Onuma Quasi National Park by Land and Water

✘ Hakodate, Japan • April 12, 2024

⌖ From Volcanic Lakes to Wine Tastings in Hokkaido’s Heartland

Our excursion began at the historic Hakodate Cruise Port, a site of monumental significance in Japan’s maritime history. Established as the nation’s first international port during the shogunate era, which spanned from 1603 to 1868, this port marks the place where Japan first opened its doors to the outside world.

⟳ Journey Through the Ring of Fire

From there, our journey took us on a scenic 35-minute drive, weaving through the diverse landscapes that characterize this unique region. The route to Onuma Quasi-National Park offered views of lush greenery and rugged terrain, a testament to its location on the cusp of the “Ring of Fire.” This geologically active area, which encircles the Pacific Ocean, is known for its high volcanic activity and is home to most of the world’s earthquakes.

① Exploring Onuma Quasi National Park

As we approached Onuma Quasi-National Park, the scene before us grew increasingly majestic. Located on the outskirts of Hakodate, this park is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and geological richness. It acts as a portal to the volcanic marvels of Hakodate, showcasing an array of both active and dormant volcanoes, alongside numerous hot springs and spots of geothermal activity. The park itself sprawls across a verdant area, dotted with both expansive and smaller lakes, all products of its volcanic past.

② Lake Onuma Cruise

Around noon, our guide, Roy, led us to the Onuma Yusen tour boats. The boat we boarded, while modest in design, was similar to the pontoon boats commonly found on tranquil lakes and rivers in the United States, making it perfect for smoothly navigating the calm waters of Lake Onuma.

Ecological Wonders of Lake Onuma

As we began our cruise, Roy explained that despite the lake’s acidic conditions, it supports a rich ecosystem. Lake Onuma is a haven for diverse waterfowl and the majestic white-tailed eagle, both of which thrive in this unique environmental setting.

Encountering the Majestic Volcano

As we journeyed through the serene landscape of Onuma Quasi-National Park, scattered with picturesque islands, one sight stood out dramatically: Mount Komagatake. This active volcano, rising imposingly to the north, significantly enhanced the visual allure of the lake. Its stark, volcanic beauty was so striking that we found ourselves constantly capturing images, each photo aiming to encapsulate its commanding presence. This aspect of our trip added a deep layer of awe, making the experience truly memorable.

③ Hiking the Shimaneguri-no-Michi Trail

After a delightful hour on the lake, our adventure continued on foot. We embarked on the Shimaneguri-no-Michi trail, also lovingly called “Blue Path #2.” This trail intricately winds through Onuma Quasi-National Park and connects seven unique micro-islands via elegantly designed Japanese footbridges. Each bridge ushered us into a new island retreat, where tranquility and natural beauty reigned supreme.

Cultural and Natural Observations

The islands boasted a lush display of flora, thriving in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil that defines the area. Our path from one island to the next brought us face-to-face with ancient religious icons—quiet yet powerful reminders of the region’s spiritual history. Nestled among the greenery or perched beside the waters, these sacred spots offered peaceful retreats for reflection, deepening our appreciation for the area’s cultural heritage.

Alongside the path, the ecosystem vibrated with life; fish glided just beneath the water’s surface, their smooth movements adding a serene layer to our walk. This blend of vibrant natural life and the thoughtfully arranged trail transformed our hike into a profound engagement with the environment, elevating it beyond a mere physical activity to a deeply immersive experience.

④ Leisure Time at Tamura Souvenir Store

After completing our hike, we stopped by a quaint local shop where our group engaged in some traditional Japanese cultural shopping. Many of us chose exquisitely crafted crafts, while others delighted in sampling various flavors of Japanese ice cream, a perfect treat for a warm sunny day.

⑤ Visit to Hakodate Wine Company

Our journey continued with a visit to the Hakodate Wine Company, located in the fertile area of Nanae near Onuma Quasi-National Park in Hokkaido. The owner shared that although the winery is in a region known for its rich soils, they primarily import grapes from France and Germany. This practice of using international grapes allows them to craft distinctive wines that blend global winemaking traditions with local techniques.

Wine Tasting and Sustainability

The winery prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, employing eco-friendly methods that minimize environmental impact. During our visit, we tasted a variety of wines, including a special Red Sweet Wine named “Shibarezukuri,” which offered a delightful departure from our usual white wine preference, providing a rich and indulgent tasting experience.

Our experience at the winery became unexpectedly personal when a technical glitch with the wine dispensing machines occurred. Instead of a self-serve tasting, the owner personally served our wine, enhancing the intimacy and engagement of our visit. This act of hospitality not only made our experience more memorable but also demonstrated the winery’s dedication to exceptional service.

Concluding with Japanese Hospitality

As our tour concluded, the owner’s gesture of escorting us to our coach and ensuring our departure was a reflection of Japan’s renowned tradition of meticulous courtesy and attentiveness, leaving us with a lasting impression of genuine hospitality.

⟲ Return to Pier and Inspirational Stories

As we journeyed back to the pier, our guide, Roy, took the opportunity to share reflections that deepened our connection to the region. He spoke eloquently about Dr. William Smith Clark, an influential figure whose contributions to education and personal development have left an indelible mark on Hokkaido. His rallying cry, “Boys, be ambitious,” continues to inspire a spirit of perseverance and excellence in the region, resonating through generations and across cultural boundaries.

Local Snacks and Practical Tips

During the drive, Roy also introduced us to ‘onme-e-ne,’ a popular local snack known for its convenience and ubiquity in Japanese convenience stores. He demonstrated the correct way to open the snack’s unique packaging, providing us with practical tips to appreciate this quick treat on our own, a perfect blend of cultural insight and everyday practicality.

Concluding Thoughts

As our bus came to a stop at the pier and we prepared to reboard our ship, the conversations of the day left us with a richer understanding of Hokkaido’s heritage and the nuanced details of its local life. Stepping off the bus, we felt a profound connection to the land and its people, carrying with us memories of a journey that was as educational as it was picturesque.

☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• Nature Seekers: Scenic lake views beneath Mount Komagatake.
• Active Travelers: Gentle hike linking seven islands.
• Cultural Explorers: Local crafts and wine tasting in Nanae.
• Photography Fans: Reflections, bridges, and volcanic vistas.
• Wildlife Watchers: Waterfowl and white-tailed eagles around Lake Onuma.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Onuma Quasi National Park by Land and Water
• Cruise Line/Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line — Norwegian Jewel
• Cruise Port: Hakodate, Japan
• Total Duration: 5 hours
• Main Stops: Onuma Park, Lake Onuma Cruise, Shimaneguri-no-Michi Trail, Tamura Store, Hakodate Wine Company
• Drive-By Highlights: Rural villages, Mount Komagatake vistas

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: 4,000 steps (2 mi / 3.2 km)
• Terrain: Paved paths, boardwalks, wooden bridges
• Accessibility: Easy to Moderate — some uneven surfaces on trail
• Meals Included: None (formal meal not included; snack stop optional)

Excursion Disclaimer: Descriptions of shore excursions on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the cruise lines or tour providers mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

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