Milky turquoise water and steaming geothermal edge at Oyunuma Pond in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Mineral-rich waters and steaming geothermal activity at the edge of Oyunuma Pond in Noboribetsu.

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    Oyunuma Pond

    Water Feature

    Oyunuma Pond is a geothermal lake in Noboribetsu, formed by volcanic activity that heats the water and produces a mineral-rich surface. The pond sits within a shallow basin with steam rising from parts of the water. The composition resolves through contrast between the still surface and areas of visible steam.

    42.50257, 141.14725

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    Gallery

    Milky turquoise water and steaming geothermal edge at Oyunuma Pond in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Mineral-rich waters and steaming geothermal activity at the edge of Oyunuma Pond…

    Steam rising from the surface of Oyunuma Pond surrounded by autumn forest in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Steam drifting across the surface of Oyunuma Pond, a geothermal sulphur lake in …

    Elevated view of Oyunuma Pond with steaming sulphur water and surrounding volcanic slopes in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Elevated view over Oyunuma Pond, showing the steaming sulphur lake and surroundi…

    Wide view of Oyunuma Pond with steaming geothermal vents and mineral shoreline in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Wide view of Oyunuma Pond, showing the steaming sulphur lake and surrounding vol…

    Steam rising over milky sulphur water at Oyunuma Pond in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.

    Steam drifting across the surface of Oyunuma Pond, a geothermal sulphur lake in …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    5–15 min

    Elevation Gain

    20 m

    Best Light

    Overcast

    Diffuse light reduces glare on the water surface, allowing steam and surface detail to remain visible.

    Why This Light

    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer reveals the full extent of the pond with visible geothermal activity and open water. Winter introduces snow and colder air, increasing the visibility of steam rising from the surface.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Access is via marked walking paths around the pond; movement is limited to designated areas due to geothermal hazards.

    Photography Notes

    The pond reads through contrast between still water and rising steam, with position controlling how steam aligns across the surface. Slight movement changes how clearly steam separates from the background and affects visibility of the water surface. Framing should maintain separation between the pond edge and surrounding terrain to keep the structure clear.
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