Located about 40 minutes by car from Hakodate, one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations, and just 50 minutes by train, Onuma Park boasts excellent accessibility.

From spring flowers and wild birds to summer greenery, autumn foliage, and tranquil winter scenery, the area offers breathtaking views throughout the seasons. Furthermore, from spring to autumn, you can enjoy a wide range of activities such as canoeing, cycling, boating, horseback riding, and Segway tours.

Even in winter, when the lake freezes over, there are plenty of attractive activities to enjoy, such as snowshoeing, horseback riding, and ice fishing for smelt. With its beautiful northern nature that can be enjoyed at any time of year, Onuma Park is a highly recommended tourist spot in southern Hokkaido.

<Contents>
1. What is Onuma Park?
2. The Four Seasons of Onuma Park
3. Highlights of Onuma Park
3-1. The three lakes: Onuma Lake, Konuma Lake, and Junsai Lake
3-2. Onuma Park as seen from Higurashiyama
3-3. Summer and winter events to enjoy at Onuma Park!
4. Activities to enjoy at Onuma Park
4-1. Activities from spring to autumn
4-2. Winter Activities
5. Restaurants to eat at or visit in Onuma Park
6. Access information to Onuma Park

Onuma Park, officially known as "Onuma Quasi-National Park," is a natural park covering approximately 9.000 hectares located in the central part of the Oshima Peninsula in southwestern Hokkaido, offering attractions throughout the four seasons.

Selected as one of the New Three Views of Japan, the park, surrounded by a vast forest and featuring the active volcano Mount Komagatake, boasts numerous sights and viewpoints, including Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma, dotted with over 100 small islands, and the mystical Junsai Marsh Lake, famous for its high-quality water shield plants.

2-1. Spring in Onuma Park

Photo by (C) RARURU
Spring, with its charming scenery still lingering with snow, is the perfect time for birdwatching. You can spot many birds, including kingfishers, grey herons, blue-and-white flycatchers, mandarin ducks, and little grebes.

Furthermore, the wetlands of Onuma Park are famous for their clusters of skunk cabbage. If you visit Onuma Park in early to late April after the snow melts, I highly recommend taking a look at the beautiful white skunk cabbage blooming in the lakeside wetlands near the Higashi-Onuma Campsite.

2-2. Summer at Onuma Park

Photo by (C) RARURU
Even in the middle of summer, temperatures rarely exceed 30℃, making Onuma Park a perfect summer retreat. Enjoy cycling, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, and other activities to your heart's content amidst the lush greenery. We've included plenty of activity information later in this article, so please take a look.

Additionally, you can see beautiful water lilies from early July to late August.

2-3. Autumn at Onuma Park

Photo by (C) RARURU
Onuma Park is famous as one of the best spots in Hokkaido to see autumn foliage. The small islands floating in the lake and the surrounding trees are all dyed in autumn colors at once, and a spectacular autumn landscape unfolds wherever you look.

You can enjoy a peaceful autumn day by leisurely exploring the beautiful marsh on a sightseeing boat, a regular boat, or a canoe, or by cycling around at a relaxed pace while enjoying the refreshing autumn breeze.

2-4. Winter at Onuma Park

Photo by (C) RARURU

Winter brings beautiful snowy scenery along the lakeside. Around January each year, Lake Onuma freezes over almost completely, offering opportunities for snowmobiling and sledding. For more details on winter activities such as horseback riding and snowshoeing, please refer to our winter activities section.

Also, every year in late November, migratory birds arrive, and you can see many swans in a narrow area called "Shiratoridai Sebatto" (Sebatto means a narrow place) where Onuma and Konuma lakes are connected.

Photo by (C) RARURU

Lake Onuma, spread out at the foot of Mount Komagatake, is, as its name suggests, the largest of the three lakes, with a circumference of 24 km. Several of the small islands floating on its surface are connected by bridges, allowing visitors to enjoy strolling across the lake on foot, moving from island to island.

The approximately 50-minute course known as the Island Hopping Trail takes you around bridges and small islands such as Kogetsu Bridge, Kinpa Bridge, Hakamagoshi Bridge, and Hinodejima, allowing you to experience the spectacular scenery of Lake Onuma while admiring birds swimming on the water's surface and Mount Komagatake from the islands and bridges. For more details, please see below.Here.

Photo by (C) RARURU
Konuma Lake, with a circumference of 16 km, is located next to Onuma Lake and connected by Tsukimi Bridge. It is also famous for the beautiful water lilies that bloom there in the summer.

