Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake that offers a relaxing ambiance and stunning natural views. It is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It’s tucked away in the southwest part of Hokkaido. The average depth is 869 feet with a maximum depth of 1,191 feet, which makes it the second deepest lake in all of Japan. It is also the northernmost ice-free lake in all of Japan. It was created about 50,000 years ago and its name comes from “shikot” meaning “hollow” or “big depression.” The Japanese tried to rename the lake “Engi” but that name didn’t catch on.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Canoeing
Paddle your way across this beautiful lake. Enjoy the fresh air, exercise and chance to relax in a splendid, peaceful environment.
Fishing
The fishing here is amazing for Remote Lands clients who find both joy and peace while angling. The river is full of salmon and other fish. Red salmon, known as “chippu,” is popular here. It was first introduced in 1895 from Lake Akan.
Hokkaido Barbecue College
Visit the college and try some of the very best beef around Japan, if not the world. The chefs here are outstanding, the students eager and the food is simply delicious. Highly recommended by Remote Lands staff.
Horse Riding
Saddle up for a great ride led by your guide and you meander through one of the most beautiful, scenic parts of Japan.
Mountain Biking
Peddled your way on a lovely, scenic ride which puts you right in the heart of nature and allows for group interaction along the way. Stop for photographs or even a picnic lunch.
Volcanoes
Lake Shikotsu is surrounded by three volcanoes: Mount Tarumae in the south, Mount Fuppushi and Mount Eniwa. Hike, walk, trek and photograph to your heart’s content.
Japan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Hokkaido
Kyushu
Honshu
Southern Islands
Shikoku
Tohoku
- Akita
- Aomori
- Fukuoka
- Fukushima
- Hakone
- Hiroshima
- Iwate
- Iya Valley
- Izu Peninsula
- Kagoshima
- Kamakura
- Kanazawa
- Karuizawa
- Kirishima
- Kobe
- Kotohira & Takamatsu
- Kumamoto
- Kyoto
- Lake Shikotsu
- Lake Toya
- Matsuyama & Imabari
- Mie
- Miyagi
- Muroto
- Nagasaki
- Naoshima & Seto Inland Sea Islands
- Nara
- Nikko
- Niseko
- Okinawa
- Osaka
- Sapporo
- Tokyo
- Yakushima Island
- Yamagata
- Yokohama
Multi-Country Specialists
Japan Goes Well With

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Hokkaido: Japan’s Natural Playground
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Remote Lands clients should consider Hokkaido, which is a lovely part of Japan. While Japan works to recover from its nuclear issues and the tsunami, showing the resilience of her people, Hokkaido looms as a northern respite.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.

A couple from Holland - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
People keep asking us which country we enjoyed the most, it's very hard to say, there were special experiences everywhere.