'''?numa Quasi-National Park''' (____________ ''Onuma-kokuteik?en'') [http://www.d3.dion.ne.jp/~onumat_a/index-e.htm] is a national park centered around '''Lake ?numa''' (______) in southern Hokkaido, Japan.

Understand

''?numa'' means "great marsh", a fairly apt description of this placid lake. Divided in two by a thin strip of land, the smaller western portion of the lake is known as '''Konuma''' (____). At the southern edge of the strip lies the small eponymous village and tourist center of '''Onuma'''.

Get in

The nearest major center is Hakodate.

By train

Leaving Hakodate, if you take the Ltd Express Super Hokuto train, it takes 19 minutes to reach Onuma Koen station. The regular JR Hakodtate train takes about 50 minutes. The trains leave about once an hour for the park. Be sure to check the return schedule because trains are more infrequent in the evening and they don't run very late so you may find yourself missing the last one.

By bus

There are also buses to Hakodate that take a comparatively slow 60 min for the journey.

Get around

A less frequently traveled branch line from ?numa station runs along the southern shore of the lake.

There are a few easy-to-spot places that rent bicycles to tourists. You can get normal bicycles, bicycles built for two, and tricycles that can interlock with each other (for families and groups).

See

The lake is known for its 126 islands.

Do

'''Hiking''' in the area is popular.

  • The most popular courses through the little islands that dot the southern shore start from near Onuma Koen station, and the time-pressed can even opt for a 15-minute circuit. Ask at the tourist office for a map.
  • Paddle boats and row boats are available to rent.
  • The volcanic '''Mt. Komagatake''' (_____x) dominates the scenery, but the mountain has been off-limits to climbers recently.
  • There are many '''hot springs''' scattered around the shores of the lake.

  • '''Y?topia Onuma''' (___[_g_s_A____). An unremarkable modern hot spring facility whose main feature is its convenient location near the campground. Entry ¥370, open 10 AM to 9 PM daily except Monday.
  • Buy

    Eat

    Although you can buy food from little shops and stalls, you might consider bringing your own food in case you find the local tastes disagreeable.

    Drink

    Sleep

  • '''Higashi-Onuma Yaeij?''' (_________c__). Wonderful little lakeside campground at the eastern tip of the lake, nearest train station Ch?shiguchi. Toilets, running water, communal fireplaces all provided for free and the Y?topia spa is only a short walk away. Beware of thieving foxes!
  • Get out

    Contact

  • Drop by the tourist office in the the grandly named '''Onuma International Exchange Plaza''' (_____________v___U ''Onuma kokusai k?ry? puraza''), near JR Onuma Koen, for maps and information (some in English too).