Best Rivers, Lakes & Canyons around Hokkaido Spot List

Historic stone warehouses and gaslit water make Otaru's canal one of Hokkaido's most atmospheric evening strolls

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.

Five mystical lakes cradled in primeval forest, the symbol of UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko — explore via a free boardwalk or a seasonal guided trek.

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.

Both selected as part of Japan's 100 best waterfalls

Aptly named, this mysterious hot spring transforms an entire river

Japan's northernmost ice-free lake

Picked as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls

Overwhelming in scale

Japan's clearest lake, famed for its deep ”Mashu blue” surface and the mystical sea of clouds that sometimes drifts over it at dawn

Keep an eye out for plentiful wildlife

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

A milky, ethereal blue pond that's most stunning at sunrise — and turns magical again after dark with a winter light-up near Biei, Hokkaido

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

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