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Lake Shikotsu is about one and a half hours drive from Sapporo. The entrance to the Ice festival illumination was through an ice tunnel. The sculptures were beautifully and colorfully illuminated. It was very cold at -8C, so come prepared with warm clothing and snow boots. My iPhone hung due to the extreme coldness. The lake doesn't freeze even though it's sub zero in temperature. Weekends can be crowded as there is about an 8 minutes display of fireworks during the festival. Bring a good camera if you like to take photographs as the lighting is dimmed when the night sets in.

There is nothing much to do in winter but nice view. Small shops around and once again nothing special.That said come around this little town for hot springs / onsen in winter.

Relaxing to soak in the hot springs while watching the snow cap lake views... Stroll along the lake was also magical, and we took so many great pictures.

This resort is like heaven, good food, room, amenities. Beautiful lake and forest, flowers, birdsongs.

The lake is a caldera lake, which was formed from collapses in the earth after volcanic activity.Visitors can rent boats, bicycles or scuba gear to enjoy the natural surroundings. Sightseeing cruises of the lake are offered in glass bottomed boats and in speed boats from mid April to early November.Lake Shikotsuko is encircled by mountains, one of which is Mount Tarumae. Tarumae ranks among Japan's most active volcanoes and most recently erupted in 1981. The mountain can be climbed in a steep but short ascent in less than an hour and offers impressive views of the deserted crater landscape and over Lake Shikotsuko. It is also possible to circle the crater in about two hours, but due to poisonous gases it is not allowed to enter the crater. The trailhead is difficult to access without a rental car.

Beautiful,peaceful and charming lake.not far from Chitose airport and outlet.We drove from Chitose to this lake after visit Chitose salmon aquarium.the road from Chitose to Shikotsu lake is beautiful especilly in fall.we spent one night at lakeside villa.everything there was perfect.love this place.

Lake Shikotsu has a lovely setting about an hour's drive from Chitose airport. The placid lake sits in the middle of volcanic scenery. Public transport is not frequent, so this is mostly for people who have their own transportation. Near the lake, one can hike up Mount Tarumae (an active volcano), see the countryside from several thousand feed up, and also look at the steaming lava dome in the center of the crater.

If you don't have much time, 2 hours of stop over will do. You can visit the visitor centre to view the background of the surroundings, take glass bottom cruise(which is also nothing much to see).

We visited the visitor center, saw a video before walking around the nice, tranquil, lake shore. Visited the nearby shops for snacks and souvenirs. Good place for a quiet rest stop in your drive around the lake area.

The lake is huge and serene. However it was bare and don't see many activities going on, so we did not stop but just drove around.

early July-2014We went there after a golf trip in Chitose area. We rented a car and headed back to Chitose Airport, took about an hour. After picking up rented car from Chitose Airport, we took the chance to pass by Mt Tarumae on our way to the lake. Took about 40 minutes. The lake has 2 stop areas - one which you'll arrive first, that has fun activites - boat rowing, glass-bottom boat ride..... but parking per entry charge of Yen400- is required. The one area is about another 15+ minutes' drive further. It has picnic area, toilet facility, fishing trips, shops n stalls selling potato on stick, fish on stick, ramen and other light snacks. Parking is free here. Great if you can't spare too much time by the lake.

We took the underwater boat trip which allowed us to see the fishes and volcano at the bottom of the sea. The view there was really breathtaking and the air was really fresh too!

The place was located in Hokkaido, and the lake itself is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The view surrounding the lake was amazing during sakura blossom time. The place was crowded by visitors, however, no matter how many people surround it, the blue and calm water surface which is almost flawless with very little wave, and the background scenes of the mountains with the snowy peaks, dominates the whole place. Visitors can paddle across the lake with the 'duck' boat, or just hang around the lake. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby as well. One thing that amazes me , is that no matter how crowded one place can be, it seems to be always clean in Japan.

Went here as part of a larger coach trip journey of the area and this was our first stop. Magnificent scenery - fantastic panoramic view. You can take a glass bottomed boat trip, swan pedalo, stroll along the waters edge including the bridge or just enjoy that magnificent fresh air. The visitors centre does house a somewhat bizarre exhibition. There are a few restaurants and ice cream bars

Really nothing much in winter when it's all snow covered and bleak. Drive slowly, safely, and carefully, and enjoy the onsen.