Even in the extreme cold of Hokkaido’s winter, Lake Shikotsu rarely freezes over, earning it the name of Japan’s “northernmost unfrozen lake.” Your drysuit will keep you warm as you head out onto the water in a clear-bottom kayak, surrounded by fresh winter air and the enchanting snowy landscape of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake formed by a large volcanic eruption about 44,000 years ago. Voted “clearest water in Hokkaido” 10 years in a row, you can even see traces of volcanic activity deep below the surface, known locally as the “underwater Grand Canyon.” This winter kayaking tour lets you glimpse these marvelous views right under your feet.
