Ōnuma

What it is

• The largest dammed lake in Hokkaido, designated as a Quasi-National Park.
• Formed by the volcanic eruptions of Mount Hokkaido Komagatake.
• A registered Ramsar Site recognized as one of the New Three Views of Japan.
• The name originates from the Ainu word Poro-to, meaning large lake.

What to see

• Approximately 120 small islands called Nagareyama scattered throughout the water.
• A narrow isthmus called Sebatto that connects Onuma and Konuma lakes.
• A monument dedicated to the song Thousand Winds located on the lakeshore.
• Migratory birds including whooper swans resting in the Sebatto area.

Getting there

• Approximately 15 minutes by car from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.