Plizio Visual Lab
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
national-park
Weather…
Water temperature…
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Japan. A national park in Hokkaidō, named after the two lakes it surrounds, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya. Includes active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Shōwa-shinzan. Famous for its caldera lakes. This natural area reflects the scenic diversity of Japan, from Mount Fuji and the Inland Sea to the Pacific coasts and volcanic island arcs. Like many notable places in Japan, it combines regional character with the legacy of the samurai tradition, Shinto and Buddhist heritage, and the modern industrial nation. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Japan, from Mount Fuji and Tokyo to the volcanic island arc along the Pacific.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Mt. Monbetsu · Observation Tower, Maruyama-Toomi · Mount Morappu
- Nearby: Sapporo (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -7 | -3 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 9 | 2 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 103 | 83 | 72 | 62 | 74 | 83 | 121 | 160 | 137 | 118 | 129 | 130 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The park is easily accessible from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport by rental car or public buses, which run directly to the onsen villages located at both of the major lakes.
Best season
Summer from June to August gives pleasant temperatures for boating and hiking, while winter attracts visitors with hot springs and snow festivals along the frozen lake shores.
Terrain & paths
There are relatively flat walking paths around the caldera lakes; the hikes up the surrounding active volcanoes like Mount Usu or Mount Tarumae mostly consist of loose volcanic scree.
What to bring
For leisurely lake exploration, everyday clothing is sufficient; those aiming to climb the volcanoes need sturdy footwear to prevent slipping on the ash and protection against strong winds.
Parking
Sufficient parking options can be found in the resort towns of Toyako Onsen and Shikotsu Kohan, as well as at the trailheads of the main hiking routes and ropeways in the area.
Safety
Due to active volcanic zones within the park, heed warnings regarding gas emissions or trail closures; brown bears are also present in Hokkaido, so extreme caution is needed in forests.
Time needed
Many visitors make day trips from Sapporo; however, to comfortably enjoy the hot springs, boat rides, and volcano hikes, a stay of two full days in the park is highly recommended.
Geography
Facts
- A national park in Hokkaidō, named after the two lakes it surrounds, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya.
- Located within the island nation of Japan in the North Pacific.
- Plays a role in the local identity of the region.
- Known for its scenic or cultural significance.
- Documented in local and regional studies.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Shikotsu-Tōya National Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the two main lakes in the park?
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, both of which are caldera lakes.
Which volcano is active there?
Mount Usu near Lake Toya is one of Japan's most active volcanoes.
Are there onsen towns?
Yes, Toyako Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen are very famous hot spring resorts in the park.
Do the lakes freeze in winter?
Lake Shikotsu is Japan's northernmost lake that almost never freezes due to its depth.
How far is it from Sapporo?
Lake Shikotsu is reachable in about an hour by car or bus from Sapporo.
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park: where is it located?
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park is located in Japan.
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mt. Monbetsu, Observation Tower, Maruyama-Toomi, Mount Morappu.
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Japan.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Japan →
Nearby cities
Muroran
A major industrial city in Hokkaido, famous for its spectacular coastline, dramatic cliffs, and factory night views.
Ishikari
A charming port city in Hokkaido, known for its wide sandy beaches and the mouth of the Ishikari River.
Yoichi
A coastal town in Hokkaido famous for Nikka Whisky, fruit orchards, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Tobetsu
A charming town near Sapporo, known for its Swedish partnership and access to the picturesque Atsuta coast.
Iwanai
A historic port town at the foot of Mt.
Toyako
A spectacular resort town by Lake Toya, featuring active volcanoes and hot springs in Hokkaido.
Yubetsu
A charming town on the Okhotsk coast of Hokkaido, famous for its vibrant tulip park and proximity to Lake Saroma.
Haboro
A charming port town in Hokkaido, famous for its sweet shrimp and stunning sunsets.
Samani
A coastal town in southern Hokkaido, home to the Mt.
Fukushima
A historic town in Hokkaido, famous as the birthplace of legendary sumo wrestlers and for its location near the Seikan Tunnel.
Tomamae
The town of windmills and the sea, famous for its wind farms and Yugaoka White Beach.
Obira
A quiet coastal town in Hokkaido, known for its herring fishing history and picturesque views of the Sea of Japan.
Enbetsu
A charming coastal town in Hokkaido, famous for being the northernmost rice-producing region in Japan.
Okushiri
An island town off the coast of Hokkaido, famous for its crystal-clear 'Okushiri Blue' waters and excellent sea urchins.
Shimamaki
A remote natural paradise on Hokkaido, known for its pristine coastline, waterfalls, and world-class fishing spots along the Sea of Japan.
Nature
More places
Noboribetsu Bear Park
A park located on a mountain dedicated to the Ussuri brown bear.
Port of Tomakomai
The largest port in Hokkaido and a crucial logistics hub for northern Japan, handling paper, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
Shikotsu-Tōya Plateau
A volcanic plateau encompassing the caldera lakes Shikotsu and Tōya and several active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Shōwa-shinzan.
Niseko Agriculture
The region around Niseko is not just known for its powder snow but also for its agriculture.
Goryōkaku Fort
A massive, star-shaped 19th-century citadel in Hakodate.
Furano Flower Fields
Furano in Hokkaido is famous for its vast lavender fields that bloom in summer.
Hokkaido Dairy Farms
Hokkaido is the heartland of Japan's dairy industry, producing over half of the country's total milk.
Hidaka Mountains
A mountain range in south-central Hokkaido known for its steep, rugged peaks shaped by glaciers.