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Highlights of Lake Shikotsu

lakeside garden

　　The plaza on the lake side, as seen from the visitor center and shopping street, is called Lakeside Park.
You can sit on a bench and look out at the lake, or just relax on the spacious lawn. Pleasure boats and boats are also available on the lake from spring to autumn.
　　The Yamasen Railway Bridge, which spans the Chitose River, the only outlet for Lake Shikotsu's water, is a remnant of the Oji Light Railway (Yamasen), which connected Lake Shikotsu with Tomakomai from 1908 to 1951.
　　You can also touch the cool lake water at the lakeside waterfront plaza and Himemasu Square.


lakeside garden
Yamasen Bridge
Waterfront Plaza

Vacation Village Park

　Spreading out in front of the Kyukamura, this garden is surrounded by large trees over 100 years old. It is located one level higher than the lakeside gardens, and the observation deck offers views of the lake and Mount Eniwa.
　Adjacent to the Wild Bird Forest, it is the perfect spot for bird watching. Occasionally, Hokkaido squirrels and chipmunks can be seen.


Summer Vacation
Autumn Leaves Vacation
Early Spring Vacation

Wild Bird Forest

　The entrance is about a 15-minute walk from the visitor center towards Kyukamura Lake Shikotsu. Starting with the dwarf jasmine and amaryllis in spring, various flowers bloom throughout the seasons. Of course, you can also encounter wild birds, and around May you may even hear the call of a black woodpecker.
　The round-trip course takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Why not enjoy a refreshing forest bath?
Part of the walking path collapsed due to a rainstorm in October 2015. Currently, it is prohibited to go beyond the bird watching hut on the Kyukamura side.


Wild Bird Forest Walking Path
A gazebo along the way
Forest scenery

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