Shikotsu-Tōya National Park: Curated Collection of Available Park Guides and Resources

Volcanic caldera lakes and thermal springs in southwestern Hokkaido

Shikotsu-Tōya National Park

Shikotsu-Tōya National Park occupies a significant position in Hokkaido's protected area network, representing the volcanic and geothermal character of Japan's northern island. The park's defining features are its two namesake caldera lakes: Lake Shikotsu, encircled by active volcanoes including Mount Tarumae and Mount Eniwa, and Lake Tōya, which sits within the Tōya Caldera alongside Mount Usu. The volcanic origin of these landscapes continues to shape the park's character through ongoing geothermal activity, visible in the numerous hot springs that bubble throughout the area. The park is administratively divided into distinct zones by the Japanese Ministry of Environment, including the Mount Yōtei area, the Lake Tōya and Mount Usu zone, the Lake Shikotsu region, and areas around Jōzan-kei Gorge and the Noboribetsu hot springs. This geographic diversity supports a range of habitats from lakeside wetlands to forested slopes, while the accessibility from Sapporo and Chitose makes the park one of Hokkaido's most visited protected areas. The park's establishment in 1949 reflected post-war Japan's commitment to preserving its natural heritage, and it continues to serve as an important site for environmental education and scientific research into volcanic processes.