Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

From here, you head to the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the lake’s natural environment and history.

Centered on the theme “To the forest, the mountains, and the lake—another journey through Lake Shikotsu,” the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center provides an engaging introduction to the area’s natural environment and history. Through scale models and large photographs, visitors can easily learn about the region’s still-active volcanoes, surrounding plant and animal life, and the hidden world beneath the lake’s surface.

Formed by a volcanic eruption around 40,000 years ago, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake known for its remarkable depth and clarity. When sunlight reflects on its pristine waters, it reveals the distinctive glow known as “Shikotsu Blue.” After gaining insight at the center, visiting the lakeshore makes the scenery feel richer, more vivid, and deeply immersive.

A serene resort retreat that restores mind and body through water, nature, and attentive hospitality.

Inside the resort, stone, wood, and water exist in gentle harmony. A soft breeze from Lake Shikotsu and the subtle tones of a suikinkutsu water feature welcome guests into a calm, naturally designed space that soothes the senses.

From hot springs and spa treatments to fitness facilities and cuisine focused on beauty and well-being, every element of the stay supports balance and renewal. Local ingredients, the quiet warmth of a fireplace, and the stillness of a forest-view terrace gradually ease both body and mind.

Blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu, the resort offers a deeply restorative experience—an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace a moment of true tranquility.

A quiet, private canoe journey connecting you with the pristine nature of Lake Shikotsu.

This private tour takes you to the upper reaches of the Chitose River, Lake Shikotsu’s only outlet, sheltered from wind and waves. The calm waters make it perfect for a relaxed pace, guided by a professional who tailors the route to your needs.

As your canoe glides across the still surface, the outside world fades. The paddle’s soft splash, fresh air, and forest scents draw the lake and woodland closer with every stroke. With your guide’s support, you can fully relax, feeling the cool water and gentle breeze on your skin.

Nature here constantly shifts—beautiful, powerful, fleeting. This intimate experience leaves a lasting impression, offering not just memories, but quiet reflection and a sense of growth from Lake Shikotsu.

A place where daily life, spirituality, and tradition of the Ainu people come alive.

Located in Nibutani, the heart of Ainu cultural preservation, the museum immerses visitors in Ainu life and beliefs. From the moment you enter, the textures of wood and cloth, and the patterns woven into everyday items, quietly convey prayers and traditions passed down through generations.

Exhibits of clothing, hunting tools, and ritual objects reveal wisdom and refined aesthetics born from living in harmony with the land. Each piece reflects respect for nature and an intimate understanding of its rhythms.

A highlight is the video of Yukar, Ainu heroic epics. The resonant voices recounting stories of gods and ancestors leave a lasting impression. Here, Ainu culture is not just history—it lives and breathes today.

A soothing hot spring inn where gentle waters and forest serenity restore body and mind.

Nestled in lush woodland, Biratori Hot Spring Yukara welcomes guests with soft mineral waters. Immersed in the bath, high-quality spring water warms from the core, easing travel fatigue.

In the open-air bath, the scent of trees and gentle breeze enhance relaxation, as if breathing within the forest. Carbonated baths, a sauna, and other facilities offer varied ways to unwind.

After bathing, dishes featuring local Biratori wagyu and ripe tomatoes provide a nourishing, lingering finale, leaving body and spirit refreshed.

An immersive experience revealing the living wisdom of the Ainu through direct encounters and shared moments.

Nibutani, in Biratori Town, is home to many residents of Ainu descent who continue to pass down their culture. Amid the river’s murmur and forest scents, you hear stories from your guide, sensing the deep bond between people, land, and spirit.

This tour goes beyond exhibits or books. Listening to cultural bearers firsthand shows Ainu culture as alive and evolving. Conversations with locals reveal Ainu views of nature, life, and the world—its central appeal.

Walking, observing, listening, and feeling layer into a reflective journey, highlighting cultural diversity, harmony with nature, and the meaning of cultural heritage, leaving a quiet, lasting impression.

Nestled along the Saru River, Nibutani Dam blends natural beauty with a landmark moment in Japan’s recognition of Indigenous history.

Soft river sounds and rustling trees create a serene atmosphere, yet beneath this calm lies a story of lasting significance.

During its construction, Ainu plaintiffs challenged the project’s legality and land expropriation. The resulting ruling marked the first time a Japanese court officially recognized the Ainu as Indigenous people, an important step for their rights.

Listening to the river and wind, visitors can feel the enduring thoughts and prayers of generations. Nibutani Dam offers quiet reflection, where nature and history converge, leaving a gentle yet lasting impression.

The Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum is a cultural space where visitors can encounter living Ainu traditions and the shared wisdom of Indigenous peoples through carefully preserved everyday artifacts.

The collection features over 1,000 items, centered on traditional tools gathered over more than 40 years by Kayano Shigeru. Alongside Ainu artifacts, visitors will find daily-use items and artworks from Indigenous cultures worldwide, highlighting shared values of life in harmony with nature.

Crafted from natural materials such as wood, cloth, and bone, each piece conveys warmth and care, quietly reflecting the Ainu way of life and respect for the land. In the museum’s calm atmosphere, these objects reveal the wisdom and prayers woven into everyday life, offering visitors a deep and lasting cultural experience.

This program offers an intimate opportunity to experience living Ainu culture through traditional dance, song, and direct interaction with the performers in a warm, welcoming setting.

Inside the warm, wooden embrace of a chise (a traditional Ainu house), visitors enjoy close-up performances of traditional Ainu dances and songs by young Ainu performers. The deep rhythm of drums, powerful footwork, and voices filled with emotion resonate through the space, creating a powerful reminder that Ainu culture continues to thrive today.

Beyond watching, guests are invited to join the dance and take part in conversations with the performers. Through these shared moments, understanding grows—of Indigenous values, respect for nature, and the wisdom passed down through generations—leaving visitors with a heartfelt and lasting connection to Ainu culture.