Lake Ōnuma

What it is

• A lagoon in northern Wakkanai City separated from the sea by a sandbar.
• A major migration site for tundra swans also known as Shupunto Lake.
• The former site of an Imperial Japanese Navy base during World War II.
• A natural area connected to Soya Bay by the Koetoi River.

What to see

• Large colonies of skunk cabbage growing around the lake perimeter.
• The Wakkanai City Onuma Bird Observatory located on the north shore.
• Migrating tundra swans resting on the water during their seasonal journey.
• Automobile time trials held on the frozen surface of the lake.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from JR Wakkanai Station heading east of downtown.
• Located six kilometers from the center of Wakkanai near the local airport.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.