Shikaoi Homepage
Nature, culture, and discovery
Discover Shikaoi’s diverse attractions, from lakes and scenic walking trails to mineral-rich hot springs and art museums. Located on the vast Tokachi Plain in eastern Hokkaido, the town is part of Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark and Daisetsuzan National Park.
Lake Shikaribetsu
Lake in the sky
Hokkaido’s highest lake (approximately 810 m) is surrounded by volcanoes and calderas. The lake’s unique ecosystem supports rare animals such as the rabbit-like Ezo pika and Miyabe char—a species of trout. Seasonal activities include canoeing and hiking, while each winter, the Shikaribetsuko Kotan event transforms the frozen lake into a village of igloos and other ice structures.
Read more
Scenic Spots
Scenes of Shikaoi’s natural beauty
Shikaoi offers a variety of sites where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature. The clear waters of Lake Shikaribetsu reflect the surrounding mountains and shoreline forests, while roadside observatories afford panoramic views of the Tokachi Plain. In spring, cherry blossoms add splashes of pink to the banks of the Shikaribetsu River, and autumn brings warm hues of yellow and red to the forests and fields.
Read more
Hot-spring Baths
Soak in hot springs around Shikaoi
Volcanic activity has shaped the landscape and led to an abundance of hot springs, many of which are said to have therapeutic properties. Onsen (hot springs) in Shikaoi offer a host of bathing opportunities, including baths with scenic lake views and open-air, riverside bathing pools.
Read more
Art Museums
Delve into the region’s artistic heritage
Two museums offer distinct perspectives on art in the region. The Fukuhara Memorial Museum houses a diverse collection of works by Japanese artists, with a focus on artists from the Tokachi region. The Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art highlights the work of the local farmer and self-taught artist Kanda Nissho (1937–1970), known for his distinctive oil paintings of rural life.
Read more
Camping
Unplug and unwind in nature
Enjoy an immersive wilderness experience at Shikaoi’s campgrounds. Campers must bring their own gear and supplies, as on-site facilities are limited to toilets and a simple field kitchen. There are two campsites, open from July 1 to September 30.
Read more
Michi no Eki Roadside Stations
Catch a glimpse of local offerings
Michi no Eki are rest areas on roads and highways across the country. They often feature shops or markets that sell goods and souvenirs from the local area, such as seasonal vegetables, regional foods, and original crafts. Shikaoi has two roadside stations, each with a shop and distinct attractions, such as an adjacent horse-riding park.
Read more
