10 Most Beautiful Lakes In Japan That Gives A Nature A Wonderful Twist: Japan is a place famous for its immense population and its natural beauty.
Tourists come from around the world to visit beautiful mountains, amusement parks, historical sites, and its picturesque landscape, which are almost always breathtaking.
The cuisine is delicious, people are friendly and the country always has a lot to see and do. Japan is without a doubt popular for many reasons. But the most striking reason is its lake.
There are hundreds of beautiful lakes in Japan that make it one of the great tourist destinations. If you visit during the cherry blossom season or any other season, the sight is absolutely breathtaking.
10 Best Japan Lakes
We present you the 10 most beautiful lakes in Japan that are must visit in the country considering its beauty and cultural heritage:
1. Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is located on Mt. Fuji and is known to be World Heritage site. It’s one of the most famous lakes in Japan. The lake is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and on the fourth side lies the Mt. Fuji which towers over everything.
When the weather is good enough, the reflection of Mt. Fuji is seen in this lake.
It is actually called ‘Reverse Fuji’ and it is one of the most beautiful places where you can come across. You can experience all the seasons here.
The Cherry blossoms in spring, in the Summer green forests where you can participate in various sports, the fall leaves in Autumn and snow-covered peak in Winter.
The best time to see the Reverse Fuji is during Winter.
Where To Find: Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, Yagizaki Park, Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge, Nagasaki Park, Kawaguchiko Herb Studio, Momiji Tunnel, Lake Kawaguchi Kitahara Museum Happy Days, Kawaguchiko Natural Loving Centre, Lake Kawaguchi Konohana Museum, Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, Chureito Pagoda, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.
2. Goshiki-Numa (The five colored lakes)
These volcanic lakes are situated in Ura-Bandai district and these different lakes have their individual names and color. The interesting thing that makes this place so beautiful and mysterious is – the color of the lakes here continue to change according to the season.
You can go to the ponds to experience green forests here. If you go during Autumn, you will find beautiful leaves falling in the emerald green ponds.
Where To Find: Japan 966-0400, Fukushima Prefecture
Nearby Attractions: Mt. Bandai Eruption Museum, Bandai Kogen, Morohashi Museum of Modern Art,
3. Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is one of the largest lakes in Japan that comes before Lake Kasumigaura and dates back millions of years ago. Lake Biwa Japan can be found in Shiga Prefecture and has numerous small towns and cities nearby.
If you go to water, you’ll be able to get a wonderful view of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding mountains.
Biwa is a musical instrument and lake looks like the shape of the instrument. Since this is a freshwater lake, you can find plenty of freshwater fish including trout and much more.
The cities surrounding the lake are filled with temples, palaces, onsen, (a hot spring in Japan, often accompanies bathing facilities with it) and resorts.
Where To Find: West Central Honshu, Shiga Prefecture
Nearby Attractions: Sakai Shrine, Ryosha Shrine, Tonan-Ji Temple, Ruins of Sakamoto Castle, Junsho-Ji Temple, Hiyoshi Taisha, Ryusen-Ji Temple, Chozen-Ji Temple, Sakamoto Cable, Raigo-Ji Temple, Hieizan Enryaku-Ji Temple, Kyu Chikurinin Garden.
4. Lake Chuzenji (Nikko)
This lake is one of the most popular lakes in Japan near Tokyo. Lake Nico is located in the mountains right above the town of Nikko. If you go during the Summer season, you can really have a great look here at Western history.
There are several of those buildings surrounding the lake here. Many people usually visit this place to experience the best of Nikko which is a great Summer resort.
At the time of Summers, the lake keeps the atmosphere calm and cool and in the Autumn the scene is absolutely amazing. You can find the best view from Chuzenji Skyline, which is a bridge that is free to use.
Where To Find: Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1661, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Nikko National Park, Tobu Chuzenjiko Cruise, Chuzenji Dam, Kegon Falls, Tochigi Prefectural Nikko Natural Science Museum, Nikko Futarasan Jinja Chugushi Shrine, Chuzenji Temple, Italian Embassy House Memorial Park, Akechidaira Observation Area, Irohazaka Route, Mt. Nantai, Nishi Rokuban Garden, British Embassy Villa Memorial Park, Akechidaira Ropeway, Kammangafuchi Gorge, Ryuzu Waterfall, Yudaki Falls, Taiyuimbyo Shrine, Nikko Tosho-gu, Senjogahara Field, Yomeimon (Main Gate), Yunoko Lake, Takinoo Shrine.
5. Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is one of the largest lakes out of the five located on Mt. Fuji. Since the lake is cool around the mountain, the Yamanaka resort is set up with many homes and hotels.
The lake is known for recreational activities which can be performed here.
You can take a bicycle and ride around the lake or go for windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, fishing or sailing.
If you visit in Summer, it would be the best time for a boat ride. If you go during the Winter, you can try fishing by making a hole in the snow.