Photo by (C) RARURU
Junsai-numa Lake, named after the high-quality water shield (Junsai) that is a specialty of Onuma, is a quiet and mystical lake. Water shield is harvested every year from late June to mid-August, and fresh water shield can be purchased for a limited time at the souvenir shop in the park. Ice fishing for smelt is also popular in winter.

Onuma Park boasts numerous viewpoints. However, it's difficult to see the entire landscape once you're inside. So, why not try viewing the whole park from a spot that offers a panoramic view of Onuma Park and Mount Komagatake?

Mount Higurashi, at an elevation of 303m, lies between Lake Konuma and Lake Junsainuma. Until the early Showa period, this mountain was called "Mount Konuma," but it is said that it came to be called "Mount Higurashi" (meaning "Sunset Mountain") because the view of the lakes of Onuma Park and Mount Komagatake from the summit was so beautiful that people would become so captivated by the scenery that they would lose track of time and the sun would set.

You can reach the Higurashiyama Observatory, which offers spectacular views, by walking approximately 1.6 km through refreshing greenery for about 30 minutes.

Furthermore, you can even drive close to the summit (not possible during winter), so why not visit and see for yourself the breathtaking view that captivated people of ancient times, making them forget the passage of time? For more details...Here.

Onuma Park hosts major events in both summer and winter, attracting many participants every year. Both summer and winter events have a long history and are very appealing, so why not visit Onuma Park during one of these times?

Summer event "Onuma Lake Festival"

The Onuma Lake Festival, a summer tradition in Onuma that began in 1906 and celebrated its 106th anniversary in 2015, is held over two days, with lively events for children taking place from midday onwards, attracting many participants.

The lake is especially beautiful at night, with numerous lanterns floating on the water for the Lantern Floating Ceremony, a ritual to commemorate those who have drowned and to honor ancestors, as well as fireworks displays that light up the lake, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Winter event "Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival"

Every February, the Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival, the biggest winter event at Onuma Park, takes place. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, play on a giant slide made from the ice of Lake Onuma, and admire snow and ice sculptures.

At night, the snow and ice sculptures are lit up, completely transforming the atmosphere into something magical.

segway

Image provided by: Segway Japan
I discovered an exciting plan: take a stroll around the lush, water-filled Onuma Lake with a nature guide on a Segway, an electric two-wheeled personal transporter operated by shifting your weight!

Image provided by: Segway Japan
Many people are probably eager to try riding the Segway, a futuristic vehicle made famous by the praise of Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple.

But if you're hesitant because you don't know how to operate it or are unsure if you can actually ride it, don't worry.

Segway tours operated by Segway Japan are designed for beginners, as certified Segway instructors provide thorough one-hour instruction on basic operation and riding techniques. (Ages 16 and up)

Image provided by: Segway Japan
After the workshop, you'll set off on a 5km trail through lush greenery, with mountains and grasslands, enjoying the refreshing breeze carrying the scent of nature! With a nature guide by your side, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll while observing the creatures, birds, and plants of Onuma Park.

Image provided by: Segway Japan
The Segway tours are held in both the morning and afternoon, making it easy to schedule a trip. For example, you could take a Segway tour in the morning and then leisurely explore Lake Onuma from a sightseeing boat in the afternoon.

Segway Tour in Hakodate Onuma
Address: Hakodate Onuma Prince Hotel, Nishi-Onuma Onsen, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
Reservations can be made by calling: 080-3434-8360 (reception hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00 *Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year period)
http://www.segwaysmile.jp/tour/onuma/index.html

A great value plan including a BBQ lunch, an experience activity, and a discount on souvenirs!

Image provided by: Onuma Experiential Tourism Development Committee
There's a great value package that includes a barbecue lunch by Lake Onuma, a choice of activity plans at Onuma Park, and even a discount on souvenirs. One of the souvenir discounts includes Onuma dango from "Numa no Ie," which will be introduced in more detail later in the section on places to eat and visit at Onuma Park.

Image provided by: Onuma Experiential Tourism Development Committee
Lunch will be held in the garden of "Table de Rivage," which will be introduced later, where we will enjoy a barbecue while taking in the spectacular view of Onuma Park.

Image provided by: Onuma Experiential Tourism Development Committee
And there are a whopping 14 different experience plans to choose from! From guided tours and canoeing experiences to crucian carp fishing lessons taught by fishing experts, bird watching at Onuma Park, sightseeing boat rides, and rowboat rides, there are so many wonderful experience plans to choose from that you'll be spoiled for choice. Plus, it even includes a discount on souvenirs, making it a truly great deal at just 4.000 yen (tax included) per adult.

