楽天トラベル観光体験
Shikotsu-Toya is almost a microcosm of Japan distilled into one park. Incredible landscapes of forests, lakes and mountains, all shaped by the volcanic history that defines the country. The park is named after Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, two of Japan’s most striking caldera lakes. The surrounding land holds numerous volcanoes including Mt. Yotei, a stratovolcano to the west, and Mt. Usuzan, the active volcano in the park’s south. Numerous hot springs, 'Jigokudani' (hell valleys of volcanic steam), and other evidence of the volcanic beating heart of Japan are evidenced throughout the park. Dotted as the area is with several volcanic lakes and marshes, including Lake Tachibana and Lake Kuttara, the park is truly a volcanic landscape representative of Japan. This volcanic activity has also given birth to famous hot springs such as those of Toyako Onsen, Jozankei Onsen, and Noboribetsu Onsen. Like many other national parks, these mineral-rich waters bring people from far and wide to soak up their restorative powers.
Shikotsuko Blue
Conveniently near Sapporo, the Jozankei Onsen hot spring resort area is easily reached from the city, making it a great entry to the beauty of the park. The Hohei Gorge is also in this area. To the south, Japan’s second-deepest lake—Lake Shikotsu—is a popular stop thanks to its enchanting blue waters, surrounded by virgin forest. Being Japan’s northernmost non-freezing lake, the cold conditions contribute to Lake Shikotsu’s famous clarity and earn its waters the name ‘Shikotsuko Blue.’ Stop here for pleasure-boating and other lake activities, and the nearby Marukoma or Shikotsuko Onsen. Near Lake Shikotsu, two volcanoes, Mt. Tarumae which remains active, and Mt. Eniwa with some volcanic blowholes, each offer unique hiking opportunities with commanding views of the area.
Hell Valley and Healing Waters
In the south of the park you’ll find Noboribetsu Onsen. This hot spring town is known for the numerous therapeutic waters of its spas, as well as nearby Jigokudani, literally 'hell valley.' Jigokudani is just a few minutes’ walk from the town below. Once there, navigate the wooden walkways that crisscross the viewing platforms and otherworldly sights of the valley—colorful volcanic rock, steaming craters, and streams of hot water—that indicate the source of the town’s healing waters, and reveal the origin of the valley’s name. A little further from Jigokudani you can find Oyunuma, a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature around 50 degrees. The river running from Oyunuma is followed by a popular trail, leading to the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath where travelers soak their feet in its restorative waters. Nearby Lake Toya is the park’s other beautiful caldera lake, next to which stands Mt. Usu, an active volcano with two recently-formed craters to explore.
Around the Stratovolcano
Mt. Yotei, a free-standing stratovolcano, is also known as ‘Ezo-Fuji’ (Fuji of Hokkaido). Standing 1,898 meters above sea level, Yotei dominates the landscape, its graceful slopes decorated with clear bands of changing vegetation from broad-leaf forest at its foot, through conifers, to alpine flowers at the summit. The climb is challenging, but at the summit you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of Niseko Resort to one side, and the splendor of the vast, grandiose park on the other.
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