Things to Do in Chitose

Lake Shikotsu is a stunning caldera lake in Hokkaido, renowned for being Japan's second-deepest lake and one of the clearest bodies of water in the country. The pristine waters maintain a beautiful blue hue year-round and rarely freeze despite the cold Hokkaido winters, creating a mystical atmosphere. Surrounded by volcanic mountains and hot spring resorts, it offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and relaxing in natural onsen baths with spectacular lake views.

Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose is a unique rest stop that celebrates Hokkaido's salmon culture along the Chitose River. Visitors can observe salmon swimming upstream during spawning season at the adjacent aquarium and underwater observation window, making it a fascinating natural spectacle. The station features local Hokkaido products, fresh seafood restaurants, and serves as an ideal stopover between New Chitose Airport and popular destinations like Sapporo or Niseko.

Shikotsu-Tōya National Park showcases Hokkaido's dramatic volcanic landscape with active geysers, steaming valleys, and crystal-clear caldera lakes. The park's star attraction, Noboribetsu Hell Valley, offers otherworldly scenery where sulfurous steam rises from the earth, while the pristine waters of Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya provide serene contrast. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, natural hot spring foot baths, cable car rides, and rejuvenating onsen facilities set against stunning seasonal backdrops.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, Marukoma Onsen Ryokan offers a truly unique bathing experience with natural hot spring baths carved directly into the lakeside rocks. The outdoor rotenburo sits right at water's edge, allowing you to soak in mineral-rich waters while gazing out at the pristine caldera lake surrounded by volcanic mountains. This historic ryokan, accessible only by boat or a scenic hiking trail, provides an authentic escape into nature with its rustic charm and therapeutic waters fed by geothermal springs.

Kyukamura Shikotsuko is a peaceful lakeside resort hotel offering authentic hot spring experiences on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan's clearest caldera lakes. Guests can soak in natural onsen baths while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding volcanic mountains and pristine waters. The hotel provides traditional Japanese hospitality with comfortable accommodations, local Hokkaido cuisine, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and seasonal nature tours.

Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku is a tranquil onsen retreat that offers guests the perfect blend of natural hot spring bathing and scenic lakeside views. The facility features both indoor and outdoor baths where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying peaceful surroundings. It's an ideal spot for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese onsen experience away from crowded tourist areas.

Lake Shikotsu Hot Spring is a serene onsen resort area nestled on the shores of Japan's northernmost ice-free caldera lake, offering stunning natural scenery year-round. Visitors can soak in both indoor and outdoor baths with breathtaking lake views, stroll through peaceful nature trails, or take a unique glass-bottom boat cruise to observe fish beneath the crystal-clear waters. The area comes alive during winter with the annual Ice Festival, while the tranquil lakefront setting provides a perfect escape from urban life in any season.

Shikotsuko Onsen is a tranquil hot spring resort nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan's clearest caldera lakes in Hokkaido. The area features several traditional ryokan and day-use bathhouses where visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding volcanic mountains. This pristine natural setting offers a perfect escape for those seeking authentic onsen experiences away from crowded tourist spots, with opportunities for hiking, boating, and seasonal activities like ice festivals in winter.

Shikotsu Onsen is a serene hot spring resort nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, Japan's second deepest caldera lake in Hokkaido. The area offers crystal-clear waters, pristine natural surroundings, and rejuvenating volcanic hot springs that remain ice-free even in harsh winters. Visitors can enjoy scenic lakeside walks, water activities in summer, and soothing outdoor baths with mountain views year-round.

The Chitose Salmon Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to observe Japan's iconic salmon in their natural habitat through underground observation windows. Located along the Chitose River in Hokkaido, this facility showcases the fascinating life cycle of salmon, from eggs to adults returning upstream to spawn. Visitors can witness wild salmon swimming just inches away through the aquarium's innovative river viewing area, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.