Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons around Hokkaido Spot List

The Otaru Canal is a sightseeing spot emblematic of Otaru. About 1.1 km long, old warehouses stand side by side along one edge; along the other runs a promenade ideal for a pleasant stroll.

Five lakes surrounded by forest in Shiretoko. Feel at one with nature as you stroll along pathways in this World Natural Heritage Site.

Lake Toya is the second largest caldera lake in Japan, having a circumference of about 40 km. Enjoy a walk along the lakeside or take a cruise on one of the pleasure boats.

A caldera lake formed by an eruption from Mt Oakan, Lake Akan rests among a rich natural environment and is famous for the marimo growing in it.

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

Experience the earth's energy in the remains of a volcanic crater

A snow-white curtain of water falls into a blue river

Plumes of steam and the scent of sulfur rise from this hot spring pond

Withered trees stand in a mystical pond

Discover the famous ”Mashu blue”

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Overwhelming in scale

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake