Konuma Pond

Konuma, whose name simply means the smaller marsh-lake, is the gentle companion to the more celebrated Onuma within Onuma Quasi-National Park. Formed by the same 1640 eruption of Mount Komagatake that dammed the local rivers, Konuma spreads south of its larger sibling in a broad, shallow sheet of water fringed with reeds and framed by the volcano rising beyond. Where Onuma is dotted with tiny islands and threaded by walking bridges, Konuma is more open and serene, and for many visitors that quietness is exactly its appeal.

Designated part of the quasi-national park in 1958, the three lakes of Onuma, Konuma and Junsainuma together form one of Hokkaido's most beloved lowland landscapes. Konuma's wide surface makes it especially good for reflections: on a still morning the jagged peaks of Komagatake are mirrored perfectly in the water, a scene that draws photographers throughout the year. In summer the surrounding woods and wetlands are lush and alive with birdsong, while autumn drapes the shoreline in reds and golds that double in the mirror of the lake.

Because Konuma sits slightly off the main tourist circuit, it offers a more peaceful experience than the busy central Onuma promenade just to the north. A lakeside road and connecting trails let you walk or, better, cycle around and between the lakes, and bicycle rental is easy to arrange near Onuma-koen Station. Pedalling the quiet southern shore of Konuma, with the volcano ahead and swans or ducks on the water, is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an hour in the region. Anglers also value the lake, which is known for smelt and other freshwater fish.

The wetland setting supports abundant birdlife, making Konuma a rewarding spot for casual birdwatching, particularly around dawn and dusk. Interpretive signage in the park explains the volcanic origins of the lakes and the ecology of the marshes, and the flat, easy terrain makes the area suitable for families and unhurried strolling.

Getting there is simple. Onuma-koen Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line is the gateway to the whole park, and Konuma is a short walk or ride from the station and the main Onuma trailhead. Everything is free and open at all hours, so you can shape your visit around the light and the weather.

Most travellers combine Konuma with Onuma and a view of Komagatake in a single outing from Hakodate, about 40 minutes to the south. Allowing an hour lets you walk or cycle a good stretch of the shoreline and enjoy the reflections at your own pace. For anyone who finds the central promenade too busy, Konuma delivers the same magnificent volcano-and-lake scenery in a calmer, more contemplative key, and rounds out an Onuma visit beautifully.