Onuma Pond Hokkaido
Discover the mesmerizing blue waters and serene mountain reflections of Onuma Pond, a picturesque natural wonder in Hokkaido.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant blue hues shine
Onuma Pond Hokkaido
Best Time
Vibrant blue hues shine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the mesmerizing blue waters and serene mountain reflections of Onuma Pond, a picturesque natural wonder in Hokkaido.
"The blue of the pond is incredibly beautiful and moving. "
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Pond
Park at the bus stop and enjoy a 3km paved gravel walk to Onuma Pond. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Chase the Blue
Visit when the sun is shining for the most vibrant blue pond colors. :sunny:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Torii Gate
Onuma Pond
A picturesque torii gate often submerged in the pond, offering a classic Japanese scenic view.
Vibrant Blue Pond Waters
Onuma Pond
Experience the breathtaking, almost surreal blue of Onuma Pond, a sight that changes with the light.
Reflections of Distant Mountains
Onuma Pond
Marvel at the serene reflections of the surrounding mountains mirrored perfectly in the calm pond waters.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Onuma Pond
Best Time for Blue Hues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Pond
Park at the bus stop and enjoy a 3km paved gravel walk to Onuma Pond. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Chase the Blue
Visit when the sun is shining for the most vibrant blue pond colors. :sunny:
🥾 Prepare for Walking
The walk to the pond is easy, but wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Navigation Tip
Search 'Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop' on Google Maps if car navigation fails. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Walk to the Pond
Park at the bus stop and enjoy a 3km paved gravel walk to Onuma Pond. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Chase the Blue
Visit when the sun is shining for the most vibrant blue pond colors. :sunny:
🥾 Prepare for Walking
The walk to the pond is easy, but wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Navigation Tip
Search 'Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop' on Google Maps if car navigation fails. :iphone:
⚠️ Forty-Eight Ponds Caution
The Forty-Eight Ponds Wetland beyond Onuma Pond is a mountain path; be well-prepared. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredibly beautiful and moving blue of Onuma Pond, with its stunning mountain reflections and iconic torii gate. The easy paved walk from the parking area is appreciated, though some note the distance and potential for less vibrant colors depending on the light.
"If you want to see Onuma Pond and the torii gate, take the easy path from the parking lot.
After about an hour, Onuma Pond will come into view directly ahead. 🎶
The blue of the pond is incredibly beautiful and moving. ✨
The distant mountains are reflected in the pond, and you can even see the torii gate in the distance. ✨
As you walk from Ikejiri to the torii gate, you'll see Onuma Pond from the road.
The color of the pond changes depending on the light, making it even more beautiful. ❇️😃
There are restrooms and a rest house along the way. 🚶♀️
The view from the torii gate is also great. 💕"
けいこ
"You cannot drive directly to Onuma Pond. If you're only going to Onuma Pond, park your car at the Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop and walk about 3km from there.
Approximately 30 cars can be parked free of charge at the Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop.
The walk to Onuma Pond is a paved gravel road, making it relatively easy.
⚠️Further in from Onuma Pond is the Forty-Eight Ponds Wetland. If you go there, it's a mountain path, so it's best to be well-prepared.
On this day, the torii gate ⛩️ is usually submerged in the pond, but due to construction work on the sluice gate, the water level was low and we were able to pass under it. ✨✨✨
The water level is expected to return to normal in the fall."
篠原勝太
"In 2023, the water level at Onuma Pond dropped by 7-8 meters due to drainage construction.
I was able to walk all the way to the Onuma Pond sign and torii gate.
I doubt I'll ever see a sight like this again.
Onuma Pond, covered in blue.
This year, there were fewer students on their school trip, so it felt a little lonely.
However, the mountain scenery was as spectacular as ever."
T KATO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You cannot drive directly to Onuma Pond. The best approach is to park at the Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop, which offers free parking for about 30 cars. From there, it's a 3km walk along a paved gravel road to the pond.
