Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center

A scenic walk around Japan's second deepest lake

Karin Wu Sep 14, 2013 - 1 min read

The center explains how the lake was formed as a crater from volcanic activity

There are plenty of displays showing the many animals that call Lake Shikotsu their home

How the abundant plant life grows in volcanic regions is also explained through the hands-on displays

The small shopping village next to the visitors center

Plenty of places to rest and enjoy the view, even when raining

The Yamasen Railroad Bridge, which was rebuilt in 1994 for preservation

Rent a boat and explore the lake for a few hours

Take a leisurely stroll and explore the beauty that Lake Shikotsu has to offer

The second deepest lake in Japan, Lake Shikotsu (363 meters at its deepest point) is surrounded by volcanoes including Mount Fuppushi (dormant) and Mount Tarumae (still active). Start at the visitor center, which explains the geological history of the area, including the formation of the lake through volcanic activity. Take a short walk down to the water, where boats are available for rent. The Yamasen Railroad Bridge to the immediate left was part of a railroad connecting Shikotsu with Tomakomai built in 1908. This short walk is just a taste of the beauty of Lake Shikotsu.

More info

Find out more about Lake Shikotsu.

Karin Wu @karin.wu

Hi! I'm Karin Wu and I'm currently living and working in Tokyo. I took part in the photojournalism internship for JapanTravel in 2013, and I now contribute every so often when I can get out on the weekends. Writing is a passion of mine, and this site gives me not only an additional excuse to expl...