🗺️ Utonai Lake (宇多内湖)

Lake Utanai is located about a 25-minute drive from the central area of Tomakomai City in Hokkaido. It is a freshwater lake with a circumference of approximately 9 kilometers, an area of 275 hectares, and an average depth of 0.6 meters. The lake is fed by the Mememigawa, Yufutsu River, and Otaru River, and is surrounded by rich natural environments such as fields and wetlands. This area is particularly famous as a birdwatching sanctuary. In 1981, it was designated as Japan's first bird sanctuary, and in 1982, it was designated as a National Special Protection Area for Birds and Wildlife. To date, over 270 species of birds have been observed here. In autumn, it serves as an important stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds such as the Whooper Swan, Bewick's Swan, and White-fronted Goose, and it is included in the Ramsar Convention. Located on the shores of Lake Utanai is the "Utanai Lake Wildlife Protection Center" (open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays), which explains the natural ecology of Lake Utanai in an easy-to-understand manner through various animal specimen exhibitions and videos. Additionally, special guided educational activities regarding the ecology of Lake Utanai are offered for group visits. Furthermore, there are nature observation trails around Lake Utanai, allowing visitors to observe various wild birds in different seasons.

A birdwatching sanctuary where you can observe over 270 species of birds. In autumn, groups of migratory birds such as the whooper swan and the white-fronted goose come here to winter. At the Utano Wildlife Protection Center, you can learn about the rich natural ecology through various specimens and videos. There are nature observation trails around the lake, allowing you to observe wild birds in different seasons.