Happy June! In Japan, June is also known as Minazuki (水無月) or the month of water, so what better way to celebrate the month of water than by exploring a body of water?
Japan is a country renowned for its natural beauty, boasting numerous lakes that provide breathtaking views, fascinating legends, and opportunities for recreation. Among these, the lakes of Eastern Japan are especially beautiful, each with its unique charm and story. In this article, let’s dive into eight scenic lakes in this region!
① Lake Suwa, Nagano Prefecture
Located in the heart of Nagano Prefecture (長野県) and surrounded by mountains on all sides, Lake Suwa (諏訪湖 Suwako) is the largest lake in the prefecture. Think it looks familiar? Lake Suwa is said to be the inspiration for the lake in Your Name (君の名は。 Kimi no Na wa), Shinkai Makoto’s popular animated film!
There are also many hot spring (温泉 onsen) hotels around the lake, which offer fantastic views of Lake Suwa and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also take sightseeing cruises or pedal boats to explore the lake. Nearby the lake is Suwa Grand Shrine (諏訪大社 Suwa Taisha), one of Japan’s oldest shrines, which makes for a great visit.
Lake Suwa (諏訪湖)
Nearest station: JR Kami-Suwa Station (上諏訪駅)
Access: The shores of Lake Suwa are a 10-minute walk from JR Kami-Suwa Station
② Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Next up, we have one of Japan’s most well-known lakes: Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchiko) in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県). The lake’s calm waters reflect the majestic Mount Fuji, creating a picture-perfect scene that attracts millions of tourists each year.
One of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi and its surrounding areas offer some of the most spectacular views of Mount Fuji (富士山 Fujisan), Japan’s most iconic mountain. Popular activities around the lake include boating, fishing, and camping.
Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖)
Nearest station: Fujikyu Railway Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
Access: The shores of Lake Kawaguchi are a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station
③ Lake Ashi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Speaking of Mount Fuji, another lake from which you can enjoy views of Japan’s highest peak is Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖 Ashinoko) in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii (鳥居) gate standing in the water, adds to the lake’s allure.
Formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone, Lake Ashi is a crater lake that is a popular destination for boat cruises, in particular that one that looks like a pirate ship. The area around Lake Ashi is also famous for its hot springs, museums, and hiking trails, making it a popular day trip from Tokyo.
Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖)
Nearest station: JR Odawara Station (小田原駅)
Access: Lake Ashi is a 50-minute bus ride from JR Odawara Station
④ Lake Towada, Aomori Prefecture & Akita Prefecture
Straddling the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures, Lake Towada (十和田湖 Towadako) is the largest caldera lake on Honshu, Japan’s main island. Formed by volcanic activity, the lake is known for its deep blue waters and rugged, forested shores, and is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
The best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Towada is by riding the 50-minute sightseeing boat cruise that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes, especially during autumn, when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and yellow. The lake drains into the picturesque Oirase Stream (奥入瀬渓流), which is a must-visit in the area.
Lake Towada (十和田湖)
Nearest station: JR Hachinohe Station (八戸駅)
Access: Lake Towada is a 2-hour bus ride from JR Hachinohe Station
⑤ Lake Chuzenji, Tochigi Prefecture
Heading over to Nikko National Park, we have Japan’s highest natural lake: Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖 Chūzenjiko). Formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Nantai over 20,000 years ago, Lake Chuzenji is famous for its tranquil beauty, and sits at 1,269m above sea level.
In particular, a sight not to be missed is the nearby Kegon Falls (華厳の滝 Kegon-no-taki), one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls, which cascades dramatically from the lake. Lake Chuzenji is surrounded by lush forests that offer picturesque views, especially during the autumn season. Boating, fishing, and lakeside promenades are popular activities here, and the area is also rich in cultural heritage, with several significant shrines and temples like the Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖)
Nearest station: JR Nikko Station (日光駅)
Access: Lake Chuzenji is a 45-minute bus ride from JR Nikko Station
⑥ Lake Tazawa, Akita Prefecture
Next up, we have Japan’s deepest lake: Lake Tazawa (田沢湖 Tazawako), located in Akita Prefecture (秋田県). With a depth of 423m, this caldera lake is known for its stunning, deep blue waters, which never freeze. One of the most iconic sights at Lake Tazawa is the golden statue of Tatsuko, a local girl who turned into a dragon and sank to the bottom.
From this spot, you can see the majestic Mount Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ケ岳), one of Akita Prefecture’s highest mountains, across the lake. The lake’s surroundings offer numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful seasonal scenery, from delicate cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage in fall. During summer, you can enjoy water sports and activities like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), pedal boating, swimming, and more.
Lake Tazawa (田沢湖)
Nearest station: JR Tazawako Station (田沢湖駅)
Access: Lake Tazawa has three bus stops: Tazawa-kohan, Goza-no-ishi, and Katajiri. The Tazawa-kohan Bus Stop on the eastern shore is a 12-minute bus ride from Tazawako Station
⑦ Lake Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture
Heading over to Fukushima Prefecture (福島県), we have Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖 Inawashiroko), a large freshwater lake. Known as the “Heavenly Mirror Lake” (天鏡湖 Tenkyūko), Lake Inawashiro is the fourth largest lake in Japan, and is renowned for its exceptionally clear waters, which provide stunning reflections of the surrounding landscapes.
The lake is also famous for the beautiful migratory swans that visit the lake during winter. In summer, Lake Inawashiro is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and more. Visitors can also take sightseeing cruises to enjoy views around the lake.
Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖)
Nearest station: JR Inawashiro Station (猪苗代駅)
Access: Lake Inawashiro is a 10-minute bus ride from JR Inawashiro Station
⑧ Urabandai Lake District, Fukushima Prefecture
Finally, rounding up this article is not just one lake, but a collection of lakes: Urabandai (裏磐梯). Located not far from Lake Inawashiro, Urabandai is known as the “Lake District” (湖沼の国) of Japan, and features dozens of breathtaking volcanic lakes and ponds, as well as impressive views of the iconic Mount Bandai. Did you know? Much of Urabandai’s scenery that is enjoy today was only created around 130 years ago, when Mount Bandai violently erupted in 1888.
The most famous of Urabandai’s lakes are undoubtedly Goshikinuma (五色沼), a group of otherworldly, colourful ponds, and Lake Hibara (檜原湖), Urabandai’s largest lake. The area offers numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant waters. Urabandai is also a popular spot for bird watching, fishing, and photography, and provides a serene retreat into nature.
Urabandai (裏磐梯)
Nearest station: JR Inawashiro Station (猪苗代駅)
Access: The Goshikinuma Iriguchi Bus Stop is a 30-minute bus ride from JR Inawashiro Station
Have a water-ful time exploring Eastern Japan’s lakes
More than just bodies of water, lakes are windows into Japan’s geological history and natural beauty. From the deep blue waters of Lake Tazawa to the otherworldly colours of the lakes at Urabandai, each lake offers a unique experience. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, lakes provide the perfect backdrops for exploration and discovery, and are shore to be perfect for your next trip to Japan!
Header image credit: 福島県観光復興推進委員会, Aomori Prefecture, Akita Prefecture, Carissa Loh
