Onuma Quasi-National Park

Overview

Onuma Quasi-National Park is located in the southern part of the Oshima Peninsula, approximately 16km north of Hakodate City. It's comprised of the lakes Onuma, Konuma, and Junsaiko, formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Komagatake, an active volcano. Onuma Lake features 126 islands of varying sizes, offering opportunities for cycling, running, boating, and sightseeing cruises from spring to autumn, and snowmobiling and ice fishing in winter. From the Edo period, the Konuma and Junsaiko areas served as a crucial transportation hub connecting Hakodate and Otaru. Following the opening of the Sapporo-Hakodate Highway in 1872, Miyazaki Juhei opened a lodging house, attracting many tourists. Foreigners entering through Hakodate port also visited the area. In 1881, Emperor Meiji stopped here during his trip to Hokkaido, further establishing its fame as a scenic spot in southern Hokkaido. While Konuma and Junsaiko were initially the centers of activity, the opening of the Hokkaido Railway's Onuma Station in 1903 spurred the development of the Onuma Park Square area as a tourist destination. In 1905, the Hokkaido government designated the Onuma area as a prefectural park. In 1914, Honda Seiroku developed a large-scale park improvement plan, and in 1915, Onuma was selected as one of the "New Three Views of Japan." In 1921, following a prefectural application, the government granted permission for park use, formally establishing Onuma Prefectural Park. After the enactment of the Natural Parks Law, it was designated a Quasi-National Park in 1958. The Onuma area was selected as one of the "Top 100 Autumn Leaf Viewing Spots in Japan" in 2010 and registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland in 2012. Onuma Quasi-National Park is one of Hokkaido's premier tourist destinations, boasting magnificent natural beauty and diverse wildlife. From the cherry blossoms of spring to the vibrant greenery of summer, the stunning autumn foliage, and the magical winter snowscape, it offers diverse seasonal charm throughout the year. With activities ranging from cycling and sightseeing cruises to fishing and snowshoeing, there's something for everyone. Visit and experience the allure of Onuma Quasi-National Park for yourself!