Private Tour
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Driving 90 minutes from Sapporo, part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake surrounded by picturesque volcanoes, located in south of the city of Sapporo, known for its crystal clear water and beautiful view of the mountains, and popular for fishing, boating, canoeing, diving, bird watching, cycling, remains unfrozen even throughout Hokkaido's harsh winter.
Located 3 kilometers away from lake shore, Moss Canyon is one of the popular sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu. The 5 meters high, 200 meters long canyon was formed by the lave erupted from Mt. Tarumae and eroded over tens of thousands years. The canyon is covered with beautiful mosses look like a genuine carpet.
A nice hiking course for both beginners and intermediates.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Enjoy a nice walk at the shore of Lake Shikotsu. The lake is surrounded by the active volcanoes and
Shikotsuko Visitor Center
Learn about the area
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Local guide
National Park fees
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Lunch
Food and drink
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
giaoquach,,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had great views of the Moss Canyon and Shikotsu lake in the fall. Yumi-san is an amazing guide who speaks perfect English. The scenic drive was about 1 hr long from Sapporo and well worth the visit.






Kathi S,,Oct 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
Sumi & Sato were excellent guides. We travel to the lake for a view and quick break then off to moss canyon. They pointed out various types of mushrooms, ferns, insects, sails, plants, and so much more. Be prepared to climb over rocks and under trees. After the hike, we were treated with coffee/tea and a light snack. Next stop a delicious and hearty lunch before heading back to Sapporo.



rresma,,May 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing experience! Our guides Sumi and Taki picked my wife and I up from our hotel in Sapporo promptly at 9 AM and took us to an air conditioned vehicle with water for each of us. During the hour long car ride to Lake Shikotsu, both Sumi and Taki entertained us by asking us where we were from and telling us about their life and about different sights in Hokkaido. Time flew by pretty quickly and we soon arrived to the moss canyon location. The hike to the canyon itself was about 10 minutes and was very easy with no inclines at all. It was also very beautiful on the way to the canyon. The day before the hike it had rained, so a lot of the plants and moss were very green. In addition to the scenery there were many birds and wildlife out. The 4 meter tall canyon itself was spectacular. It had many different kinds of moss growing on both sides and a bunch of other flowers and mushrooms growing on the dead trees surrounding the area. The hike in the canyon was slightly more difficult (minor incline/some climbing). I recommend bringing bug spray as there are a ton of mosquitos. Luckily my wife and I wore long sleeves so we weren’t bit too much. After the canyon hike, Sumi took us to a small onsen town along Lake Shikotsu where we enjoyed lunch at a ramen place that served home made ramen and savory / buttery Hokkaido potatoes. Both dishes were very tasty and affordable! End to end the journey was 6 hours long including the driving, but we left feeling extremely grateful to our guides and wish we could spend more time with them to learn about Lake Shikotsu and the area around it! Thank you so much, Sumi and Taki
BoonTheng K,,Apr 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
We had a lovely time exploring Moss Canyon and lakeside at Lake Shikotsu. Sumi and Taki pointed out the various types of moss, trees, mushrooms and other vegetation so it was educational as well. Would definitely recommend this tour!
rozyew,,Nov 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
Sumi was really good in guiding us to this piece of untouched haven, it was such a treat for my family and me, we had a first hand’s encounter with Hokkaido’s beautiful nature that was totally breathtaking. Sumi speaks great English and she herself is such a nature enthusiast, which made our trip much more enjoyable and informative. She even prepared snow boots for us without any additional charges as there was sudden snowfall on the evening before. This is one of the most memorable part of our Japan trip!



hazel l,,May 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Tourists should visit these places in Hokkaido, and we plan to visit again. We look forward to joining Sumi San for the future adventures when we are back in Hokkaido.


SiangJen F,,Mar 4, 2023
- Review from Viator
Ill like to thank our guide Sumi for this wonderful experience. Extremely fun guide with extensive knowledge of the local area. Defintely the highlight of our hokkaido trip!
Jbrown122,,Nov 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Hokkaido is a beautiful island! Sumi is a fantastic guide!! We enjoyed it very much! Next time we would like to see more of Hokkaido Island!
JLJAZ,,Aug 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fredi was a most amazing host. He acted more as a host than as a guide. He responded to our almost eccentric requests to include wildflowers, serious hikes and agriculture. He is French but has been in Japan since his 20s, so has an amazing perspective on the history and culture. He bids himself as nature guide but can discuss the religious practices, expectations or a professional, family traditions and more. He fully looked after us, right to finding native gooseberry jelly and taking us to the plane at the end. We are fortunate to travel a lot, but this was exceptionally charmed. And I just found him on the internet!
Operated by Hokkaido Private Adventure