Best trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park
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
- (171)•Easy•2.3 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail is a scenic walk through Jigokudani, featuring a network of wooden boardwalks that takes you right into the heart of an active volcanic crater. Along the way, you will be surrounded by a dramatic, barren landscape of red cliffs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming, hissing fumaroles. The loop often connects to other nearby sights, including the Oyunuma Pond and, a short walk away, the Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath.
- (77)•Easy•2.9 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail is a network of safe, well-maintained wooden boardwalks that take hikers into the heart of an active volcanic landscape. Along the way, hikers will be surrounded by a dramatic, barren valley of reddish-gray rock, with pits of mud and steaming, volcanic gas vents. This valley is the source of the mineral-rich hot spring water used by the many hot spring baths in the town below. Further up, visitors can see the Oyunuma Pond, a large, steaming, milky-blue sulfurous lake. From there,...
- (92)•Hard•8.7 mi•Est. 8–9 hrMount 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...
- (67)•Moderate•5.2 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis 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.
- (66)•Easy•1.9 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrLake 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...
- (59)•Hard•4.4 miThis 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...
- (37)•Moderate•6.1 mi•Est. 4–4.5 hrShikotsu 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.
- (19)•Hard•4.1 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrMount Eniwa (恵庭岳) Mt. Eniwa is called Mt. Shikotsu along with Mt. Tarumae and Mt. Fuppushi around Lake Shikotsu, and forms the outer ring of the Shikotsu caldera. It is located on the north shore of Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The distance itself is not long, but it is a mountain trail with many changes such as a cliff, a rope field, and a rapid climb. Since there is a lot of snow in winter, snowshoes and crampons are essential areas. From the top, you can see the clear...
- (12)•Easy•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrShikotsu 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.
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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 Noboribetsu Onsen Loop, which has a 4.5 star rating from 171 reviews. This trail is 2.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 416 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 22.3 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 rating from 695 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Shikotsu-Toya National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Shikotsu-Toya National Park has you covered. Sapporo - Lake Shikotsu - Lake Toya boasts the most elevation gain with 7,099 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Toyotaki - Mount Sapporo - Hiyamizu, which will get you 5,761 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 92 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 4.2 star rating from 9 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 4.2 star rating from 9 community reviews.
