The Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwest of Hokkaido and the scale of the ground reaches 993km.
Various types of volcanoes and volcanic landforms can be observed here, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu are called the two major crater lakes (The water was accumulated inside of the crater, which became a lake), and the other volcanoes and volcanic terrains such as Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, and Mt. Tarumae. The places are popular to observe the frequently-occurred volcanic activities and geothermal phenomenons sprucing surfers, that’s a reason to be called “a Museum of Volcanic Activity”.
In 2009, Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark was designated as a UNESCO Global Geoparks for the first time in Japan by selecting their globally-important geopark. Lake Shikotsu is well known as an ice-free lake located in the most northern part of Japan and the special dark green color of the surface of the lake fascinates the visitors.
The directions from the center of Sapporo city and the new Chitose airport are easily accessible and many people visit for a nature trip, hiking, and learning about alpine plants. If you want to enjoy hot springs, go to various popular hot springs in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya Onsen, Shikotsu, and more, each with their different quality of the water.
Highlights
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There are five areas: Lake Shikotsu, Jozankei, Toya, Mt. Yotei, and Noboribetsu.
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Lake Shikotsu has one of the most excellent shear lake waters in Japan.
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The Jozankei area is located easily-accessible and popular to go for a day-trip hiking from Sapporo area.
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At different altitudes, various group plants growing in colonies and alpine plants near the summit can be seen.
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A walking route is around the crater of Konpira and Nishiyama-sanroku on which the volcanic crater and the realistic damages by disaster can be observed.