Shikotsu-Toya National Park daytrip course centers on Hokkaido’s two most scenic lakes, and passes by the striking silhouette of Shuho and Mt Yotei. Drink in the sight of Lake Toya, a caldera lake almost circular in shape with an island in the middle and admire the beauty of Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s second deepest lake with a high level of water clarity. After enjoying the taste of Mt Yotei’s fresh spring water, make a move towards the mountain’s walkway and check out a pond that is the source of the hot spring here and a still smoking crater mouth. Be amazed by the difference between the mountain surface of live volcanoes like Mt Uzu and Showa Shinzan, and be energized by the awe-inspiring sight from the peak of Mt Uzu.
The drive from Niseko-cho to Rusutsu village goes through scenic farmlands and should be the most relaxing and comfortable ride during this day trip. Slow down and admire the beauty of nature as you drive past Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu.
Visitors are highly recommended to purchase the farm products or sample the soft serve ice-cream at this next spot. Don’t forget to buy Nakayama Toge’s specialty, ‘age-imo’ (deep fried potato) and the special soft serve ice-cream topped up with a jam made from aronia fruits available only at Michi no eki (Roadside station) ‘Forrest 267 Otaki’.
Nakayama Touge(Pass)
A mountain pass popular for its accessibility and breath-taking view
Nakayama Touge, a vital point that links the traffic between Sapporo and Southern Hokkaido. Situated right in the middle of Route 230, the road that cuts right through Shikotsu Toya National Park, at the height of 831 meters, Nakayama Touge is the perfect spot to admire Mt Yotei, also called ‘Ezo Fuji’. Nakayama Touge is also popular as a ski site with good quality powder snow during the winter months here, which can last as long as half a year.
Kyogoku,
Fukidashi Park
Japan’s representative park and the source of fresh spring water
Kyogoku’s Fukidashi Park is found at the eastern base of Mt Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji. About 80, 000 ton of spring water flows out into this park every day. This is the spring water that is known nation-wide as ‘Yotei’s Spring Water’, where the largest flow of spring water from Mt Yotei can be found here. This park became famous after it was listed as one of the top spring water source in 1985 (Showa 60) by the Environmental Agency and there is a never-ending line of visitors seeking free and fresh water in this park. With a kiosk and playground facilities in the park and being located near Kyogoku Hot Springs and park golf grounds, this park is highly recommended for families hoping to spend a leisurely weekend together.
Rankoshi,
Oyunuma
Experience the wild nature of Niseko
The source of Niseko Yumoto Hot Springs is found at foot of Chisenupuri, where temperatures can go to a high of 360 degrees. Gaze upon a desolate vista of rising steam and sulfur balls floating on top of the lake. In addition to introducing visitors to Oyunuma, Oyunuma Nature Exhibit is also an interactive museum that teaches the ecology of the nature around Niseko. Opening hours are from 9:00～17:00, facility is closed during winter.
Lake Toya
One of the rare caldera lakes in Japan
The third largest caldera lake in Japan, Lake Toya has four islands in the middle and spans 43 kilometers. With a hot spring town along the lakeside, this is one of the main tourist hotspots in Hokkaido. Daily fireworks festival runs from late April to mid-October. In addition, Mt Uzu and Showa Shinzan are located near the lake.
Showa Shinzan
Be blown away by the power of this active volcano. Check out the sightseeing spots nearby.
Created from a series of earthquakes that shifted the earth, a mountain suddenly rose from a flat wheat field to become what is known as Showa Shinzan today. The mountain is now designated as a Special Natural Monument. Covered in reddish brown rocks, this is an active volcano that belches out smoke even now. Don’t forget to drop by Mt Uzu’s ropeway and Showa Shinzan’s Bear Farm located near this volcano.
Mt Uzu Ropeway
Gaze upon the majestic backdrop of Lake Toya
Found here is a ropeway that is built on top of Mt Uzu, one of Japan’s more active volcanoes, of which a total of 4 eruptions were observed during the past 100 years. A one way trip up the mountain takes about 6 minutes on the ropeway. Covered by bare rocks, the peak of Mt Uzu stands at 734 meters and its Lake Toya Observation Deck overlooks Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan while its Mt Uzu Crater Observation Deck overlooks the gaping Mt Uzu crater. With a 1.1 kilometers promenade along the outer rim of the crater, visitors can enjoy an exhilarating and hair-raising trek all the way to the crater of the volcano.
Michi no Eki (Roadside Station), Forest 276 Otaki
World’s largest loghouse in the midst of pristine nature
Situated near Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, there are many visitors to this facility. Forrest 276 is a rest-house known for its ‘Christmas Village’ filled with a variety of Christmas goods and luxurious toilet with a player piano (automatic piano). In addition to local products from Otaki village, this facility also sells a variety of imported goods, local products from other regions in Hokkaido, and sundry goods.種。
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center
Exhibits that brings the nature of Lake Shikotsu closer to you
Lake Shikotsu is surrounded by mountain ranges painted in a rich variety of alpine plants and deep forests. The nature surrounding Lake Shikotsu is explained through simplified images and dioramas in this facility. Visitors can learn about the ecology and admire the forests of Shikotsu, observe the natural adaptation of various floras within the harsh environment of Mt Tarumae and check out the underwater trees of the lake. This eco-friendly facility uses solar and geothermal energy as its source of power.
