Lake Ōnuma, Sea relic lake in Wakkanai, Japan.
Lake Ōnuma is a freshwater body in Wakkanai at Japan's northernmost point, formed through geological processes from an ancient marine environment. The water and surrounding landscape bear the marks of this slow transformation.
Thousands of years ago, geological shifts and sedimentation slowly transformed an ancient sea into the freshwater lake that exists today. This change made the area a valuable resource for the people living in Japan's north.
Fishing traditions passed down through generations shape how local people relate to the lake today. These practices remain visible in daily routines along the waterside.
You can reach the lake by regional bus or private car, with parking available near the water's edge. Summer and early autumn offer the most stable weather for visits.
The water holds mineral traces that recall when it was once an ocean. These chemical marks tell the story of its slow evolution.
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