Where To Find: Yamanaka, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Nagaike Shinsui Park, Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park, Yamanakako Onsen Benifujinoyu, Chureito Pagoda, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, Yamanakasuwa Shrine, Hanano Miyako Park Furara, Oshino Hakkai, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Lake Yamanaka Community Plaza Kirara, Hirano Lake Shore.
6. Lake Kasumigaura
Lake Kasumigaura is known to be the second largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa. Although the lake was mostly used by fishing industries, now, it became a very popular tourist destination.
It’s a good idea to spend Summer here because you can take several boats or vessels out on the water to explore.
There is a vessel called ‘Hobikubune’ where you may fly for a perfect vacation. Other than facilities like lodging and air conditioning.
The vessels also have their own hot springs or Onsens, which are definitely artificial, but still, work well. The city is nearby where you can see beautiful gardens, parks, and aquariums.
Where To Find: Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Kasumigaura Aquarium, Kasumigaura City Ayumizaki Park, Tayasu Shrine, Yukiiri Petting Park, Fujimitsuka Kofun Park, Kasumigaura City Folk Museum.
7. Shiretoko Five Lakes
The lakes in combination are known as Shiretoko Lake and are located in Hokkaido. They are surrounded by lush forests and the Shiretoko mountains.
If you want to experience the best of nature then you won’t be disappointed with all the colorful vegetation and creatures out there.
You can take a wooden boardwalk that runs up to 800 meters and takes you to the shores of one lake or if you are feeling adventurous you can take a route to the beautiful nature surrounding you!
If you are going during the Brown Bear season, it is advisable to take a guide with you. If you go during the winter, the boardwalk will be closed so that you can experience wildlife closer.
Where To Find: Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido, 099-4110, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Furepe Waterfall, Shiretoko Highway, Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall.
8. Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu is one of the five lakes on Mount. Fuji and one of the deepest. It is known for hiking, camping, fishing, sailing, and other spots. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan and also in the world.
The lake is so popular because it has been shown on the opposite side of the 1000 yen bill. Although it’s difficult to get to the lake, it is definitely worth it.
The area around the lake is underdeveloped, but you can still get many campsites around the coasts and still have many opportunities for water sports and other fun activities. It is one of the popular lakes in Japan.
Where To Find: Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Excursion Monte Fuji Y Lagos, Ryugatake, Fujigoko Kisen – Lake Motosu, Aokigahara Forest, Lake Shoji, Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba, Saiko Lake, Lake Tanuki, Nakanokura Pass Observation Point, Asagiri Plateau, Ryujin Pond, Motosuko Tourist Information Center, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Fugaku Wind Cave, Michi-no-Eki Asagiri Kogen, Narusawa Ice Cave, Asagiri Food Park, Jimba Waterfalls, Saiko Bat Cave, Fujiten Snow Resort.
9. Lake Tagokura
Also See: List Of 17 Most Weird And Beautiful Lakes Around The World
This lake is one of the best lakes in Japan near Tokyo. It was built from Tagokura dam and is popular due to its size and beauty with changing seasons.
If you head towards the top of the dam, you can see a great view of the lake downstream. If you go backward, you’ll get a wonderful view of Mt. Asakusadaki and Mt.Gamoudaki which form a part of the three mountains of Tadami.
Ice onMt. Asakusadki will still exist and it reminds the tourists of the Swiss Alps. You can roam, go hiking or cycle around the lake and the area. a boat to head upstream.
You can also go fishing at the docks or take a boat to head upstream. The area is closed during winters, but it opens again at the beginning of spring where you can see beautiful flora and fauna.
Where To Find: Tagokura, Tadami, Miniamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Kawai Tsuginosuke Memorial, Oshio Onsen Public Bath, Oshio Natural Carbonated Water.
10. Lake Tazawa
Also Read: Most Beautiful Lakes Are On Its Way To Stun You Anyway
It is one of the deepest lakes in Japan. It is found in Akita Prefecture and the area is still glued to a rustic charm. Due to the breathtaking view of Mount Akita-Komagatech, the lake is popular amongst the visitors which is located nearby.
Tourists come here to visit the Onsen Resorts nearby and participate in sports here. You can go skiing or take a sightseeing boat on the water. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
There are also pleasure boats where you can enjoy some luxury amenities while sailing. At the west of the lake, there’s a golden statue located in the memory of a local girl who was cursed and became a dragon.
Where To Find: Semboku, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Nearby Attractions: Statue of Tatsuko, Kansagu Ukiki Shrine, Katamaeyama Forest Park, Murakko Commercial Museum, Dakigaeri Valley, Gozanoishi Shrine, Samurai District, Mt. Akita Komagatake, Kakunodate, Ishiguro Samurai House, Omoide no Katabunko, Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, Tsuru no Yu Onsen, Hinokinaigawa Kasen Ryokuchi.
Best Time To Visit: Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) are usually the ideal months to visit Japan.