Lake Shikotsu: Zero Carbon Park, Hiking “Koke no Kairou” the Corridor of Moss, and Clear-bottomed Kayaking
1-DAY
DIFFICULTY
GREEN SEASON
1 day
Min. 15, Max. 16
Hiking
Kayak
- HIGHTLIGHTS
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- Travel around the Lake Shikotsu area by eco-friendly e-bike
- Hike around a mystic Corridor of Moss
- Taste specialty dishes of local kokanee salmon caught in the high-quality waters of Lake Shikotsu
- Kayak the lake to see the deep clarity of its water
- Enjoy warm hospitality in the backyard of a local family's house by Lake Shikotsu
- LOCATION
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Lake Shikotsu area, Chitose City, Hokkaido
OVERVIEW
Located 30km from New Chitose Airport and 40km from Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake which has won official awards for Japan‘s highest quality water for 11 consecutive years, since 2008.
This tour focuses on the area’s water supply, including activities such as viewing a natural corridor created by millennia of erosion, and discovering the stories of the local kokanee salmon that inhabit the lake, environmental efforts to maintain water quality, and the uses of hydropower. Guided by a lake specialist, you will gain an understanding of the value and benefits of water and its influences on the regional ecosystem.
ITINERARY
Lake Shikotsu area, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Meet your tour guide at JR Sapporo Station at 7:45am. Travel to Lake Shikotsu by train for 30 minutes and then by private car for 40 minutes. Welcome introduction by your local guide, a lake specialist.
– First, visit a local hydroelectric power plant covering the lake region, where you’ll also view the magnificent scenery.
– Receive a briefing at Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center for an overall picture of the lake, including its history, ecology, location, etc. Your briefing is followed by a quick meeting o outline that day’s activities, your route, and safety tips, as well as the opportunity for all participants to introduce themselves.
– Led by your guide, travel 9.8km from Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center to the Corridor of Moss by e-bike. The power used to charge your e-bike is zero-carbon impact energy supplied by local power plants.
– After replenishing your water supply (bathroom break included), hike to the Corridor of Moss on a 1.3km trail. Enjoy mystic views of the natural corridor formed by water erosion, with its 3-meter tall walls covered by over 80 kinds of wild natural moss. On your way back, stop at a Lake Shikotsu overlook and contemplate the millennia of history which have passed since the lake was first formed.
– Return to Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center by e-bike via a 9.8km cycling road.
– Lunch features freshly caught kokanee salmon from Lake Shikotsu. Enjoy its clean and natural taste while listening to details of its history, biology, and place in the ecosystem. Kokaneee is called “chip” locally, which is the name originally given it by Hokkaido’s aboriginal peoples.
– After lunch, a glass-bottomed kayak ride lets you see deep into the crystal-clear water. Enjoy changing views of Lake Shikotsu, and its hydroelectric plant, natural river source, and inhabitants. The ride lasts about 90 minutes.
– After your kayak ride, visit the backyard of one of the kayak company’s staff and meet with local families and people.
– Depart Lake Shikotsu at 17:30, arrive at JR Sapporo Station around 19:00 by private car and train.
Enjoy this environmentally-friendly tour carefully designed to be carbon-neutral.
LUNCH
Japanese Restaurant Kotobuki or Poropinai Shokudo Restaurant
Savor freshly caught kokanee salmon from the clear lake – this signature dish of Lake Shikotsu is available in a variety of styles, such as sashimi, grilled, fried, etc. Guests with special dietary needs will be accommodated at a different location.
Tour Operator / Contact
North Star Travel.Co.,Ltd
- Address
2F Toda Bldg., 5-1, Chiyoda-cho 5, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0062 Japan
- TEL
+81 (0)123-24-2121
- Official Web Site
North Star Travel has been involved in the travel industry for over 35 years in Chitose City, known as the city of New Chitose Airport. As a travel agency in Chitose, the gateway to Hokkaido, we propose a travel in various destinations of Hokkaido that meet the request of clients under the brand name of GO HOKKAIDO.
We also aim to take advantage of our geographical conditions to offer unique and specialized tours such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the nearby Shikotsu-Toya National Park and Niseko.
As a trusted and loved partner, North Star Travel/GO HOKKAIDO will continue to strive to exceed your expectations with the best service possible.
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