Lake Shikotsu Crystal Caldera & Mount Tarumae Lava Dome

Category: Volcanic Lake & Nature Adventure | Location: Hokkaido

Situated just 40 minutes west of New Chitose Airport, Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsu-ko) is a colossal volcanic caldera lake plunging to an immense depth of 363 meters, formed by cataclysmic eruptions roughly 40,000 years ago. It proudly holds the title of Japan's northernmost ice-free lake (Nihon Saihoku no Futoko), as thermal currents circulating through its colossal water volume prevent the surface from freezing even during harsh subarctic winters. Cradled by three dramatic volcanic peaks—Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushi, and Mount Tarumae—the lake offers visitors an awe-inspiring primeval panorama. The defining hallmark of Lake Shikotsu is its peerless water clarity, repeatedly certified by Japan's Ministry of the Environment as having the highest water purity in the country. With virtually no plankton present to scatter light, sunlight penetrates downwards of 25 meters, producing an ethereal, glowing sapphire tint universally celebrated as 'Shikotsuko Blue'. Adventurers can glide atop these pristine waters aboard clear-bottomed glass kayaks or glass-bottom cruising vessels, gazing directly at underwater lava cliffs and schools of darting fish. Guarding the lake's southern flank rises Mount Tarumae (1,041 meters), an active stratovolcano crowned with an exceedingly rare flat-topped lava dome that pushed upwards during the 1909 eruption and is designated a National Natural Monument. A moderately challenging hike to the crater rim rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of billowing steam vents juxtaposed against the vast sapphire expanse of the lake below. Visitors can round off their journey by savoring fresh native Kokanee salmon (Himemasu/Chippu) and soaking in centuries-old geothermal onsen springs perched right on the lakeshore.