Lake Shikaribetsu
然別湖
Hokkaido's highest natural lake at about 810 m, surrounded by the primeval forest of Daisetsuzan. In winter, when the lake freezes, an ice village is built on it.
Lake Shikaribetsu lies in southeastern Daisetsuzan National Park, in Shikaoi Town. It is Hokkaido's highest natural lake, surrounded by primeval forest, and is home to the endemic Miyabe char. In summer you can take a boat ride, paddle a canoe, or fish, and in autumn the red leaves are reflected on the water. From late January to mid-March, when the lake is frozen, the Shikaribetsu Ice Village is built, with an ice bar, an ice chapel, and an outdoor ice-covered hot spring. There are hot spring hotels on the lakeshore. It is about 1 hour by car from Obihiro, and winter driving on snow requires experience.
Opening hours
all day (ice village approx. late Jan–mid-Mar)
Nearby sights
- Naitai Highland Ranch
- Taushubetsu River Bridge
- Ban'ei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse)
- Butadon Pancho
- Rokkatei Obihiro Main Store
- Kita no Yatai
- Midorigaoka Park & Obihiro Zoo
- Tokachigawa Onsen