the bridge and into the lake.

While crossing the bridge, you will find an open recreational area.

Here is a great place to pass the time looking out at the lake where you can also see plenty of water activities like canoeing, paddle boarding, and "amenbow".

After some relaxation, it is time for more exercise. Head back up the stairs to the walkway along the cliff.

On the cliff, there is the waterside wild bird forest and nature walk way. Although there are sections that are closed due to natural disasters from 2015 (current as of May 2018), you can still enjoy nature to the fullest.

The songs of these birds echo through the forest as you walk along the path. Taking a stroll you can enjoy the fragrance of the forest and the shade of the trees with beautiful streams of sunlight.

After enjoying the forest head back down to Lake Shikotsu's hot spring town.

Now it’s time to enjoy some desserts!

We recommend the Sweets shop Patissier Lab located in the hot spring hotel, Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Mizu no Uta.

The most popular item at this shop is the "Tarumae-zan Cream Puff" (220 yen). You will find a queue out the door when they put out a fresh batch of these tasty treats.

The texture and taste of these cream filled desserts are exquisite! Since these sweets can be carried with one hand, it is a popular choice to purchase and eat in the car. One taste and you will surely be back for more!

Other popular choices are the "Tsuruga Roll" (280 yen) and "Kimimaru Pudding" (370 yen).

The Kimimaru Pudding uses "Yellow Bottle" eggs produced in Hokkaido for their recipe. Enjoy the contrast of creamy milk and eggs at the top combined with bitter sweetness of the caramel at the bottom!

For those of you who are still hungry we have one more recommendation for you!

In the corner of the hotel garden where the sweets can be found, there is a burger takeout called "Mizu no uta Garden", here the local Chitose city burgers are made.

There are also other Hokkaido-like menu options such as "Zantare Burger" (680 yen), "Hotate Burger" (680 yen). Which one to choose?

So what did you think of Lake Shikotsu? It is surprising to see nature that can be enjoyed so close to Sapporo and The New Chitose Airport.

As gourmet dishes and sweets can also be enjoyed, it is the perfect place for a quick getaway. Of course, they also offer hot spring hotels and much more, so feel free to stay awhile and relax when you can.

* Rates and prices written in the articles are all tax inclusive

Written by : Nobuhiro Kawashima