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in Hokkaido, Japan
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A clear kayak tour on one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan
Enjoy this vast caldera lake on a clear kayak tour
You can even join with your pets!
A clear kayak tour on one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan
The meeting place
Even fun in winter!
Lake Shikotsu's water quality is famous throughout Japan
View fish swimming underneath the water
A fun activity to enjoy when you visit Lake Shikotsu
The bottom of the boats allow you to see the bottom of Lake Shikotsu
View fish swimming underneath the water
The bottom of the boats allow you to see the bottom of Lake Shikotsu
A fun activity to enjoy when you visit Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu clear kayak tour- kayaking on one of the clearest lakes in Japan!
- Location
Lake Shikotsu, Chitose
- Available Period
July~ Mid-October
- Duration
~2 hours
- Fee
Tour Highlights
- All equipment rentals are included, so it’s easy to join
- Enjoy the beauty and majesty of Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the best water quality in Japan
- Try clear kayaking- the first in Hokkaido!
- Receive photos of the experience as a gift
Come enjoy a serene kayaking experience on the famous Lake Shikotsu. The nature of the Shikotsu area will stun you as you paddle through the crystal-clear waters with a local guide.
Spring: The snow starts to melt and new water flows into Lake Shikotsu.
The water becomes transparent up to 30m, and around May, fish return to the shore. The trees on the mountains surrounding Lake Shikotsu sprout new leaves, and it is a beautiful season with pale pastel colors such as light green, and pink and yellow mountain cherry blossoms.
Summer: The sun shines abundantly, and the sky and green trees cast their colors onto the Chitose River. Underwater, the white flowers of the natural monument “Chitose Baikamo” and aquatic plants grow in abundance. At times, schools of 1,000 “Ezougui” fish can be seen! The contrast between the aquatic plants and the light makes the water shine like a green grassland!
Autumn: The lakeside becomes quieter and the leaves slowly begin to change color. The vivid contrast between the blue of the lake and the autumn leaves captivates viewers. In mid-October, the spawning of the “himemasu” salmon, Lake Shikotsu’s signature fish, begins.
90% of Lake Shikotsu is virgin forest, and its appearance changes with the seasons. Please come and visit us!
- Ages 4 and older welcome
- Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Participants 12 years and younger will be paired with an adult
- Participants under 140cm tall can participate in the summer season only
- Guests who are pregnant cannot participate
Meeting Location
Guesthouse Shikotsukamui
Meeting Address
Shikotsuko Onsen Parking Lot, Chitose, Hokkaido
Meeting Location Details
[By car]
If you are driving, set your navigation system to “Shikotsuko Onsen” and head to the shopping street parking lot on the shore of Lake Shikotsu. Looking from the parking lot, you will see the “Guest House Shikotsu Kamui” sign in the center of the shopping street.
[By bus]
If you are taking the bus, get off at the “Shikotsuko Onsen” bus stop and you will see the shopping street on your left. You will then see the sign in the center of the row of cars along the parking lot. It is about a one-minute walk from the bus stop.
Access to Meeting Location
[By car]
- ~70 minutes from Sapporo
- ~40 minutes from New Chitose Airport
- ~30 minutes from Tomakomai
- ~70 minutes from Jozankei
- ~90 minutes from Niseko
[By public transportation]
- Take the JR (~40 minutes by rapid train) from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport (in front of Chitose Station), then take a bus to Lake Shikotsu.
- Take the bus (~1 hour) to Lake Shikotsu.
Bus timetable:
New Chitose Airport⇔Chitose Station⇔Lake Shikotsu Onsen Town
What to Bring & Wear
[July, August, September]
- Clothes that are easy to move in and you don’t mind getting wet
- Crocs and rainwear are available as a free rental
[May, June, October]
- Warm clothes that are easy to move in
- Knit caps, gloves, boots, raincoats are available for free rental
Overview
- Available Period
-
July~ Mid-October
If you are looking for kayaking in the winter and spring months, check here: Off-season Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Tour
- Duration
~2 hours
1) 9:00〜11:00
2) 11:00〜13:00
3) 13:30〜15:304) 15:30～17:30
- Itinerary
July~October 10th:
1) 9:00〜11:00
2) 11:00〜13:00
3) 13:30〜15:304) 15:30～17:30
- Fee
Participants: 8,700yen
Children (ages 4-12): 5,500yen
Solo participant: 10,900yen
- What's Included
- Guide
- Equipment rentals
- Tour pictures
- Insurance
- Consumption tax
- Payment
Prepayment by credit card
Notes
- The tour will proceed in case of rain.
- If the tour cannot proceed due to heavy rain, lightning, wind, or blizzard, we will cancel the tour and inform you.
- The tour may be cancelled midway for safety or other reasons at the discretion of the guide.
Cancellation / Changes
- A cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled on the day of the event or in case of a no-show
- A cancellation fee of 75% is charged if cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- A cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the event
Reviews(17)
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It was a mysterious space.
I participated with a friend. It rained the day before, which made it seem unlikely we would be able to participate, but the rain stopped on the day, the wind was calm, and it was neither hot nor cold, making it a comfortable day. I heard that Lake Shikotsu's water is very clear due to its spring water, and that sunken trees remain almost exactly as they were. When we participated, the waves were really calm and there was no wind, so the water looked beautiful. I was worried about paddling by myself, but my friend did his best, so I was able to concentrate on enjoying the scenery. My bottom got soaked, but that was fun too. We were given discount tickets on the way back, so we warmed up in the hot springs before heading home. Thank you for this rare experience. (This review has been machine translated) -
Lake Shikotsu clear kayaking is the best❗️
Unfortunately, it was a light rain. I was given a raincoat and put on a life jacket, so I was fully prepared. It was my first time, so I was a little nervous, but with the guide's detailed explanation, I gradually got used to paddling and had time to enjoy the scenery of Lake Shikotsu. My husband, who reluctantly came along, also enjoyed himself! ️ Next time, I'd like to try SUP. I'll come again. (This review has been machine translated)
- Location
Lake Shikotsu, Chitose
- Available Period
July~ Mid-October
- Duration
~2 hours
- Fee
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4.7 (17)
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Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Experience
I applied for a kayaking experience on a trip to Hokkaido to celebrate my husband's 60th birthday. We were told that it would be windy on the day, so we would not go to Lake Shikotsu and would instead go to the Chitose River. However, as the experience began, the wind died down and the guide decided that we could go out to Lake Shikotsu, which I was thrilled about. On the river, we were given easy-to-understand explanations about Chitose water lilies, driftwood, and other sights, and we had a really fun time. We all had a great time together, and it was a good decision to apply! We were also able to take photos during the experience, which was the best memory of our Hokkaido trip. I recommend it! (This review has been machine translated) -
It was a mysterious space.
I participated with a friend. It rained the day before, which made it seem unlikely we would be able to participate, but the rain stopped on the day, the wind was calm, and it was neither hot nor cold, making it a comfortable day. I heard that Lake Shikotsu's water is very clear due to its spring water, and that sunken trees remain almost exactly as they were. When we participated, the waves were really calm and there was no wind, so the water looked beautiful. I was worried about paddling by myself, but my friend did his best, so I was able to concentrate on enjoying the scenery. My bottom got soaked, but that was fun too. We were given discount tickets on the way back, so we warmed up in the hot springs before heading home. Thank you for this rare experience. (This review has been machine translated) -
Lake Shikotsu clear kayaking is the best❗️
Unfortunately, it was a light rain. I was given a raincoat and put on a life jacket, so I was fully prepared. It was my first time, so I was a little nervous, but with the guide's detailed explanation, I gradually got used to paddling and had time to enjoy the scenery of Lake Shikotsu. My husband, who reluctantly came along, also enjoyed himself! ️ Next time, I'd like to try SUP. I'll come again. (This review has been machine translated) -
First clear kayak experience
After seeing the Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Experience on TV, I decided to go on a nice day, so I made a reservation at the last minute and it was sunny, but the lakeside we were aiming for had waves, so we were able to safely experience the riverside experience with a kind older brother guide. If I have the chance, I would like to try a clear kayak that can go out to the lakeside. (This review has been machine translated) -
Beautiful lake
I participated with my husband. The lake was very clear and beautiful, going from green to blue as we went along, which I was impressed by. Kayaking was also fun. I was scared at first, but the instructor made me feel at ease and it became fun. (This review has been machine translated) -
I was moved by my first kayaking experience
I participated alone. It was my first time, but I was kindly instructed, and I was able to move smoothly and happily (my own assessment) on the water without any fear, and I was able to enjoy the beautiful nature of Lake Shikotsu and Chitose River. It was really fun. I would like to go again in a different season! (This review has been machine translated) -
Lake Shikotsu Weather
I participated with my husband and a friend's couple. Despite our last-minute request to switch to a Hokkaido resident discount reservation, they were very accommodating and made the change smoothly. On the day itself, it was as if the rain from the previous day was a lie, and even our guide said that the weather couldn't have been better for Lake Shikotsu. It was the best canoeing experience! It's now a fond memory. Thank you very much. (This review has been machine translated) -
The best!!
