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Best trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Best trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

4.4(727 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#13 of 29 national parks

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Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in southwest Hokkaido and was designated in 1949. As the name of the park suggests, it is characterized by two large caldera lakes, Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, formed by volcanic activity, and various volcanoes. In Jigokudani, active volcanic activity has produced numerous fumaroles, and the impressive scenery attracts visitors. Hot springs are also famous.

The rich natural environment offers a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping. In the Jozankei area, Mt. Yotei, and Hoheikyo, you can enjoy hiking while taking in the magnificent scenery. If you like camping, try the campsites (Makkari, Lake Toya, and Lake Shikotsu). Spend your time alone in the powerful scenery of the lake and volcanoes, quietly nestled in the rugged nature. And finally, the hot springs. Enjoy Noboribetsu Onsen, located in Jigokudani, Lake Toya Onsen, located around the lake, and Lake Shikotsu Onsen.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Mount Yotei (Yoteizan Nature Park)

    4.6(93)
    ·Hard
    ·9.1 mi
    ·Est. 8.5–9 hr
    Mount Yote features the iconic, perfectly cone-shaped volcano known as Ezo Fuji. The path, starting from the Kutchan (Hirafu) trailhead, is a rugged, earthen track that goes straight up the mountain. Hikers will be climbing through a beautiful forest, but the trail is often very muddy and slippery. There are very few flat sections to rest. Above the treeline, the path becomes an exposed scramble over loose volcanic rock. The reward is reaching the rim of the massive summit crater, which...

  2. #2 - Lake Hangetsu

    4.4(73)
    ·Easy
    ·1.9 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Lake Hangetsu（半月湖） It is said that taking a deep breath at the pure waterside surrounded by Niseko's virgin forest is healing. Lake Hangetsu is a crescent-shaped volcanic lake at the trailhead (Kutchan Course) of Mt. Yotei, also known as Ezo Fuji. The lake was created by water pooling in the crater of Mt. Yotei, and the lakeside scenery surrounded by virgin forest is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. It is very slippery after rain, so please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers...

  3. #3 - Nakajima Island Loop

    4.8(68)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.2 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This trail is a nature walk on Nakajima, which means Middle Island. The entire island is a volcanic lava dome that rose from the lake, and it is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The path is a forest bathing experience. You will be walking through a pristine old-growth forest of native Hokkaido spruce and beech trees, which are covered in moss. The main reward for this walk is the wildlife. The island is a protected habitat for a large population of Hokkaido sika deer.

  4. #4 - Mount Tarumae

    4.9(60)
    ·Hard
    ·4.6 mi
    This trail is a high-altitude climb up Mount Tarumae, a massive and powerful active volcano. The journey begins at the 7th Station trailhead. The path quickly climbs above the treeline onto a barren, lunar-like volcanic landscape of loose rock and gravel. You will be climbing over sharp, black lava rock and walking right next to steaming volcanic gas vents that constantly billow sulfurous steam. The main reward for the climb is the view from the outer crater rim. From here, you get a...

  5. #5 - Shikotsu Onsen - Mount Monbetsu

    4.4(37)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.2 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Shikotsu Onsen - Mount Monbetsu (支笏温泉 - 紋別岳) Mount Mombetsu takes only about two hours to climb and one and a half hours to descend and is a relatively short climb around Lake Shikotsu. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains around Lake Shikotsu, the city of Sapporo, and even the Sea of Japan.

  6. #6 - Mount Ichankoppe

    4.5(22)
    ·Hard
    ·4.7 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Mount Ichankoppe (イチャンコッペ山) From Poropinai parking Lot, this hike travels Mount Ichankoppe, known for the impressive views of Lake Shikotsu, Mount Eniwa, and Mount Tarumae. The trail is easy to follow and great for beginners.

  7. #7 - Shikotsu Onsen Loop

    3.9(12)
    ·Easy
    ·1.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Shikotsu Onsen Loop (支笏湖温泉) Located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the Shikotsu Onsen Hot Town is on the east shore of Lake Shikotsu, and Marukoma Hot Spring is on the northwest side. The hot springs at Lake Shikotsu were bored out in 1974, and visitors can enjoy the high-quality hot springs along with the magnificent views of Lake Shikotsu. On this walking route, you will visit several hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants in this town.

  8. #8 - Mount Eniwa

    4.5(19)
    ·Hard
    ·4.3 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This trail ascends through a dense, cool forest of Aomori fir and Japanese beech before transitioning into the exposed alpine zone. The path follows a rugged mountain track, winding up the high slopes. Hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking vista of the massive Shikotsu Caldera, the distant Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding peaks of the national park.

  9. #9 - Lake Toya Loop

    4.4(10)
    ·Moderate
    ·22.4 mi
    ·Est. 8–8.5 hr
    Lake Toya Loop (洞爺湖ループ) Formed by a massive eruption about 110,000 years ago, the beautiful Lake Toya is the center of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is the third-largest caldera lake in Japan after Lake Kussharo and Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. On the southwest shore of the lake, there is the Toyako Onsen Town. You can soak in hot springs that are effective for neuralgia, joint pain, and recovery from fatigue while enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Toya. This route circles Lake...

  10. #10 - Mount Fuppushi: Kitaone Route

    4.5(9)
    ·Hard
    ·3.8 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Mount Fuppushi: Kitaone Route (風不死岳: 北尾根ルート) Hike up Mount Fuppushi from the Kitaone Trailhead (the north ridge trailhead). From the top of Mount Fuppushi, you can see Lake Shikotsu below and the surrounding mountains.
Showing results 1–10 of 35
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Shikotsu-Toya National Park is Mount Yotei (Yoteizan Nature Park), which has a 4.6 star rating from 93 reviews. This trail is 9.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 5,095 ft.

What is the longest trail in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Shikotsu-Toya National Park is Lake Toya Loop. This trail is estimated to be 22.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

There are 35 trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 727 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

Sapporo - Lake Shikotsu - Lake Toya has the most elevation gain with 7,706 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Toyotaki - Mount Sapporo - Hiyamizu, which has 5,803 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 18 camping trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the most popular is Mount Yotei (Yoteizan Nature Park) with an average 4.6 star rating from 93 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the most popular is Lake Toya Loop with an average 4.4 star rating from 10 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the most popular is Lake Toya Loop with an average 4.4 star rating from 10 community reviews.