Kyukamura Shikotsuko 休暇村 支笏湖 休暇村 支笏湖

Kyukamura Shikotsuko is a public hot spring lodge located deep within the forests of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, right along the shores of Lake Shikotsu. Although it sits about 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport and can also be reached via a combination of local buses and the lodge’s shuttle from JR Chitose Station, the surrounding area feels completely removed from urban life. With no tall buildings nearby and clear lake water bordered by seasonal broadleaf forests, it is an ideal base for anyone wanting to unwind in the kind of natural scenery that defines Hokkaido.

Guestrooms come in Japanese, Western, and Japanese-Western styles, with either lake or forest views. Japanese-Western rooms combine beds with a tatami sitting area, and many feature chairs and tables positioned by the window, allowing guests to relax while looking out at the trees. Rooms are equipped with conveniences such as a coffee machine, USB outlets, an air purifier, and a 40-inch TV—making them suitable not only for relaxing stays but also for reading, remote work, or longer visits. Some Western-style rooms are designed with fewer steps, offering a comfortable option for guests traveling with elderly family members.

The hot spring bath draws from the Shikotsuko Onsen source. Its smooth, slightly viscous water is known for its skin-softening qualities, often referred to as a “beautifying spring.” The bath area is simple but functional, with indoor and open-air baths as well as a sauna. Through the large windows of the bathing area, guests can enjoy views of the surrounding forest, which changes dramatically with the seasons and the time of day. With a moderate water temperature, the bath is ideal for long, relaxing soaks after outdoor activities or scenic drives.

Meals feature kaiseki dishes or buffet selections that showcase abundant ingredients from Hokkaido. The standard “Mizuumi Kaiseki” dinner includes items such as hot pot made with Hokkaido-bred “Yume no Daichi” pork, fresh seafood, potatoes, and other local specialties. Courses follow a traditional kaiseki flow—appetizers, sashimi, hot dishes, grilled and fried items—offering a satisfying and balanced meal from start to finish. Breakfast is a Japanese-Western buffet with grilled fish, egg dishes, rice, bread, salads, and soups, providing plenty of energy for a day of sightseeing.

The lobby and lounge areas face the surrounding forest, creating a bright and peaceful atmosphere with lawns and trees just outside the windows. The building sits beside the “Wild Bird Forest,” a well-known bird-watching area. A bird feeder is set up near the lounge, allowing guests to watch species such as chickadees and nuthatches while sipping coffee—a uniquely relaxing experience that suits the lodge’s “stay within nature” concept.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lake Shikotsu area offers many seasonal activities. Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are popular in summer, and the lake’s remarkable water clarity makes these experiences especially memorable. In winter, events such as the Shikotsuko Ice Festival illuminate the lakefront with dramatic ice sculptures. Because the scenery shifts so much from season to season, each visit offers a different impression of the lake and surrounding wilderness.

Another distinctive feature is Kyukamura’s connection with a nearby campground. About 10 minutes away by car, the lakeside Morappu Campground offers free-choice tent sites, pre-set tents, and rental packages. Guests can enjoy daytime camping or barbecues by the lake, then return to the main lodge for a hot spring bath and a comfortable night’s sleep—an appealing option for those who want the outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort.

In terms of access, the lodge is roughly 50 minutes from New Chitose Airport and a similar distance from the Tomakomai ferry terminal, making it easy to include in itineraries for travelers coming from outside Hokkaido. For public transport users, buses run from the airport or JR Chitose Station to the Shikotsuko terminal, where a reservation-based shuttle connects to the lodge. Because bus service is limited in the evening, a schedule with extra buffer time is recommended when relying on public transport.

Overall, Kyukamura Shikotsuko is not a flashy luxury resort, but a comfortable, well-priced lodge where guests can enjoy hot springs, good meals, and authentic nature experiences in balance. It works well for families, groups, and longer stays, as well as for workations or slow travel centered around forest walks, lake activities, or visits to the nearby campground. For anyone planning a trip to the Shikotsu area with the goal of spending meaningful time in nature, this lodge is a worthy option to consider.