Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is an essential stop before exploring the lakeside, offering deep insights into the area's rich nature and history through engaging exhibits.

Under the theme "To the Woods, the Mountains, and the Lake: Another Journey into Lake Shikotsu," this facility provides a multifaceted introduction to the surrounding natural environment. In the "World of the Lake" section, you can observe the Kokanee salmon, a local specialty fish, up close in a large tank. Depending on the season, you may even witness them transformed into their striking crimson spawning colors. The center also features models of columnar joints—mysterious geological formations found on the lakebed—allowing you to explore depths that underwater cameras cannot fully capture.

In the "World of the Forest," a dedicated corner lets you listen to the delicate songs of 18 different wild birds. The exhibits also provide detailed information on alpine plants that survive the harsh conditions of the active volcano, Mt. Tarumae. The building itself is a model of environmental consideration, constructed from local natural materials and powered by solar and geothermal energy. Visitors can also delve into the relationship between humans and nature through the records of explorer Takeshiro Matsuura and the history of the local railway that once served the area. Visiting before or after your lakeside stroll will surely enrich your travel experience with a deeper understanding of the nature and stories of Lake Shikotsu.