Plan introduction(Clear Kayaking at Lake Shikotsu)
Would you like to take in the seasonal scenery beauties of nature while kayaking across the serene Lake Shikotsu?
*In winter (December to March), you are required to wear a dry suit as shown in the photo above (free rental).
Lake Shikotsu is known to have the clearest water quality in Japan.
The water surface is so clear that it acts as a mirror reflecting the changing sceneries across all four seasons – it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Hokkaido.
Kayaks offered in this package is transparent – participants can admire the beautiful lake-bottom from in between their legs.
If you take a look around, you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by the grandeur of mother nature that changes with the season.
You can take in the beauty of the area with all five of your senses as you situate yourself in the middle of the lake, immersed in the reflections of the clouds and surrounding mountains.
In the summer, you can enjoy the contrast between the clear blue skies, the vibrant greens, and the clear water surface.
In the winter, you can enjoy the white scenery from the snow on the mountain and the icy branches.
You’re sure to have a memorable experience no matter how many times you revisit this lake.
This plan is inclusive of a tour guide who will be with you at all times, so no need to worry if you don’t have prior experiences in kayaking.
The tour guide will also be snapping pictures of you during the tour, so there is no need for you to focus on kayaking and picture-taking at the same time; pictures will be provided at the end free of charge.
This plan is recommended not only for couples and groups of friends, but of course for families with children.
It’s also great to take in the beauty of the lake in solace as well.
Please add kayaking at Lake Shikotsu in your next Hokkaido trip itinerary!
Tour details
Estimated timetable
| Time | Details |
| 8:50 am | In order to ensure a smooth experience, please be sure to arrive at the location ten minutes before start time. *If tour is starting at 9:00 am, please arrive by 8:50 am. |
| 9:30 am | The guide will lead the tour – please enjoy Japan’s #1 water quality and breathtaking views! |
| 11:00 am | End of the tour |
* Schedules may change depending on the weather.
Where you’ll be
| Meeting Place | Guest House Shikotsu Kamui / Oceandays Shikotsukoonsen, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0281 Open with Google Map |
| How it looks |
There is a GUEST HOUSE sign board. |
| Other info |
*Parking lot available: April-November/500 yen “Lake Shikotsuko Visitor Center” (Near the meeting spot) will be a good destination with Google Map if you drive. [Access via car] |
Child (4-12): 5,000 yen
Single participant: 12,000 yen
– Gears
– Guide Fee
– Photos
* We cannot be held responsible for objects lost in the water.
* Inclusive of other rental items
Clothes that you can easily move around in, shoes with heel coverage (eg Crocs)
* Free Crocs rental available
* Free Poncho rental available on rainy days
Warm clothing
Extra warm clothing
In winter, a knit cap, neck warmer, and gloves are recommended.
【March – October】
①9:00 am – 11:00 am
②12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
③3:00 pm – 5:00 pm（* Until October 19th）
【November – February】
①9:30 am – 11:30 am
②13:00 pm – 3:00 pm
4+
・Healthy both mentally and physically
・Able to sit with knees bent (like gymnastics) for 45 minutes.
・Able to walk 5 minutes one way (with steep stairs) and back.
・Able to lift his/her legs by him/herself when getting in and out of the kayak.
・Able to turn the shoulder and other parts of the body when paddling by himself/herself with a paddle.
*Height 140cm or taller in winter (Mid November to March)
*Please let us know your height, weight, foot size, and gender when you apply.
*If you weigh more than 80kg, you may be asked to ride alone.
*Pregnant participants may not board the kayak.
*Child participants will have to be accompanied by a guardian.
This document must be signed by a guardian if a minor is participating without an adult.
Please submit to the event staff upon arrival.
-If you’re visiting by car
70 min drive from Sapporo,
40 min drive from New Chitose Airport,
30 min drive from Tomakomai.
Please set your navigation destination to “Shikotsu Onsen”
and head towards the shotengai parking lot at Lake Shikotsu
– If you’re visiting by bus
Please get off at “Shikotsu Onsen” bus stop.
You should see a shotengai (market st)on the left.
Look for the signage near the center area of the parking lot.
It is about a 1 min walk from the bus stop.
– If you’re visiting by taxi (all costs are estimates)
From Chitose: 3,000-5,000 yen
From Sapporo: 7,000 yen
Not included in the cost:
500 yen parking fee at Shikotsu Onsen Parking Lot
(parking lot is free between Dec – Mar)
* In the case of bad weather, we will notify you about the cancellation via call as soon as possible.
(Tour will still go on in the case of light rain/snow)
* The tour guide has the right to end the tour midway in the case of bad weather.
* Please note the following if you’re using public transport:
– Express trains between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is about 40 min
– Bus Stop #1 at New Chitose Airport
| 8:40 am | ★9:40 am | 11:40 am | ★12:40 pm | 2:35 pm | 4:30 pm |
Chitose station (JR line) Bus stop: West Exit #3
| 8:51 am | ★9:51 am | 11:51 am | ★12:51 pm | 2:46 pm | 4:43 pm |
To Chitose station / New Chitose Airport from Lake Shikotsu
| 9:50 am | ★10:50 am | 12:50 pm | 3:45 pm | 5:45 pm |
★ indicate tours only on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidaysIf you’re coming by bus, you can participate in the morning or afternoon tour
