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Lake Utonai
A freshwater lake known as a birdwatcher's paradise.
Located about a 25-minute drive from the center of Tomakomai, Lake Utonai is a freshwater lake with a circumference of 9 km, covering an area of 275 hectares and an average depth of 0.6 meters. It is fed by the Bibigawa, Yufutsu, and Otarumappu rivers, with rich natural surroundings including wilderness and wetlands along its shores.
Famous as a birdwatching haven, Lake Utonai was designated as Japan's first bird sanctuary in 1981 and became a national special wildlife protection area in 1982. Over 270 bird species have been observed at the lake. In autumn, the lake serves as a crucial stopover and wintering site for migratory birds such as whooper swans, tundra swans, and greater white-fronted geese, and it is registered under the Ramsar Convention for wetlands conservation.
At the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center (open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays), visitors can learn about the local ecosystem through taxidermy displays and informative videos. For groups, special educational programs are available to explore the natural environment of the lake.
A nature observation path is also maintained around the lake, offering visitors the chance to observe various birds throughout the changing seasons.
Highlights
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A birdwatching sanctuary where over 270 species of birds have been observed.
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In autumn, large flocks of migratory birds such as swans and white-fronted geese gather at the lake.
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At the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, visitors can learn about the local nature through numerous taxidermy displays and videos.
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Surrounding the area are nature trails where visitors can observe seasonal birds throughout the year.
Photos
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![A freshwater lake with a circumference of 9 kilometers, an area of 275 hectares, and an average depth of 0.6 meters.]()
A freshwater lake with a circumference of 9 kilometers, an area of 275 hectares, and an average depth of 0.6 meters.
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![Various species of birds visit the lake throughout the different seasons.]()
Various species of birds visit the lake throughout the different seasons.
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![More than 270 species of birds have been recorded at Utonai Lake.]()
More than 270 species of birds have been recorded at Utonai Lake.
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![At the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, visitors can learn about the natural environment of Utonai Lake.]()
At the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, visitors can learn about the natural environment of Utonai Lake.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
English and Chinese pamphlets available.
*Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No free Wi-Fi available.
*Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Q
Are there coin lockers?
Yes, there are coin lockers (coin-return system). Large luggage can be stored at the office.
*Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Q
Are there restrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms for men, women, and accessible (barrier-free) facilities. *Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
Not available. *Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- ウトナイ湖
- Postal Code
- 059-1365(Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center)
- Address
- 156-26 Uenae, Tomakomai City, Hokkaido (Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center)
- Telephone
- 0144-58-2231(Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center)
- Closed
- Open for free walks; Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center is closed on Mondays (or the following day if it's a holiday).
- Business Hours
- Open for free walks; Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
- Admission
- Free access for walks; Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center has free admission.
- Access
- About a 5-minute walk from the "Utonai Lake" bus stop.
- Official Website
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Official Website (Japanese)
Official Facebook (Japanese)
Official Instagram
Official X (formerly Twitter)