The easiest way to get around Lake Shikaribetsu is either by car or public transportation, since the major sights and attractions are easily accessible. Though, travelers will have to rely on single tickets or a prepaid card, since no special train or bus passes are provided within this area. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Public transportation:

To get from Sapporo to Lake Shikaribetsu by public transportation, travelers need to:

1. First, take the JR Limited Express Super Tokachi from Sapporo Station to Obihiro Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

2. Transfer to the Takushoku Bus at Obihiro Station and get off at the Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Bus Stop. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
   (The total travel time is approximately 4 hours.)

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Tokachi-Obihiro Airport.

• by car: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes

Car rentals:

We recommend staying here for about half a day.
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Tokachi-Obihiro Airport.

• by car: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes

There are two well-known festivals in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festivals, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Ice Festival

  • Date: January 25th until March 22nd

• Hakuja Hime Festival

  • Date: July 6th

  • Time: 18:30 - 21:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi