Top 10 Recommended Lakes and Ponds in Hokkaido! Introducing Popular Scenic Spots with a List, Pronunciation Guide, and Ranking by Size
In Hokkaido, where majestic nature stretches as far as the eye can see,
What Are the Stunning Waterside Views I Want to See?
Hokkaido is home to many unique lakes and ponds, such as Lake Saroma, Lake Toya, and the Blue Pond!
In this article, we'll cover how to read the names, a ranking by area from largest to smallest,Top 10 Picks...and we'll provide a comprehensive guide to all the fun activities.
If you're wondering, "Which lake should I start from?" please use this as a reference when planning your trip.
◆For those interested in learning about activities you can enjoy on the lake, such as SUP and canoeing
◆For those who want to see a list or ranking of lakes and ponds in Hokkaido
◆For those who want to visit popular scenic spots such as Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, and the Blue Pond
Click here for the rankings of popular tours in Hokkaido
Basics of Lakes and Ponds in Hokkaido
Before you enjoy Hokkaido’s lakes and ponds, first...BasicsLet's make sure to keep that in mind.
I'll go over how to read the list, the difficult-to-pronounce names, and the ranking by area in that order.
If you know this, choosing a tourist destination will beMuch smootherIt will happen!
If you're not sure, go with this!
▼Click here for popular tours in Hokkaido▼
How many lakes and ponds are there in Hokkaido?
List of Notable Lakes and Ponds
It can be difficult to draw a clear line between lakes and ponds, andDepending on how you count themThe number may vary.
However, in Hokkaido,Lakes and ponds of various sizes...are scattered throughout various parts of the prefecture.
・Lake Shikotsu
・Lake Toya
◆Southern Hokkaido
・Onuma
◆Eastern Hokkaido
・Lake Kussharo
・Lake Mashū
・Lake Akan
MapChecking your location makes it easier to plan your itinerary!
Enjoy the lakes of Hokkaido to the fullest
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Lakes and Ponds with Uncommon Names: Pay Attention to Their Pronunciations
Many of Hokkaido’s lake names are derived from the Ainu language, and they can be quite difficult to read at first glance.
◆Lake Kussharo: “Kussharo-ko”
◆Lake Shikaribetsu: “Shikaribetsu-ko”
◆Lake Mashū: “Mashūko”
◆Kaminoko Pond: “Kaminoko-ike”
Just keep that in mindMap searches are also smoothSo, be sure to keep this in mind!
Hokkaido's Lakes and Ponds by Area
Ranked by Size (Largest First)
Approximately 152 square kilometers,Ranked third nationwide
◆2nd Place: Lake Kussharo
Approximately 79 square kilometers
◆3rd Place: Lake Shikotsu
Approximately 78 square kilometers
◆No. 4: Lake Toya
Approximately 71 square kilometers
◆No. 5: Lake Notori
Approximately 58 square kilometers
At the top of the list areEastern Hokkaido and Central HokkaidoWith lakes stretching out one after another, you can really get a sense of the vast scale!
No. 3: Enjoy Lake Shikotsu to the Fullest☆
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10 Recommended Lakes and Ponds in Hokkaido
Here, we’ll introduce 10 recommended lakes and ponds to visit in Hokkaido.
From vast lakes to ponds bathed in a mysterious blue,Each has its own unique appeal.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Check out the places that catch your eye and add them to your travel wish list!
If you're not sure, go with this!
▼Click here for popular tours in Hokkaido▼
Lake Saroma
Lake Saroma isThe Largest in HokkaidoIt is a brackish lake separated from the Sea of Okhotsk by a sandbar.
Scallop and Oyster Farming...is thriving, and you can enjoy fresh seafood right on the lakeshore.
In early summer, at the Wakka Wilderness Garden, which stretches across the sandbar,Colorful FlowersThe flowers are in bloom, and it's a great time for a stroll!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 5 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: Restrooms are available at roadside stations and other locations
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largestCaldera LakeIt is a magnificent lake with a circumference of about 57 km.
At the lakeside sand bath, if you dig in the sand,Warm waterHot water flows out, letting you enjoy the feeling of a foot bath.
View from the Bihoro PassGrand PanoramaIt’s definitely a scenic spot you’ll want to visit!
◆Directions: About 1 hour by car from Memanbetsu Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: There are restrooms at Sunayu and the Wakoto Peninsula
Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu isJapan's northernmost ice-free lakeIt is known for having a maximum depth of approximately 360 meters, making it the second deepest in the country.
TransparencyThe sky is very high, and the blue of the lake is striking.
In winter, the “Lake Shikotsu Ice Sculpture Festival” is held, featuring ice sculptures thatIn a dreamlike wayIt's going to shine!
◆Access: Approx. 50 min. by car from New Chitose Airport
◆Parking: Paid parking available (500 yen per day)
◆Facilities: Restrooms are available at the visitor center and other locations
Enjoy Lake Shikotsu to the Fullest☆
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Lake Toya
Lake Toya is renowned for its scenic beauty, created by the interplay of Nakajima Island, which floats in the center of the lake, and the towering Mount Usu.
On the lakeshore,Lake Toya Onsen...and from spring through fall,Fireworks at NightIt will also be launched.
Walk around the lakeCycling and sightseeing cruisesIt's also popular and has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark!
◆Access: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: Restrooms are available in parks and plazas
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including Lake Toya
Click here for day-trip bus tours
Enjoy Lake Toya to the Fullest
Click here for a canoe tour experience
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including Lake Toya
Click here for private taxi tours
Lake Akan
Lake Akan is a Special Natural Monumentround green algaIt is famous as a lake where [...], [...], and [...], live.
The Akan Lake Hot Springs, located on the shores of Lake Akan, feature an Ainu Kotan, andAinu Culture...is also mentioned.
Take a sightseeing boat to the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center, located atChu-rui IslandIt's a must-do when you visit!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from Tancho Kushiro Airport
◆Parking: Parking available *Paid parking during the summer (500 yen per day)
◆Facilities: Multiple restrooms available
Lake Mashu
Lake Mashū is, “Mashu BlueIt is famous for its deep blue color, known as “,” and is also affectionately called “Misty Lake Mashū” because of its mist-shrouded appearance.
Another characteristic is that there are no rivers flowing into or out of the area, andHigh transparencyis connected to.
You can see the view from the First and Third Observation Decks, but,Prone to fogSo let's wait for a break in the clouds!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 5 minutes by car from Nakashibetsu Airport
◆Parking: Parking available *Paid parking during the summer (500 yen per day)
◆Facilities: There are restrooms at the observation deck.
blue pond
The Blue Pond is located in Biei Town,cobalt blueIt is a pond with a mysterious water surface.
It was originally built as part of construction work to prevent volcanic mudflows from Mount Tokachi.Artificial PondAnd the color of the water changes depending on the weather and the time of day!
Winter IlluminationsIt's also popular and is about a 20-minute drive from JR Biei Station.
◆Directions: About a 35-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport
◆Parking: Paid parking available (500 yen per visit)
◆Facilities: Restrooms available in the parking lot
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including the Blue Pond
Click here for day-trip bus tours
Includes Asahiyama Zoo Tickets☆
Click here for day-trip bus tours
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including the Blue Pond
Click here for private taxi tours
God's Child Pond
Kamino-ko Pond is located in Kiyosato Town,Groundwater from Lake MashūIt is a small pond said to have a spring bubbling up from it.
The blue of the crystal-clear water and what lies beneath the surfaceFallen TreeThe scenery there is mysterious.
Since there are forest roads all around,Please drive safely.Have a great time out and about!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: Restrooms available in the parking lot
Onuma
Lake Onuma is located in Onuma Quasi-National Park, near Hakodate, andMt. KomagatakeThe view from here is what makes it so appealing.
There is a walking path that connects the small islands floating on the lake with bridges, andA Casual StrollCan be done!
The nearest station is Onuma Park Station, which is about a 20-minute ride by limited express train from JR Hakodate Station, andIt's easily accessibleThat's right.
◆Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: Restrooms are available in the park and parking lot
Lake Shikaribetsu
Lake Shikibetsu is located at an elevation of approximately 810 meters and is the... in HokkaidoThe highest elevationIt is a natural lake located in [...].
Endemic speciesMiyabe CharIt is home to [...], and is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park.
In winter, the lake freezes over, and the village on the ice, “Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan" is coming soon!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 25 minutes by car from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport
◆Parking: Free parking available
◆Facilities: Restrooms are available near nearby bus stops and parking lots.
Enjoy Hokkaido's Lakes and Ponds☆
Featured Activities
Not just to look at, but also to...Unique to lakes and pondsWe also recommend enjoying these activities.
For SUP, kayaking, canoeing, or guided tours,Perfect for beginnersYou can give it a try.
Make your travel memories even more memorable with experiences unique to waterfront destinations!
Click here for the rankings of popular tours in Hokkaido
SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), where you paddle while standing, is best enjoyed on calm lake waters andA Perfect MatchThat's right. At Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, and other lakes,Introductory Touris currently taking place.
The view from the water isExceptionalSo, please give it a try!
▼Click here for recommended SUP tours▼
Includes a half-price ticket to Marukoma Onsen☆
Click here for the Lake Shikotsu SUP Experience Tour
About the SUP Experience Tour at Lake Shikotsu
Learn More
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaks and canoes allow you to glide slowly across the calm lake surfacepopularityThis is an activity.
You can try this at Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan, and other locations, surrounded by natureLeisurelyYou can spend time there.
On calm, windless mornings, the water's surface can sometimes become as smooth as a mirror, soEarly in the dayThis tour is also a great choice!
Recommendation
▼Click here for kayak and canoe tours▼
Enjoy Lake Toya to the Fullest
Click here for a canoe tour experience
On a Kayak and Canoe Tour of Lake Shikotsu
Learn more about this
Sightseeing and Walking Tours
In the area around Lake Toya,A Tour of Lake Toya and NoboribetsuBus tours and taxi tours are popular!
If you're looking for a walking tour around the lake, you can enjoy the lakeside scenery and nature as you walkRelaxedYou'll have fun.
Without worrying about the stress of driving...It's also perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy Hokkaido's breathtaking scenery.
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including Lake Toya
Click here for day-trip bus tours
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including Lake Toya
Click here for private taxi tours
Exploring Hokkaido's Stunning Scenery, Including the Blue Pond
Click here for day-trip bus tours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lakes and Ponds in Hokkaido
The largest lake in Hokkaido is Lake Saroma, with an area of approximately 152 square kilometers. It is the third-largest lake in Japan and is known as a brackish lake separated from the Sea of Okhotsk by a sandbar.
Early summer through fall are popular seasons, when the lush greenery is at its best and visitors can enjoy activities like SUP and kayaking. In winter, unique seasonal events like the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan are also major attractions.
Yes, that's possible. By taking a day-trip bus tour or a private taxi tour that visits Lake Toya, the Blue Pond, and other attractions, you can enjoy the stunning scenery without the hassle of driving.
summary
Hokkaido is home to Lake Saroma, Lake Toya, the Blue Pond, and moreLakes and Ponds with Distinctive CharacteristicsThere are many of them.
Knowing how to read them and their order of size will make your trip even more enjoyable.
Be sure to find your favorite spot by the water, andunique to HokkaidoEnjoy the spectacular views!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this one.
