
Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour worth booking?
Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour is a 5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $196 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $196 per person
Visit the Shikotsu Nature Information Center Start with an immersive introduction to the lake’s geology, wildlife, and seasons through interactive exhibits and large-scale caldera models. Explore one of Japan’s clearest, deepest lakes Lake Shikotsu is famous for its crystal‑clear, never‑freezing water — a rare phenomenon even in Hokkaido’s harsh winters. Wander quiet trails lined with fir, spruce, birch, and bamboo, learning how the ecosystem shifts through each season. Understand how the Shikotsu‑Toya caldera formed and how ongoing geothermal activity shapes the surrounding environment. Ezo deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and water birds are commonly seen along the shoreline and forest edges. A gentle, slow‑paced outing suitable for all ages — perfect for travelers who want nature immersion without strenuous hiking. Expert interpretation from a local guide Gain insights into ecology, geology, and seasonal changes that you won’t find on self-guided visits.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the Shikotsu Nature Information Center Start with an immersive introduction to the lake’s geology, wildlife, and seasons through interactive exhibits and large-scale caldera models. Explore one of Japan’s clearest, deepest lakes Lake Shikotsu is famous for its crystal‑clear, never‑freezing water — a rare phenomenon even in Hokkaido’s harsh winters. Wander quiet trails lined with fir, spruce, birch, and bamboo, learning how the ecosystem shifts through each season. Understand how the Shikotsu‑Toya caldera formed and how ongoing geothermal activity shapes the surrounding environment. Ezo deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and water birds are commonly seen along the shoreline and forest edges. A gentle, slow‑paced outing suitable for all ages — perfect for travelers who want nature immersion without strenuous hiking. Expert interpretation from a local guide Gain insights into ecology, geology, and seasonal changes that you won’t find on self-guided visits.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
The meeting point is under the clock tower across from the station entrance. Exact details will be provided once booking is finalized.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The meeting point is under the clock tower across from the station entrance. Exact details will be provided once booking is finalized.
Options you can book
Private Group Option
Duration: 5 hours Shikotsuko Nature Walk Private Group
Non Private Group Booking
Duration: 5 hours Shikotsuko Nature walk Van Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Trekmate Hokkaido
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
walking and geology
We had just arrived in Japan so wanted a gentle start to our holiday and this was just perfect. Communication from Chris was great and he was so knowledgable about everything on the tour but so helpful on a wider range of all things Japan. Definitely recommend Chris.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the positive feedback and support. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you all and I hope you have a wonderful time here. If you come back to Hokkaido I would love to show you more of the wilderness here. All the best!
via Tripadvisor
Lake Shikotsu tour with Trekmate Hokkaido
Chris kindly accommodated us with very short notice on this tour, and then led us on a great experience around Lake Shikotsu. He is a great guide that along with the tour shared about Japanese life and culture. We would definitely do a longer hike with Chris if back in Hokkaido.
Response from the operator: Thank you so very much for your support and feedback. Hope to see you here again sometime soon I can share some better views with you all. Have a wonderful time on the rest of your journey. All the best!
via Viator
Highly recommended fabulous tour
We had a fabulous day. Lake Shikotsu is beautiful and Chris is a brilliant guide. He was informative, responsive and very passionate and professional about his work. The tour suited us perfectly with an intro at the Visitor Centre and detailed descriptions about geology, plant and animal life on our walks. We’re looking forward to our next trip with Chris and highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It was a pleasure meeting you and getting out to Lake Shikotsu for the day. Hope to see you again on your next Hokkaido adventure. We can explore those places I mentioned next time and show you the amazing coastal locations. Take care and all the best.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $196 to $32,000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Trekmate Hokkaido, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.5.
See everything Trekmate Hokkaido runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour cost?
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Prices start at $196 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapporo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapporo is not rushed.
Is Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapporo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapporo and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapporo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
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On Outty we rank every Sapporo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class, Mondo's most popular No.1!Private experienceThe king of buckwheat noodles making and Japanese food in Sapporo!A plan to enjoy tempura!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapporo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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Included: Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 59 listed pickup locations in and around Sapporo. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sapporo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Lake Shikotsu Nature Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Group Option, Non Private Group Booking. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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