Yes. Mount Tarumae is an active volcano rising over the lake's southern shore, and its crater rim is reachable via a relatively short trail from the seventh station. Most visitors reach the top and back in a couple of hours, leaving plenty of time for the lake and onsen too. Views from the rim stretch across the caldera and the steaming crater below.
Shikotsukoonsen is approximately 74 km (46 miles) from Sapporo and approximately 30 km (19 miles) from New Chitose Airport, all within Hokkaido. Public transit to the lake is limited and infrequent, so a private transfer gets you there directly without transfers or long waits. It's an easy add-on whether you're flying into New Chitose or based in Sapporo.
Half a day covers the lakefront village, a walk along the shore, and a soak in an onsen. Add a few extra hours if you want to climb partway up Mount Tarumae or linger longer at the water's edge. Most visitors find a full day gives a comfortable, unhurried pace without needing to stay overnight.
The shoreline is lined with ryokans, restaurants, and souvenir shops, making it easy to fill time between outdoor activities. Stroll the lakefront promenade for open water views, try local Hokkaido dishes, or browse for souvenirs before heading back. It's a relaxed, walkable base for exploring the caldera.
At Marukoma Onsen, on the lake's northern shore, the bathing pools sit right at the water's edge, so bathers soak with open views across Lake Shikotsu. It's open for day visits, so you don't need an overnight stay to experience it. That lakeside setting sets it apart from a typical indoor onsen.
Lake Shikotsu is one of Japan's clearest lakes, formed inside an ancient volcanic caldera and protected within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Its deep blue water rarely freezes even in Hokkaido winters, and the surrounding forests and peaks feel worlds away from Sapporo's city streets. A day trip here pairs dramatic volcanic scenery with a relaxed lakefront village, all reachable in a single day out.
