SHIKOTSUKO ONSEN
Lake Shikotsu Onsen Hotels
5 Lakeside Ryokan & Hotels We Recommend
Less than an hour by car from New Chitose Airport, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake known as one of the clearest in Japan. Along its shore you'll find hot spring inns where you can gaze out over the water from an open-air bath. Here's what makes each one special, and how to get there.
Lake Shikotsu at a Glance
- About 40–50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, and about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from central Sapporo
- Most inns are in Shikotsuko Onsen, the small hot spring village on the lake's east side
- Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is the exception — it sits on the northwest shore, across the lake from the village
Marukoma Onsen Ryokan
Hidden OnsenOne of the oldest hot spring inns on Lake Shikotsu, welcoming guests for more than a century. Its signature is a natural open-air bath that sits at the same level as the lake, so the depth of the water rises and falls with the lake itself — a rare experience, with the lake spread out right in front of you.
Best for: travelers who want a quiet lakeside stay with a classic hidden-onsen feel
📍 Northwest shore of the lake (a quiet spot away from the hot spring village)
Check Rates & Availability on Rakuten Travel →Shikotsuko Dai-ichi Hotel Suizantei
Luxury ResortAn upscale onsen ryokan known for its open-air baths overlooking Lake Shikotsu. The modern Japanese interior, full of the warmth of natural wood, makes it easy to slow down. Some rooms come with a private open-air bath, making it a lovely choice for anniversaries and special occasions.
Best for: travelers who want a calm, modern Japanese inn with a private open-air bath
📍 Shikotsuko Onsen village (east side of the lake) / Free shuttle from JR Chitose Station (reservation required)
Check Rates & Availability on Rakuten Travel →Kyukamura Shikotsu
Day Visits OKA public hot spring inn on the shore of Lake Shikotsu, offering genuine onsen baths and the calm of the surrounding forest at a reasonable price. It also welcomes day-trip bathers, so it's a great place to stop after canoeing or SUP on the lake. A refreshing spot to feel the seasons change.
Best for: families and travelers looking for an affordable onsen stay
📍 Shikotsuko Onsen area (lakeside, surrounded by forest) / Local bus from JR Chitose Station
Check Rates & Availability on Rakuten Travel →Shikotsuko Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta
Spa & TreatmentsA resort spa themed around the nature of Lake Shikotsu, offering not only hot springs but also spa treatments and relaxation facilities. The spacious baths include both indoor and open-air pools in a clean, modern design — a place to unwind body and mind with the lake in view.
Best for: travelers who want onsen and spa treatments together, and fans of modern resort hotels
📍 Shikotsuko Onsen village (east side of the lake)
Check Rates & Availability on Rakuten Travel →Shikotsuko Tsuruga Bessou Ao no Za
Private Bath in Every RoomOpened in 2019, this adults-oriented retreat offers only suites, each with its own open-air onsen bath with a view. The in-room baths are large enough for three or four people, so you can enjoy Shikotsuko Onsen's silky water whenever you like, in complete privacy. There is no shared public bath — every bath here is in your room.
Best for: anniversaries and special trips where privacy matters most
📍 Shikotsuko Onsen village (east side of the lake) / Free shuttle bus from the Chitose area (reservation required)
Check Rates & Availability on Rakuten Travel →Getting to Lake Shikotsu
By car or taxi
About 40–50 minutes from New Chitose Airport, and about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from central Sapporo. The route from Sapporo runs through the mountains, so the drive itself is part of the scenery.
By bus
Local buses run from JR Chitose Station to Lake Shikotsu, but they are infrequent. Check the timetable in advance, including your return trip.
Hotel shuttle buses
Some inns run free shuttle buses (reservation required) from JR Chitose Station and nearby areas. Please check each inn's official website for times and how to book.
Visiting in winter
In winter, roads around Lake Shikotsu are snowy and icy, and the road from Sapporo crosses a mountain pass. If you're not used to driving on snow, a transfer or bus is safer than a rental car. From late January into February, the lake also hosts the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival (Hyoto Matsuri), with sculptures made of ice.
Check availability for hotels and ryokan around Lake Shikotsu, including the ones introduced above.
Find & Book Lake Shikotsu HotelsThis page contains affiliate links (Rakuten Travel). Rakuten Travel pages are mostly in Japanese — your browser's translate feature works well. Rates and availability may change, so please check the booking page for the latest information.
A private taxi makes Lake Shikotsu easy
Buses to Lake Shikotsu are infrequent, but MUTOTAXI takes you from Sapporo straight to the door of your inn — no transfers needed. We also offer a sightseeing course of about 4 hours in total, including travel, that explores Lake Shikotsu on the way between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport — ideal for the first or last day of your trip. Our Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge has plenty of room for large luggage.
Sapporo → Lake Shikotsu (transfer to your inn)
Regular season ¥17,000 / Winter ¥20,000
Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Course (4 hours total, including travel)
Sapporo → Lake Shikotsu → New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport → Lake Shikotsu → Sapporo
Regular season ¥27,200 / Winter ¥37,000
New Chitose Airport ⇔ Lake Shikotsu (one way)
Please contact us for a quote
Fares are a guide and may vary depending on the location of your accommodation.