Doing snow activities at Onuma in winter feels so Hokkaido. The vibes are 10/10.
There aren’t a ton of activities, but each one is pretty fun—great for a first-timer.
Onuma Wild Bird Observatory (Onuma Bird House) | Review by 劉慧如
Other Reviews by 劉慧如
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Lake Shikaribetsu
Lake Shikaribetsu, located at an elevation of approximately 810 meters, is Hokkaido’s highest-altitude lake and the only natural lake within Daisetsuzan National Park. Formed around 30,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption that dammed a river, it is known as the “Celestial Lake” and is surrounded by small volcanic peaks like Mount Tenbo and Mount Hakuun. The pristine landscape, featuring untouched forests of Sakhalin fir, Yezo spruce, and birch trees, is a stunning highlight.
The winter-only ice village is seriously cool—just pure limited-time romance. Every building is made of ice, and seeing it in person feels even more magical than I expected.
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Magome-juku
The Nakasendo was one of the five major highways developed during the Edo period to connect Kyoto and Edo. Magome-juku was the 43rd post town along the route. Built on a stone-paved slope, the town retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Shops lining both sides of the street sell freshly grilled gohei-mochi rice cakes, oyaki dumplings, and other treats, making it a pleasant place for strolling and sampling local food.
The old stone-paved street is still really well preserved. Both sides are lined with shops, local products, and teahouses, giving the whole place a nostalgic vibe.
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Kinomiya Shrine
This shrine has long been worshipped in Atami as the God of fortune and luck resides. The shrine grounds are home to Okusu, a sacred camphor tree, which is designated as a Natural monument. This is also popular as one of the best places with spiritual energy in Japan.
After walking through a small bamboo path, you'll find a giant camphor tree that's over 2,000 years old. They say walking around it once adds a year to your life—I was greedy and did several laps!
