Lake Okotanpe Viewpoint: Hokkaido's Hidden Lake Above Lake Shikotsu

By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published
Lake Okotanpe Viewpoint: Hokkaido's Hidden Lake Above Lake Shikotsu

Quick answers

  • One of Hokkaido's three hidden lakes, its water shifting from emerald to cobalt
  • Seen only from a roadside viewpoint on Prefectural Road 78
  • The road is closed in winter; the reopening date changes each year
  • A space for about five cars; about an hour from Sapporo

Lake Okotanpe, in the hills north-west of Lake Shikotsu, is known as one of Hokkaido's three hidden lakes. Its water seems to change color with the weather, the angle and the time of day, from emerald green to cobalt blue. You can only see it from above, from a viewpoint by the roadside on Prefectural Road 78, where you look down on the lake through gaps in the trees. The road is closed in winter.

What is Lake Okotanpe like?

Lake Okotanpe seen through the trees from the viewpoint above it

The name is said to come from the Ainu "o-kotan-un-pe", meaning "the river with a village at its mouth". From the viewpoint you look down through the branches to the lake below, surrounded by forest.

When can you go?

Prefectural Road 78, the road to the viewpoint, was closed for several years after a landslide and reopened in July 2023. It is closed every winter and reopens in late spring, but the exact date varies: in 2024, when I went, it was still closed on April 29 but open on June 1. If you are going in spring or autumn, check Hokkaido's official road-closure information before you set out. The road beyond the viewpoint is closed, so turn back the way you came.

Finding the viewpoint and parking

The "viewpoint" is simply a spot by the side of the road where you can see the lake. There is a sign near it, which is the landmark to look for.

The roadside viewpoint for Lake Okotanpe, with its sign

Just before the viewpoint there is a space for about five cars.

The parking space before the Lake Okotanpe viewpoint, with roadwork equipment on one side

How to get to Lake Okotanpe

From central Sapporo: about an hour south on Route 453 to the north side of Lake Shikotsu. Just before the Poropinai Pass, turn right onto Prefectural Road 78, which leads to the viewpoint.

From New Chitose Airport: about 40 minutes west on Prefectural Road 16 to the east shore of Lake Shikotsu, then north-west along the lake on Route 453; just past the Poropinai Pass, turn left onto Prefectural Road 78.

Near Lake Okotanpe

Down at Lake Shikotsu, Marukoma Onsen has baths right on the shore, and Poropinai, on the north shore, has a lakeside restaurant serving himemasu (kokanee salmon) and a viewpoint over the whole lake.

Marukoma Onsen Day Bath: Hot Springs on the Shore of Lake ShikotsuA local's guide to the day bath at Marukoma Onsen on Lake Shikotsu: baths that feel part of the lake, the natural bath that rises from the stones, the sauna with a lake-water plunge, day-bath days and price, and the private bath.

My Lake Shikotsu guide starts the day at Lake Okotanpe.

Lake Shikotsu Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: A Local's RouteA local's day trip to Lake Shikotsu by car: the Okotanpe viewpoint, a lakeside bath at Marukoma Onsen, lake trout for lunch and the underwater boat, plus the ice festival and winter tips.

FAQ about Lake Okotanpe

Q1. Where can you see Lake Okotanpe from?

Only from above, at the roadside viewpoint on Prefectural Road 78.

Q2. When is the road to Lake Okotanpe open?

It is closed in winter, and the reopening date changes each year (in 2024 it was open by June 1). Check the road closure information before you go.

Q3. Is there parking at the viewpoint?

A space for about five cars, just before the viewpoint.