Lake Utonai

What it is

• A freshwater lake in eastern Tomakomai with a nine kilometer circumference.
• Japan's first bird sanctuary established in 1981 and a designated Ramsar site.
• A natural habitat where the Yufutsu and Bibi rivers flow into the marsh.
• The name originates from an Ainu word meaning rib river marsh.

What to see

• Over 250 species of birds including migratory geese and swans.
• A nature center and a roadside station located on the western side.
• A movable weir that maintains the water level at approximately two meters.
• Natural landscapes along National Route 36 which passes the lake.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from New Chitose Airport.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.