This was my first time participating in 2019. The beautiful water and the spectacular scenery have always stayed in my mind. This time, I participated with my whole family. My 8-year-old and 4-year-old sons were very excited by the small fish swimming right next to us, and the guide's loving explanation of Lake Shikotsu helped us discover new charms. (This review has been machine translated) -
Beautiful water lake
We participated as a family of three. The beauty of the water of Lake Shikotsu and the underwater scenery visible from the transparent bottom of the boat were exceptional. The instructor's explanations were easy to understand, and the fun time ended in a flash. The soft serve ice cream after the kayak was also great. (This review has been machine translated) -
Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Tour
Participants: 5 people including family and friends Impressions: I went to the lake in early October. We were able to go out to the lake, but the weather was overcast and we couldn't see the amazing footage of the lake bottom. However, we were able to see the aquatic plants, stones, fallen trees, and small fish on the bottom of the Chitose River, and enjoy the silence above the water, which was out of the ordinary. (This review has been machine translated) -
satisfaction!
Participants Friends It would have been even better if the weather had been nice, but since it was raining, we decided to kayak on the river instead of the lake. The water was clear, and we had plenty of fun on the river. The guide also gave us a detailed explanation. Next time, I'd like to do it on a sunny day! (This review has been machine translated) -
It was good
I participated with a friend. The staff were very kind, and the water in the Chitose River was very clean, so we enjoyed it. However, one thing that bothered me was that even though it was an outdoor activity, none of the families who came from Osaka were wearing masks, which made me feel a little scared about COVID-19. At the time, there were a lot of infected people in Osaka... Of course, my friend and I wore masks when we participated. The staff were also wearing masks, so I wish they had asked all participants to wear masks if possible. (This review has been machine translated) -
First experience!
We participated as a family of five! It was my first time kayaking, but the guide was very kind and easy to understand, so I was able to enjoy it with peace of mind! The water quality was good where the Chitose River exited into Lake Shikotsu, and I could see fish swimming below me, except at my feet! It was a wonderful experience! (This review has been machine translated) -
Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Tour
My husband and I participated. Lake Shikotsu was not as blue as we expected, probably because it had rained the day before, but the Chitose River was extremely clear and we could see all the way to the bottom. The guide told us that it was also exceptional in winter, so we would like to give it a try. (This review has been machine translated) -
It was blue!
My two sisters and I took advantage of the Doumin Discount and participated. Our guide, Ms. Okada, was very friendly and a powerful mother, so we were able to participate with peace of mind. The waves at Lake Shikotsu were high, so this time we enjoyed the Chitose River at a leisurely pace. The waves were high, but we were allowed to go close to the lake, even if just a little! It was also great that we could see the fish, and my sister was happy. It's close to the city and very easy to get to, so we'd like to participate again without hesitation. (This review has been machine translated) -
Perfect activities for a summer family trip to Hokkaido
We went on a summer family trip. Hokkaido is rich in nature and there are many things to see, but I was looking for an experience and found this when I was googling. The weather was good that day, so we enjoyed the best kayaking. When you go out a little offshore from Lake Shikotsu, you can see Mt. Tarumae, and the view is amazing. The clarity of the slowly flowing river did not disappoint, and we could enjoy watching the Ezougui swimming and the flowers of the Baikamo seaweed from the clear bottom of the boat. My middle school son and elementary school daughter were satisfied with the moderate thrill and sense of freedom. One thing to note is that no matter how careful you are, a little water gets into the boat, and your bottom will get quite wet. It's a good idea to bring a change of underwear and pants. Although it depends on the weather to some extent, it was a Hokkaido-like experience that I would recommend. (This review has been machine translated) -
I was surprised at the transparency!
I participated with my son, who is in 6th grade. The guide explained things to us beginners (my son was a complete beginner, and I had only done it once on a tour a long time ago) in an easy-to-understand way. Unfortunately it was raining, but the river flow was weak, so we were told that the conditions were suitable for beginners. I thought that even though the water was highly transparent, we wouldn't be able to see much in this weather, but we were surprised in a good way and were able to see the aquatic plants and fish on the bottom of the river. It was fun to gradually get used to operating the kayak and go through the gaps between the trees. It was a good memory for my son and I before we start studying for the exams in earnest. I recommend it. (This review has been machine translated)
Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Experience