10 Family-Friendly Activities in Eniwa, Chitose & Shikotsu Lake Near Hokkaido

Tripbaa Fun!, Asia's Free Travel Expert

Hokkaido has vast land and many attractions to explore. In summer, you can visit Furano and Biei for flowers, see cherry blossoms at Hakodate Goryokaku in spring, enjoy autumn foliage at Daisetsuzan in fall, and find snow activities almost everywhere in winter. But where are the lesser-known spots? Today, we introduce Eniwa, a hidden gem near Sapporo where you can enjoy both snow and hot springs—guaranteed to make you want to go right away.

Eniwa, located between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, gets its name from "Mount Eniwa" around Shikotsu Lake. It is a residential suburb of Sapporo but has recently developed tourism based on its abundant natural resources, making it a favorite weekend getaway and resort destination for locals.

Scenic Spots in Eniwa, Hokkaido. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun!, Asia's Free Travel Expert)

Eniwa boasts beautiful scenery in all four seasons, especially its outdoor gardens bursting with flowers in summer. After hosting the "Eniwa Garden Contest" in the summer of 1991, the city earned the nickname "City of Gardens." Since 2005, the annual "Eniwa Flowers and Lifestyle Exhibition" in June has further showcased its beauty.

Eniwa Attractions – Eniwa Garden. (Photo / eniwa eye)

Rurumappu Snow Park in Eniwa City, a suburb of Sapporo, is a well-known snowy amusement park close to both New Chitose Airport and central Sapporo. Here, you can enjoy snow activities like ice banana boats, rafting, and sleds. If skiing isn’t your thing, head to Rurumappu Snow Park in Eniwa for some fun relaxation.

Eniwa Activities – Snowmobiles. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun!, Asia's Free Travel Expert)

Eniwa’s natural Moor Hot Springs are incredibly unique because the mineral-rich water originates from ancient underground plants like reeds, heated naturally by geothermal energy. Rich in organic plant matter, these springs act like natural toners, beautifying your skin while you soak. It’s a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, available only in Germany and Hokkaido, Japan.

Eniwa Activities – Moor Natural Hot Springs. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun!, Asia's Free Travel Expert)

When it comes to famous Hokkaido foods, besides milk, melons, and king crabs, you’ve likely heard of "SAPPORO BEER." This iconic Japanese beer brand owns Japan’s oldest brewery, located in Eniwa near Sapporo, which visitors can tour for free.

However, participation in the "Factory Tour Experience" at the Sapporo Beer Hokkaido Plant requires advance booking. The tour includes guided explanations, hands-on experiences, and tastings to help you truly understand the beer-making process—not just a quick glance.

■ Official Website: Sapporo Beer Factory

Eniwa Activities – Sapporo Beer Garden. (Photo / eniwa eye)

While you can reach Eniwa by JR train, those who don’t speak Japanese or prefer not to worry about schedules might opt for half-day or full-day tours from nearby areas. These tours take you directly from the airport to Eniwa for snow fun or hot springs, eliminating the hassle of traveling between New Chitose Airport, central Sapporo, and its suburbs.

Eniwa One-Day Tour. (Photo / Tripbaa Fun!, Asia's Free Travel Expert)

JR Railway

JR trains are the best travel companions for exploring Hokkaido. For trips between New Chitose Airport, Chitose, Eniwa, and Sapporo, take the JR "Rapid Airport" train, which reaches your destination in just 37 minutes. Consider purchasing the Hokkaido Rail Pass to make the most of your JR travels across the region.

Shikotsu Lake, located in Chitose City, is surrounded by mountains like Mount Eniwa, Mount Fuppushidake, and Mount Tarumae, with a shoreline stretching 40 kilometers. It’s enjoyable year-round—perfect for snow viewing and hot springs in winter, or boat cruises in summer—making it a popular Hokkaido attraction near Sapporo.

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In winter, don’t miss the annual "Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival" held in late January. Locals pump crystal-clear lake water to create massive ice sculptures illuminated by vibrant lights, transforming the lake into a lively winter wonderland.

■ Event Period: January 25 – February 17, 2019
■ Official Website: 2019 Chitose Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival

Winter at Lake Shikotsu is also very popular among Japanese people, and there's a second way to enjoy it—soaking in hot springs! There are many hot spring ryokan around Lake Shikotsu that offer either "day trip onsen" or "overnight hot spring stays," with the most famous being Marukoma Onsen Ryokan, located on the northern side of Lake Shikotsu at the foot of Mount Eniwa.

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan not only features a natural open-air hot spring sourced from Lake Shikotsu, where you can soak while enjoying the changing seasonal scenery of the lake, but it is also a century-old inn certified by the Japan Secret Onsen Association, making it a favorite among many visitors.

Lake Shikotsu boasts some of the clearest water in Japan and is often regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, making it perfect for a transparent-bottom canoe ride to admire the fish beneath and the scenery around. Each season offers a unique charm, especially in winter when the surrounding hills are blanketed in snow—paddling in a canoe dressed warmly to take in the Hokkaido landscape is truly an extraordinary aquatic experience.

To get to Lake Shikotsu on your own, take a JR train bound for New Chitose Airport and get off at “Chitose Station” or “Minami-Chitose Station,” then transfer to bus “Kū 4.” However, it’s recommended to check the schedules of both the JR trains and buses in advance to avoid waiting unnecessarily.

If you’re not staying at a hot spring resort for the night, you might also want to consider joining a one-day tour that includes both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya—it’s more convenient, time-saving, and allows you to visit more attractions.

■ Transportation: From New Chitose Airport / JR Chitose / Minami-Chitose Station, take Hokkaido Central Bus “Kū 4” and get off at Shikotsu-ko Station.

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Chitose can be considered one of the key gateways to Hokkaido, as it is home to New Chitose Airport—the largest airport in the region—with numerous international and domestic flights. Plus, Chitose is only about a 40-minute drive from Sapporo, making it easily accessible by car or via a JR transfer. However, aside from Lake Shikotsu, few people choose to spend much time in Chitose. Today, let’s introduce a few Chitose attractions worth visiting after your flight lands.

Aquariums are arguably one of the most beloved tourist spots among the Japanese, so there are various unique aquariums scattered across the country. The one near New Chitose Airport, Chitose Aquarium, is famous for its “salmon.” It is responsible for salmon and trout hatching and stocking activities. In addition to the salmon exhibit, there’s also an underwater observation room and many fascinating species of northern freshwater fish to discover—definitely a must-visit for lovers of underwater creatures.

■ Address: 312-2, Hanazono, Chitose City, Hokkaido
■ Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About a 30-minute drive from JR Chitose Station, Hakone Farm is also a great place for a “Hokkaido educational experience.” Originally built during the Meiji era in Hakone Town, Kanagawa, it was later relocated to Chitose, Hokkaido, due to cost considerations. It gradually gained recognition for its focus on “organic” products and farm experiences.

Hakone Farm is meticulous about its environment and breeding practices—not using pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and adhering to a natural farming cycle to reduce human impact—earning it several awards. The park features attractions such as a large pasture, a corn maze, and DIY workshops where you can make cheese, feed cows, or ride horses—perfect for family outings.

■ Address: 1201 Higashigaoka, Chitose City, Hokkaido
■ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
■ Official site: Hokkaido Hakone Farm

Aside from Lake Shikotsu, which is a bit harder to reach, most attractions in Chitose City are located near New Chitose Airport or the JR station. Therefore, we recommend planning to visit either on the first or last day of your Hokkaido trip. This way, commuting to and from the airport saves time and allows more flexibility in arranging your itinerary.

Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa Funbaa] Original source: [Hokkaido: Explore Eniwa, Chitose, and Lake Shikotsu in One Go with Super Easy Access to the Airport – 10 Fun Ways]