🗺️ Shikotsu-Toya National Park支笏洞爺国立公園

Shikotsu-Toya National Park is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, covering a total area of 993 square kilometers. In addition to the two major volcanic lakes, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, the park features various types of volcanoes and volcanic landforms, including Mount Yotei, Mount Usu, and Mount Tarumae. It is particularly famous for its volcanic activity, which includes various hot springs and sulfur gas phenomena, earning it the nickname "Museum of Active Volcanoes." In 2009, the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Geopark was recognized as Japan's first "Global Geopark" due to its globally significant geological heritage. Additionally, Lake Shikotsu is known for its ice-free northern end, and its unique deep blue surface captivates many visitors. The park is easily accessible from Sapporo city or New Chitose Airport, attracting many travelers for mountain climbing or to view alpine plants. Besides Noboribetsu Onsen, Toya Onsen, and Shikotsu Onsen, there are various other hot springs, making the diversity of mineral waters another one of its distinctive features.

Divided into the Shikotsu Lake area, Jozankei area, Toya Lake area, Yotei Mountain area, and Noboribetsu area. Shikotsu Lake boasts the highest transparency in the country. The Jozankei area is popular for its day hiking routes that are easily accessible from Sapporo city. Yotei Mountain has various alpine plants at different elevations, and many types of alpine flora can be seen around the summit. There are trails near the Kamigoryo Crater and the western foot of the mountain, where you can observe the craters and the actual damage caused by volcanic eruptions along the way.