The walk from the parking area to Onuma Pond is generally considered easy as it's a paved gravel road. However, it can take between 23 minutes to an hour depending on your pace and the specific route you take.
If your rental car's navigation system struggles to find Onuma Pond, try searching for 'Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop' or 'Shiga Lake Hotel' on Google Maps and navigate to the nearby area.
The Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop is a key landmark for accessing the pond. While specific bus routes may vary, this stop is the designated point for parking and beginning your walk.
Yes, there is free parking available for approximately 30 cars at the Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop. This is the recommended starting point for your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Onuma Pond itself. The primary cost would be related to transportation to the area.
Onuma Pond is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at any time. However, the best viewing conditions for the pond's blue color are during daylight hours.
No, there is no entrance fee for Onuma Pond. Access to the pond and its surrounding walking paths is free of charge.
During construction work on the sluice gate in 2023, the water level was low, allowing access to the torii gate. While this was a unique opportunity, the water level is expected to return to normal in the fall.
While the main path to Onuma Pond is well-maintained, venturing into the Forty-Eight Ponds Wetland beyond requires preparedness as it's a mountain path.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Onuma Pond, you can admire the incredibly beautiful and moving blue of the water, see distant mountains reflected in the pond, and view the iconic torii gate.
The walk from the Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop to the pond is approximately 3km and can take anywhere from 23 minutes to an hour, depending on your walking speed and the route.
Yes, there are restrooms and a rest house along the way to Onuma Pond. Some facilities, like the rest house, may not always be open.
The pond's blue color is most vibrant when the sun is shining directly on it. Mid-afternoon might offer a different light, and sometimes a two-toned effect can be seen when the sun shines from the left.
Onuma Pond offers stunning photographic opportunities with its blue waters, mountain reflections, and the torii gate. However, trees can sometimes obstruct clear shots of the entire pond from the main path.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The area around the torii gate and spots along the pond's edge offer great photo opportunities. Look for viewpoints where the mountains are clearly reflected in the water.
Visit on a sunny day for the most intense blue. The angle of the sun can significantly impact the color, so experiment with different times of day.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive scenery and reflections. A telephoto lens might help isolate details like the torii gate or distant mountains.
Visitors mention a nice view about 10 minutes from the torii gate, and another spot around the 3 o'clock position where the sun creates a two-toned effect on the pond.
Trees can sometimes obscure the view of the entire pond from the main path, so be prepared to explore slightly off the beaten path for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for the beautiful blue water and mountain reflections, which can be captivating for younger visitors. While the main path is straightforward, ensure children stay on the designated trails, especially if you decide to explore areas beyond the immediate pond vicinity.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Be prepared for a significant amount of walking overall, even on the shorter routes. Comfortable footwear is essential. The changing light conditions can also offer different photographic opportunities throughout the day, encouraging longer stays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Onuma Pond
The walk itself is along a paved gravel road, making it relatively easy for most visitors. However, the distance is about 3 kilometers, so expect it to take between 23 minutes to an hour, depending on your walking pace and whether you choose a more direct route or one with scenic detours. It's advisable to use Google Maps and search for the 'Onuma Pond Entrance bus stop' if your car's navigation system is not precise.
For those venturing beyond Onuma Pond to the Forty-Eight Ponds Wetland, be aware that this section involves a mountain path and requires more preparation and appropriate gear.
Experiencing the Pond's Beauty
The iconic torii gate is another key feature, often partially submerged in the pond, offering a classic Japanese scenic element. Visitors have noted that the water level can fluctuate due to construction or natural factors, sometimes allowing closer access to the gate than usual.
It's worth noting that the pond's appearance can change with the light. While the blue is most prominent on sunny days, visiting in the mid-afternoon might result in different lighting conditions, and sometimes a unique two-toned effect can be observed when the sun hits the water from a specific angle.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit