Lake Shinonome Trek: Pedal Boat & Hidden Lake in Hokkaido

A pedal boat crossing leads to a lake most visitors never reach

This six-hour guided tour in Daisetsuzan National Park combines a pedal boat crossing of Lake Shikaribetsu with a trek to Lake Shinonome, one of Hokkaido's three great hidden lakes. You'll also land on sacred Benten Island, normally closed to visitors, to visit the shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. A live Japanese-speaking guide leads the route. Children are welcome from age six.

The experience

The day starts on Lake Shikaribetsu at 800 meters elevation, where you board a pedal boat to cross water surrounded by pristine wilderness. In autumn, the mountains ring the lake in color. The boat takes you partway. From there, you trek into Daisetsuzan National Park to reach Lake Shinonome, a remote lake gradually transforming into wetland through natural succession. This lake sits deep enough in the landscape that it's normally reachable only on foot. The pedal boat access is what makes the trek feasible in a single day.

A special stop breaks the route: Benten Island, sacred ground that stays closed to the public except on this tour. The island sits surrounded by mountains and holds a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. The visit is brief but deliberate, a moment in a landscape most travelers never see. Your guide speaks Japanese and manages the timing and the route. The boat fare, shrine visit fee and guide are all included.

The six-hour commitment is real: moderate fitness matters here, and the terrain demands steady footing. The payoff is access to one of three hidden lakes Hokkaido keeps largely to itself, and a shrine visit that happens nowhere else on the island.

What’s included

• Pedal boat crossing of Lake Shikaribetsu.
• guided trek to Lake Shinonome.
• landing and shrine visit on sacred Benten Island.
• live Japanese-speaking guide.
• all boat and shrine fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideJapanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by TRAPOL

Is this one for you?The pedal boat crossing means you don't need a car to reach the trailhead, and the guide handles the route, so this works whether you're staying in a city or have no vehicle. The six-hour day and moderate terrain suit travelers with steady fitness. Those with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy should choose a different route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lake Shinonome like when you get there?

Lake Shinonome sits hidden deep within Daisetsuzan National Park, surrounded by primeval forest. The lake is gradually becoming a wetland through natural ecological succession, creating a landscape that shifts year to year. It's remote enough that most people never see it.

Can I do this trek without a car or if I'm staying in a city?

The pedal boat crossing from Lake Shikaribetsu is included, so you don't need your own transport to reach the trailhead. Your guide handles the route and the timing. You meet at the starting point and follow the day as planned.

What happens on Benten Island?

Benten Island is normally closed to visitors, but this tour includes a rare landing to visit the shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. The island is surrounded by mountains and has long been regarded as a sacred place. The stop is part of the guided experience.

What's included in the price?

The boat fare across Lake Shikaribetsu, the shrine visit experience fee, and the guide fee are all included. You bring your own lunch and water. The six-hour day has no meal stop built in.