Tomakomai
A major distribution and traffic hub, Tomakomai offers
access to land, sea and air.
Hotels
Tomakomai Prince Hotel
A full-fledged city hotel, offering a restaurant, various banquet halls and wedding facilities. Popular with both business travelers and tourists alike for its relaxed atmosphere, convenience and reasonable rates.
Sightseeing Information
Mt. Tarumae
Located at 1,041m and part of the Nasu Volcanic Zone, Mt. Tarumae is an active and exceedingly rare and academically important volcano who's lava dome is a designated Hokkaido Natural Monument. A local symbol of the area, the mountain is popular as an easy hike with student and citizen groups, with easy access to the 7th base station by car. Hikers can enjoy the more than 20 varieties of alpine plants that grow along the trail from the 7th base station to the top, including Alpine Beardtongue, Lingonberry and Rhododendron, as well as small wildflowers in bloom from May through October.
Access
Exit the Hokkaido Expressway at the Chitose Interchange and turn left onto National Route 36. After roughly 1km, turn left onto Hokkaido Route 16 (Lake Shikotsu Sky Road) and follow for the next 20km. Take National Route 276 towards Kutchan for 4km, then turn left onto Hokkaido Route 141 for Morappu. After 3km, take the right fork and travel a further 3km to the 7th base station parking lot.
Lake Utonai
Established as Japan's first sanctuary for wild birds by the Wild Bird Society of Japan in May of 1981, Lake Utonai serves as a place where it's many visitors can deepen their relationship with nature. Furthermore, an area of nearly 510ha, including the lake itself and surrounding marshes, was designated as Japan's 4th registered wetland under the Ramsar Convention in December of 1991. Located on the northern part of the Yufutsu Plain, although the area is backed by an industrial area, it is home to 257 confirmed bird species and has become one of the best and important stopover and wintering areas in Japan for migratory birds. As the ice of winter begins to melt from March through the beginning of April, the lake and surround area are at their most crowded, with flocks of waterfowl making the journey back north.
Wild Bird Society of Japan Utonai-ko Wildlife Conservation Center
Address: Uenae 150-3, Tomakomai-shi
Map
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, National Holidays & 12/26 – 1/1
Tel: 0144-58-2505
Admission: Free
