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Shikotsu-Tōya NP., Hokkaido
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The “ruins” visible through the underwater windows are columnar joints: lava from an ancient Mount Morappu eruption cooled into these columns 2–3 million years ago—long before Lake Shikotsu formed.
Watch for Himemasu, a landlocked sockeye introduced here from Lake Akan in 1894. Locals call it “Chipp,” from Ainu kabachep (“thin fish”); it’s also served nearby grilled or as sashimi.
The current Emerald and Sapphire made an unusual journey to the lake: purchased from a Shizuoka sightseeing-boat company in 2004, they were shipped to Tomakomai, then hauled overland to Shikotsu.
Lake Shikotsu’s first motorized sightseeing boat, introduced by Tanimoto Kame in the 1920s, ran backward on its test run and earned the nickname Zarigani-maru (“Crayfish Boat”).
Emerald has a 2-level rear deck, while submarine-shaped Sapphire lets visitors stand at its bow. Both carry 16 windows, about 70 cm square, set 2 m underwater for views of the lakebed.
