Oyunuma

A Thermal Lake in Niseko

Chris Barnes Aug 05, 2013 - 1 min read

The bubbling water is surrounded by a thick mud ring that i wouldn't want to fall into

You can enjoy the thermal lake all year round

The surrounding walkway is fenced and provides great views of the lake and surrounding mountains

Extremely cold water pumping up out of the blue hole right beside the hot lake

There were many insects living on the surface of the pool

Thermal colors change around the lake, unfortunately the smell doesn't

Thick cracked mud on the outer edge of the lake

Oyunuma is a thermal lake located in the Niseko highlands on the outskirts of Rankoshi Town. The lake is approximately 50 meters in diameter, and features an extremely hot bubbling center with thick mud around the edges. There is a wooden walkway surrounding the lake allowing you to enjoy the strong smell of sulfur and touch the mud. Interestingly enough, you can view insects buzzing around and living on the surface of the lake despite it being 60º Celcius plus. On the other side of the walkway is a small clear water pool with a "blue hole" in the middle, pumping out extremely cold, clear water, right beside the extremely hot, mud pool. To access Oyunuma, take Hwy 58 from Kutchan, and make a left onto Hwy 66. Alternatively, take Hwy 207 from Rankoshi town.

Chris Barnes @chris.barnes

A little while ago i began exploring the world. I started in Japan, and after 29 countries of amazing adventures, i find myself back in Japan fully absorbed in its culture, its people and its beauty.