Hokkaido Canoeing Guide
Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, the Kushiro Wetlands and Lake Shikaribetsu by area — plus prices, season, age limits for kids, and how to get there
Hokkaido offers an abundance of great canoeing spots, from exceptionally clear lakes to wetland rivers where you might spot wildlife along the way. This guide covers what makes areas like Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, the Kushiro Wetlands, and Lake Shikaribetsu unique, typical pricing, the best season, and how to get there.
- Season
- Late April to late October (July–September is best). Winter canoeing at Lake Shikotsu and a few other spots
- Typical price
- About ¥7,900–10,500 per adult (Lake Shikotsu)
- Kids
- Tours from around age 4 at Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya (some Lake Toya tours from around age 3)
- Main areas
- Lake Shikotsu · Lake Toya · Kushiro Wetlands · Lake Shikaribetsu
* This page contains affiliate links.
Why Canoe in Hokkaido
Canoeing lets you move across the water at your own pace, making it an easy activity for anyone who isn't particularly athletic, or families with young children. Hokkaido offers a completely different landscape in each region — from Lake Shikotsu, often called one of Japan's clearest lakes, to Lake Toya with its views of Mt. Yotei, to the Kushiro Wetlands, where you might spot a red-crowned crane.
It doesn't have the rapids-running thrill of rafting, but that's exactly what makes canoeing special — the chance to take in the view across the water and watch for birds and fish along the way.
Recommended Areas for Canoeing in Hokkaido
Lake Shikotsu (Chitose)
Known for its clear water, Lake Shikotsu is only about 45 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, making it Hokkaido's most convenient area for canoeing. Many tours accept children from around age 4, and some operators run winter canoeing tours with proper cold-weather gear, in addition to the summer season.
Staying at the lake? Lake Shikotsu hotels
Lake Toya
Tours here let you paddle across the lake with views of Mt. Yotei and Mt. Usu — a popular choice thanks to the scenery. Options include a morning canoe tour that takes advantage of the calm, quiet early hours, and some tours accept children from around age 3.
Staying at Lake Toya? Lake Toya hotels
Kushiro Wetlands (Kushiro River)
Paddle down the Kushiro River, which winds through Japan's largest wetland. You may encounter rare wildlife such as the red-crowned crane, making this popular with travelers focused on nature observation. The season here runs relatively long, roughly April through December. It's a long way from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, so plan for an overnight stay.
Plan your visit: Kushiro area guide
Lake Shikaribetsu (Tokachi)
Located within Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Shikaribetsu is prized for its quiet, untouched natural setting. It's a great fit if you'd like to canoe somewhere calm and away from the crowds.
Book Hokkaido Canoeing on Rakuten Travel Experiences
For live availability and current prices, a booking site is the most reliable place to check. On Rakuten Travel Experiences you can book tours by date and group size, and switch the site's display language (including English) from the menu.
View Canoe Tours on Rakuten Travel* Area, meeting point, age requirements and price differ by plan. Please check each plan's details before booking.
Once you've chosen a tour, it's worth arranging transport to the meeting point early. See access options and transfer fares.
Best Time for Canoeing in Hokkaido
Most areas run their main season from late April to late October. Some operators, particularly at Lake Shikotsu, run winter-only canoeing tours with proper cold-weather gear.
| Time of Year | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Late April–June | Fresh greenery, as the weather begins to stabilize |
| July–September | The most comfortable season, and a good fit for families |
| October | Autumn foliage season. Mornings and evenings turn cold, so dress warmly |
| December–February (select areas) | Winter canoeing amid snowy scenery. Cold-weather gear essential |
Typical Canoeing Prices in Hokkaido
A standard tour at Lake Shikotsu runs roughly ¥7,900–10,500 per adult. Prices vary depending on the area, the length of the tour, and whether you book a small private group. Pricing at Lake Toya, the Kushiro Wetlands, and Lake Shikaribetsu varies considerably by operator, so it's worth checking each official website in advance.
* Prices change, so please check each operator's official website or the booking site for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Canoeing is simpler to handle than rafting, and with a guided tour, beginners can join with no trouble at all. You'll get a lesson on paddling and balance before you start, so it's a reassuring first experience.
Is Canoeing Family-Friendly?
Some tours at Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya accept children from around age 4, and since you move slowly across the water, canoeing suits families with young children even better than rafting. Age requirements vary by tour, so check before booking.
What to Wear & Bring
- Clothes you don't mind getting wet, and a change of clothes
- A towel
- Shoes you don't mind getting wet (something with a secured heel is better than sandals)
- Sunscreen and a hat (summer), warm layers (winter, mornings and evenings)
- Life jackets and paddles are generally included in the rental
Getting to Canoeing Areas in Hokkaido
From Sapporo
By car: About 1 hour to Lake Shikotsu, and 2 hours to Lake Toya.
By public transport: Both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya have bus service, though schedules can be limited and connections may take time.
By taxi: If you're carrying a lot of luggage or want to go straight to the meeting point with no transfers, a MUTOTAXI private charter taxi is a convenient option.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 45 minutes to Lake Shikotsu — one of the closest areas to the airport — and about 1.5 hours to Lake Toya.
By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight to the meeting point after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
MUTOTAXI Transfer Fares (One Way, Approx.)
| Route | Approx. fare (summer) |
|---|---|
| New Chitose Airport → Lake Shikotsu | ¥15,000 |
| Sapporo → Lake Shikotsu | ¥18,000 |
| New Chitose Airport → Toya | ¥43,000–51,000 |
| Sapporo → Toya | ¥40,000–48,000 |
* Per vehicle, expressway tolls included (Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge, up to 6 passengers). Winter fares differ. For the Kushiro Wetlands or Lake Shikaribetsu, round trips or waiting time, we'll give you an individual quote — please contact us.
More Water Activities in Hokkaido
- Hokkaido Kayaking Guide
- Hokkaido SUP Guide
- The Complete Hokkaido Rafting Guide
- All Hokkaido Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time for canoeing in Hokkaido?
A. July through September, when the weather is most stable, is easiest for most visitors. Some areas, including Lake Shikotsu, also offer winter-only canoeing.
Q. Can beginners join?
A. Yes — a guide accompanies you and gives careful instruction, so no experience is needed.
Q. Can children join?
A. Some tours at Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya accept children from around age 4. Age requirements vary by tour, so it's worth checking in advance.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from Sapporo?
A. Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya both work as day trips. The Kushiro Wetlands and Lake Shikaribetsu involve more travel time, so pairing with an overnight stay is recommended.
Q. Can I go straight from New Chitose Airport?
A. Lake Shikotsu is only about a 45-minute drive from the airport, making it an easy area to reach directly. By car or taxi you can head straight to the meeting point with no transfers.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Most operators require advance booking, and spots can fill up quickly during the summer holidays and popular time slots — we recommend booking early, for example on a booking site.
Q. Can a taxi take me to the meeting point?
A. Yes. MUTOTAXI offers private charter transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to tour meeting points across Hokkaido. When booking, just let us know the meeting point and meeting time.