Lake Shikotsu, the closest national park to Sapporo, is located 90 minutes outside of the city. After Akita Prefecture’s Lake Tazawa, it is the deepest and clearest lake in Japan. It is also Japan’s farthest north open water lake. Surrounded by beautiful mountains such as Mount Eniwadake, Mount Fuppushidake, and Mount Tarumaezan, the area offers various sites such as the Yacho-no-Mori bird sanctuary in addition to campgrounds. There are also many places to eat local food in the hot spring area.

Mt.Tarumae, one of the most active volcano in Japan rises between Pacific ocean and Lake Shikotsu. At the top, you have a close-up view of the lava dome and the smoking sulfur vents around it.