The offer is valid from July 1st to September 30th. Since it's limited to 10 groups per day, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Enjoy a fun and affordable day at Onuma Park with your partner, family, or friends!
For further information, please read Here.

Cycling

How about enjoying a refreshing bike ride in Onuma Park, which is about 14km around the lake and takes about 70 minutes by bicycle? For more information, including rental bicycle shops, please see below.Here.

Cruising, etc.

There are various plans available to enjoy the charming Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma from the water.

Onuma Joint Pleasure Boats offers a variety of cruising plans to suit your group size and situation, including regular sightseeing boats, motorboats, rowboats, pedal boats, and fishing boats.

There are plenty of cruise plans to enjoy the seasons, such as a leisurely lunch cruise where you can savor dishes made with Onuma's specialties, smelt and water shield, a water lily cruise that operates during the water lily blooming season, and a nighttime "autumn leaves light-up cruise" that creates a magical atmosphere (check the light-up period).

Onuma Joint Pleasure Boat Co., Ltd.
Address: 1023-1 Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-67-2229
http://www.onuma-park.com/

Canoe

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House

Just the experience of paddling a canoe yourself, something a little different from the usual, is exciting, isn't it?

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House
These canoe tours, sure to create lifelong memories, offer a wide variety of fantastic options, from early morning tours enveloped in a quiet and magical atmosphere free from tourists, to mystical nighttime canoe tours under the moonlight, and even custom-made tours. You'll be spoiled for choice! Why not combine a unique experience with breathtaking scenery to create unforgettable travel memories? *Please check the website for tour dates.

Guided tour of Mount Komagatake

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House

In addition to the canoe tours mentioned above, there's also a tour where you can climb with a guide to "Uma-no-se," a 900m-high point on the majestic Mt. Komagatake, visible from Onuma Park, and enjoy a truly unforgettable view. Even though it's a climb, you'll be driven to the parking lot at the 6th station, so it's a great option even for beginners.

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House

It's fun to look down on Mount Komagatake, which you previously admired from Onuma Park, and see the whole panorama. If the weather is good, you can even see as far as the Tsugaru Peninsula across the Tsugaru Strait.

Iksander Onuma Canoe House
Address: 22-4 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
TEL：0138-67-3419
http://www.exander.net/taiken_sum.html

horse riding

Image provided by: Onuma Ryuzan Farm Paard Musée
If you're in Hokkaido and want to enjoy horseback riding in a spacious area, we recommend the horseback riding experience at Onuma Ryuzan Ranch. They offer a variety of courses, from programs where you can meet horses to advanced nature courses.

Image provided by: Onuma Ryuzan Farm Paard Musée
Also, this farm holds an event called "Petting Zoo" in the summer, where you can interact with cute rabbits and goats,

Image provided by: Onuma Ryuzan Farm Paard Musée
Since you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage, even small children and elderly people who can't ride horses can enjoy themselves with their families.

Onuma Ryuzan Ranch
Address: 294-1 Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-67-3339
http://www.paardmusee.com

Camp

The campsite facing Lake Onuma is extremely popular because it is free to use.

The campsite, with its 100 tent sites nestled in lush greenery and grassy areas, is well-maintained and comfortable, and features two cooking facilities. Furthermore, it boasts clean flush toilets and fire pits for enjoying bonfires (open fires are prohibited). Chairs are available for rent, making a relaxing holiday by the lake a truly memorable experience.

Higashi-Onuma Campsite
Address: Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0138-67-3477 (Onuma Branch of the Natural Parks Foundation)
Parking: Available, 80 spaces, free of charge
http://www.bes.or.jp/oonuma/

Snowmobiles, sleds, and buggies

Around January, most of Lake Onuma freezes over, allowing visitors to enjoy various ice activities such as snowmobiling and sledding. The exhilarating feeling of speeding through the areas you explored by sightseeing boats and boats during the green season on a snowmobile, combined with the beautiful, snow-covered winter scenery, makes for a fun experience that will make you forget the cold.

Onuma Joint Pleasure Boat Co., Ltd.
Address: 1023-1 Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-67-2229
http://www.onuma-park.com/

Snow hiking, etc.

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House

Hike through a snowy landscape on snowshoes. There are beginner-friendly plans that allow you to look down on the frozen Lake Onuma from a high vantage point and walk while admiring the beautiful frost-covered trees, as well as backcountry tours that take you even higher using the ski lifts, which seem like the perfect way to fully enjoy winter in Hokkaido.

Image provided by: Iksander Onuma Canoe House
Furthermore, there are plenty of fun plans to enjoy winter activities at Onuma Lake, including a plan limited to one group per day that allows you to enjoy smelt fishing and snow huts. The backcountry tour and the one-group-per-day plan also include lunch in the snowy landscape, so you're sure to create lots of wonderful memories.

