The easiest way to get around Lake Shikotsu and Chitose is by car, but most major sights and attractions are accessible by a combination of trains and busses. 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:

Travelers who come by train will have to transfer at Chitose station. From there, it is around 45 minutes by bus to most sights around Lake Shikotsu. Be advised that buses run infrequent in this area. For up-to-date bus schedules, we recommend syncing Google Maps with our customized map above (to do this: click the top right icon on the map to expand to full screen, and select a route between your destination and your current destination). 

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is New Chitose Airport. 

• by car: approximately 40 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour

Car rentals:

We recommend staying here for about two days.
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is New Chitose Airport. 

• by car: approximately 40 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 1 hour

Scenic rides:

• Shikotsu Lake Glass Sightseeing Boat: click here to go to the official website

Hiking:

The hiking season in this area typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

There are two well-known festival 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 Shikoku Ice Festival

  • Date: January 24th until February 16th

  • Time: 09:00 - 22:00

• Lake Shikotsu Water Festival

  • Date: June 29th

  • Fireworks: 19:45 - 20:30

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