This road runs along the edge of the deep, clear lake, and is surrounded by nature as far as the eye can see, making it a pleasant ride. Why not take a superb drive around Lake Shikotsu?

This route coordinator

This drive route

Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route (Welcome Hokkaido Area)

The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route, which runs through two national and quasi-national parks, Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Quasi-National Park, is an area where you can encounter beautiful lakes, magnificent mountains, and volcanoes. The Shikotsu-Toya Niseko Route is made up of three areas, including the "Welcome Hokkaido Area" that we are driving through, the "Niseko Yotei Area" and the "Lake Toya Area".

Let's go for a drive right away!

1 <Scenic Byway Information Center> Shikotsu-Toya National Park Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center (Chitose City)

When you arrive at Lake Shikotsu, head to the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center first! You can learn about the history of Lake Shikotsu's formation, the still active volcanoes, the ecology of the creatures living around Lake Shikotsu, and the world inside the lake while having fun. After learning all about Lake Shikotsu at the visitor center, it's time to dive into nature. You can also rent a bicycle (until early November in 2021) to get there.

Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center

2 <Activity> Ocean Days

Immerse yourself in Lake Shikotsu! Why not try being soothed in the water? At Ocean Days, you can enjoy trial diving at Lake Shikotsu all year round. Even if you are not good at swimming, you can practice slowly where you can touch the ground. The moving experience of being able to breathe underwater is the ultimate relaxation. If you are not good at being underwater, you can go for a tour of the waterfall on a fat bike!

Ocean Days

3 <Activity> Shikotsu Guide House Kanoa

Relax on the water. Canoe to the source of the Chitose River. At "Shikotsu Guidehouse Kanoa," you can enjoy a program that uses all five senses to see the forest and underwater creatures that change with the seasons while leisurely cruising on the crystal clear water in a canoe. How about taking a break and enjoying a cup of tea on the SOTOCafe canoe tour?

Shikotsu Guide House Kanoa

4 Scenic Cafe Memer (Chitose City)

After enjoying the activities, take a break at the Scenic Cafe in Lake Shikotsu Onsen Town. The store's name means "Grandma" in French. It is imbued with the desire to inherit the "spirit of hospitality" of the grandmother of Marukoma. The recommended dishes are the chip dog(*) with the kokanee salmon, a specialty of Lake Shikotsu, and the deep-fried hot spring bun "Marukoma Age Manju"! *Chip is the nickname for Himemasu.

Memer (Chitose City)

<Information Dissemination> Lake Shikotsu National Park Management Council

There's more to enjoy at Lake Shikotsu than just this! The Shikotsu Tourism Information Site, run by the Lake Shikotsu Management Council, a general incorporated association, introduces ways to enjoy Lake Shikotsu from a local perspective, including nature, food, hot springs, and activities. Be sure to check it out.

Lake Shikotsu National Park Management Council

summary

How was it? The route we took this time was one that made us want to enjoy the deep, clear lake with our whole bodies. It was just the season when autumn leaves are at their best in the central Hokkaido area, so we could enjoy the contrast between the blue of the lake and the vivid red and yellow of the autumn leaves! Please continue to take precautions against infectious diseases and enjoy your drive.