Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the highest water quality in Japan, is a caldera lake belonging to the Shikotsu Toya National Park. It is a long, east-west, cocoon-shaped lake with a long diameter of 13 km and a short diameter of 5 km. The lake is about 40 km around and has a maximum depth of about 360 m and average depth of 265 m. It is the second deepest lake in Japan after Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture, and is also known as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan.

Along the lakeside, there is a shopping street where you can enjoy Lake Shikotsu's famous "hime-masu" trout dishes, and the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, which introduces the surrounding nature in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.

Lake Okotampe, Moss Cave, Mount Kazafushidake (over 1,000 meters high), Mount Eniwa, Mount Tarumae, and beautiful nature remain in the surrounding area. In addition, visitors can enjoy three hot springs (Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Marukoma Onsen, and Ito Onsen), camping, canoeing, sightseeing boats, and boating. In addition, seasonal events such as "Lake Shikotsu Lake Festival," "Lake Shikotsu Autumn Foliage Festival," and "Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Hyobaku Festival" are held in the area.