Lake Utonai, a blue gem on the island of Hokkaido 北海道のウトナイ湖

Lake Utonai

Lake Utonai

Flick/ snakecats

A birder's paradise in northern Japan

Located an hour and a half from Sapporo, Lake Utonai is a small blue pearl lost in the middle of the Hokkaido countryside. Its 275 hectares and 9 kilometers in circumference, the lake is not only one of the last vestiges of the second largest marshland in Japan, but also one of the largest nature reserves for migratory birds in the country. Discover more about this unique and little known lake.

Located in the middle of the Hokkaido countryside, it is surrounded by forests and small rivers. An undeniable charm, which adds a little je ne sais quoi to its marshy expanses.

With 275 hectares of water, 9 kilometers in circumference, the lake is one of the last vestiges of the Yufutsu-genya wetland, the second largest wetland in Japan just after the Kushiro Shitsugen also located on Hokkaido Island.

The Bibi-gawa river a stone's throw from Lake Utonai

The Bibi-gawa river a stone's throw from Lake Utonai

takarajima-travel.com

Lake Utonai, one of the largest wetlands in Japan

Lake Utonai, one of the largest wetlands in Japan

Flick/ takashi14111

Every year many species of ducks, geese and swans are among the 'regulars' who choose the lake as a base in Hokkaido. Also seen at the lake are unusual birds of prey species like the peregrine falcon and the white-tailed eagle, a species whose numbers are rising (the white-tailed eagle was categorized as 'extinct species' in some parts of Europe before being reintroduced).

White Tailed Eagle

White Tailed Eagle

Pixabay

A fox from Hokkaido

A fox from Hokkaido

Wikimédia

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