Iksander Onuma Canoe House
Address: 22-4 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
TEL：0138-67-3419
http://www.exander.net/taiken_sum.html

Winter horseback riding

Image provided by: Onuma Ryuzan Farm Paard Musée

Horse riding is fun in the green season, but riding amidst a snowy landscape is also fantastic. Even in winter, you can choose from a variety of courses, from guided rides that are safe for children to more challenging routes. So, dress warmly and comfortably, and give it a try!

Onuma Ryuzan Ranch
Address: 294-1 Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0138-67-3339
https://www.facebook.com/ONBokujyo

5-1. Enjoy the best lakeside lunch at "Table de Rivage"

This cafe-restaurant is nestled beside Kogetsubashi Bridge, one of the scenic viewpoints on the shores of Lake Onuma, surrounded by forest and water.

With its high ceilings, open and spacious interior, and the comforting warmth of wood, you can enjoy views of the lake and Mount Komagatake, and relax while admiring the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.

You can enjoy lunch and dinner made with seasonal local ingredients.

And for the seasons when the weather is pleasant, we recommend a lake cruise lunch on the lake terrace! But don't just enjoy the view from the lakeside! The open-air lake terrace actually cruises around the lake like a boat.

Since you're on vacation, why not enjoy a luxurious lakeside lunch—a rare experience—as a memorable part of your visit to Onuma Park? It would also make a wonderful surprise for someone special.

Table de Rivage
Address: 141 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0138-67-3003
Parking: Yes
http://www.gengoro.jp/rivage.html

"Brauhaus Onuma" is a dining beer hall where you can enjoy the famous Onuma Beer.

Good news for beer lovers! You don't have to go to a beer hall in Sapporo or Hakodate; you can enjoy local craft beer right here at Onuma Park.

Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Onuma Park Station, "Brauhaus Onuma" manufactures and sells "Onuma Beer," a specialty product of Nanae Town where Onuma Park is located. It also has a dining beer hall, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

After strolling through Onuma Park, or working up a sweat with canoeing, Segway riding, or cycling, enjoying a beer in a spacious, open-air setting with high ceilings is simply the best.

Onuma Beer, made with natural alkaline ionized water from the foot of Mt. Yokotsu, comes in three varieties with different alcohol content, and all of them have won awards in numerous beer competitions, making it difficult to choose just one.

Broyhaus Onuma
Address: 208 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0138-67-1611
Parking: Available (10 spaces)
http://www.onumabeer.co.jp/

The original Onuma dango, "Numanoya"

Image provided by: Onuma Experiential Tourism Development Committee

The aforementioned great value plan includes a BBQ lunch, an experience, and a souvenir discount♪ and also includes a discount on souvenirs from "Numa no Ie," the original shop for Onuma's famous "Onuma Dango," located just a short walk from Onuma Park Station.

Since its founding in 38, the shop has maintained its unchanging recipe and taste for its bite-sized, soft dango (rice dumplings), which are especially popular. Many regular customers travel from far away to Onuma just to buy them. The dango, which are not on skewers and are placed in a box, are said to resemble the small islands floating on the surface of Lake Onuma.

These delightfully chewy dumplings come in three flavors: red bean paste, sesame, and soy sauce. The sesame flavor is produced in small quantities and can only be bought at "Numa no Ie," and the others are only available while supplies last, so be sure to go early during peak season.

The original Onuma dango shop, "Numa no Ie"
Address: 145 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
TEL: 0138-67-2104
Parking: Yes
http://www.hakonavi.ne.jp/oonuma/numanoya.html

~Access~
By train: Approximately 20 minutes from JR Hakodate Station by the "Super Hokuto" limited express train (approximately 50 minutes by local train).
By bus: Approximately 20 minutes from Hakodate Airport to JR Hakodate Station. Approximately 60 minutes from JR Hakodate Station to Onuma Quasi-National Park.
For further information, please read Here.
By car: Hakodate Airport → Onuma Quasi-National Park: 33km, approximately 50 minutes. JR Hakodate Station → Onuma Quasi-National Park: 28km, approximately 40 minutes.

Summary

Onuma Park is the perfect place to spend an ideal holiday, where you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons, participate in various activities throughout the year, and relax at delicious restaurants.

No matter where you look or when you visit, you'll encounter breathtaking scenery that looks like a postcard, and it's easily accessible by both car and train.

It's rare to find a tourist spot with so many desirable features, so why not add Onuma Park to your next travel plans?

↓↓Click here for great deals on tours to Hakodate↓↓

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