Lake Utonai

Located 11 kilometers east-northeast of Tomakomai City, Lake Utonai is a freshwater lake with a circumference of approximately 9 kilometers, an area of 275 hectares, and a depth of 1.2 meters, spread out on the alluvial plain in the lower reaches of the Mimagawa River.

The area surrounding the lake is a wilderness and marshland blessed with nature, and is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, with more than 260 species of birds alone confirmed.

The lake serves as a stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds, with flocks of geese, ducks, and swans arriving in the spring and fall. Bird watching can be enjoyed all year round.

Lake Utonai is home to the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center, which functions as a visitor center, and the Nature Center, a sanctuary of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, located northwest of the lake, where visitors can get a closer look at the lake’s nature through nature observation paths.

Lake Utonai and the surrounding area are designated as a special protection area for birds and wild animals by the national government, and in 1991 it was also designated as a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland.

Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko not only sells ice cream and wild bird goods, but also has a rest area with a panoramic view of Lake Utonai.

Depending on the season, many swans and wild birds can be observed close by. We recommend that parents and children take a walk and enjoy observing wild birds.

The take-out corner also offers a variety of menu items that children will enjoy, such as the famous local dish “B1 Tonchan” steamed meat buns and Haskap-flavored soft-serve ice cream. Wild bird goods are also available.

Lake Utonai is located only 10 minutes from New Chitose Airport, just over 10 kilometers away, so you can drive there before your flight and enjoy the lake’s unique time.