2025.09.09

Scenic Road 1-the road to discover the blue of Lake Shikotsu

Hokkaido is, as you may already know, blessed with vast and various natural landscapes and dotted with intriguing, diverse historical and cultural attractions (cuisines of course included!), making it where leisurely road trips are truly enjoyable. Then in 2005, a local region-led initiative called “Scenic Byway Hokkaido*” began focusing on “scenic landscapes” and “byways(roads)”, in order to promote their respective regions. The designation of “Scenic Road” was brought about through those activities over years. The title is awarded only after the certifying body recognized it as the “most excellent road section”-the route carefully and meticulously selected from among the significant roads in each local region by the local community members.

Currently, there are 15 Scenic Roads numbered from No. 1 to No. 15 throughout Hokkaido. The Scenic Road 1 in Chitose City mentioned here is a route along Lake Shikotsu, known for its stunningly clear waters with impressive blue colors—among the clearest in Japan.
If you travel along National Route 453 from Sapporo toward Lake Shikotsu, the road passes through mountains largely covered in broadleaf and coniferous forests. At a certain point, the view opens up at the northernmost area of the lake named “Poropinai,” and from here the section of “Excellent Road” continues for about 9 kilometers/10 minutes to the most popular area of Lake Shikotsu. The scenery woven together by abundant clear lake waters, uniquely shaped outer rim mountains (including active volcanoes), forest belts, and open sky bestows special Hokkaido moments upon us traveling on road.

Beyond the “See you!” sign lies the hot spring resort area along Lake Shikotsu’s shore. It’s a popular resort with various types of accommodation and offers year-round enjoyment of walks, hot springs, gourmet food, outdoor activities, seasonal events and so on.
How would you like to enjoy this lake?

P.S. Lake Shikotsu is also famous for a fish called “Cep” (pronounced “chip”), which is a landlocked kokanee salmon, introduced to this lake from its native lake of Akan in 1894 (over 130 years ago), and ever since it’s been known as a delicacy of Lake Shikotsu.

The Fishery cooperative diligently controls the volume of this fish, therefore fishing is permitted only between June and August each year. Raised in the cool, crystal-clear lake waters, this fish boasts just the right amount of fat, tender flesh, and excellent flavor. Thanks to rapid freezing technology, we can now enjoy this superb fish year-round at restaurants lining both sides of the scenic road.