Half an hour on the train from Hakodate is Lake Onuma, a beautifully scenic lake overlooked by Mount Komagatake. In winter, the lake freezes over and the whole area is deeply blanketed in snow, creating a memorably tranquil atmosphere. During these few months, it's also possible to venture out onto the lake in skis, showshoes or ice-buggies, or to fish through holes in the ice.
- 1 min read
Winter at Lake Onuma
Take in the stillness of the snow-draped landscape

By Peter Sidell
Community writer

The local swans don't have much of the lake to swim on

A small shrine, with a sturdy roof

This is the scene that greeted me outside Onuma Koen Station

Maybe a path, maybe a stream

The front of the station, also with a sturdy roof (I hope)

I passed by a few small ponds like this one as I walked to the lake

The only sound was me tramping along the paths through the trees

A few people were out skiing on the lake

Lake Onuma and Mount Komagatake

Santa would feel at home here

The local birdlife leaves tracks in the fresh snow

I got dripped on more than once by water melting off icicles in the trees
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
2
Watching Noh in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
PokéPark Kanto Set to Open in Spring 2026
Tokyo -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
7
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
Culture -
8
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
9
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
3
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
7
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
8
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
9
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto