Lakes in Japan: A Complete Indian Traveler’s Guide to Lakeside Beauty

Japan offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, with its many lakes providing some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. From crystal-clear crater lakes to massive freshwater bodies surrounded by mountains, lakes in Japan come in all shapes and sizes.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the top 10 lakes in Japan, including detailed information about entry fees, activities, nearby restaurants, and the best times to visit.

Whether you’re planning a summer adventure or winter escape, you’ll find all the practical information to make your lakeside Japanese journey memorable.

1. Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture)

When looking for the grandest lakes to visit in Japan, Lake Biwa should top your list. This massive freshwater lake, shaped like a traditional Japanese lute (biwa), spans an impressive 235 kilometers of shoreline.

Located just northeast of Kyoto, it’s Japan’s oldest and largest lake, with a history stretching back 4 million years. For Indian visitors, it offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and recreational activities.

Highlights:

• Shirahige Shrine with its famous “floating” red torii gate standing in the water

• Chikubushima Island, considered sacred in Japanese mythology

• Omimaiko Beach, a white sandy shoreline perfect for summer swimming

• Kaizu Osaki, a 4 km pine-lined peninsula offering spectacular sunrise views

• Lake Biwa Museum, showcasing the lake’s 4-million-year history

Location: Central Shiga Prefecture, northeast of Kyoto city

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; specific attractions like Lake Biwa Museum charge ¥800 (approximately Rs. 450)

Timing: Accessible year-round; summer (July-August) is peak season for swimming

Activities: Cycling around the shoreline, swimming at designated beaches, boat cruises, fishing, visiting the floating torii gate, island hopping, museum visits, and cherry blossom viewing in spring

Nearby Restaurants:Biwako Shokudo, Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel Restaurant

Suggested Read: Japan Visa Photo Size Requirement & Specification Guide

2. Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Source: wikimedia

Lake Kasumigaura might sit in the shadow of more famous lakes in Japan, but this impressive water body is actually the country’s second-largest lake. The lake serves as an important resource for agriculture, fishing, and recreation for locals and tourists alike.

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 60 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, Kasumigaura consists of three connected lakes: Nishiura (the main body), Kitaura, and Sotonasakaura.

Highlights:

• Extensive wetland ecosystems supporting diverse bird populations

• Scenic cycling routes with dedicated lake-view paths

• Traditional fishing methods still practiced by local fishermen

• Annual Kasumigaura Marathon along picturesque lake shores

• Spectacular lotus flower blooms in summer

Location: Eastern Ibaraki Prefecture, spanning the areas around Tsuchiura, Kasumigaura, and Namegata cities

Entry Fee: Free access to public areas around the lake

Timing: Open year-round; late June to mid-July for lotus flowers, October-November for pleasant autumn weather

Activities: Bird watching, cycling, fishing, pleasure boat cruises, enjoying seasonal flower displays, photography, picnicking, hiking along surrounding trails, and water sports

Nearby Restaurants: Restaurant Shiosai, Kasumi Kitchen

Suggested Read: Japan Visa Rejection For Indians

3. Lake Saroma (Hokkaido)

Source: wikimedia

Lake Saroma represents one of the most unique lakes in Japan for picnics and outdoor activities. As Japan’s largest brackish lake (where fresh and saltwater mix), it’s connected to the Sea of Okhotsk by two channels.

The lake’s expansive shoreline stretches across eastern Hokkaido, offering Indian travelers a completely different Japanese landscape compared to the more visited central regions of the country.

Highlights:

• World-class scallop farming, producing some of Japan’s finest seafood

• Spectacular drift ice (ryuhyo) formations visible in winter

• Beautiful fields of lavender and other wildflowers surrounding the lake in summer

• Wakasaimo, a local sweet specialty shaped like the lake’s signature scallops

• A cycling path running along the scenic lakeshore

• Winter ice fishing experiences for adventurous travelers

• Stunning sunset views across the vast water surface

Location: Eastern Hokkaido coastline, between Saroma Town and Kitami City

Entry Fee: Free access to public areas

Timing: Open year-round; January-March for drift ice viewing, July-August for summer activities and wildflowers

Activities: Scallop tasting, seafood sampling, cycling, photography, drift ice walking tours in winter, birdwatching, sunset viewing, fishing, and boat rides

Nearby Restaurants: Northern Terrace Diner, Tokoro Scallops Fresh & Raw

Suggested Read: Japan Visa Extension for Indians

4. Lake Inawashiro (Fukushima Prefecture)

Known as the “Heavenly Mirror Lake” for its crystal-clear waters and mountain reflections, Lake Inawashiro ranks among the best lakes for photography in Japan. This massive water body in Fukushima Prefecture offers spectacular views of Mount Bandai reflected on its surface on calm days.

For Indian tourists seeking picturesque natural settings away from urban Japan, this lake provides countless photo opportunities.

Highlights:

• Spectacular reflections of Mount Bandai in the crystal-clear waters

• Winter habitat for thousands of migrating swans from Siberia

• Connection to Hideyo Noguchi, a famous bacteriologist born nearby

• Beautiful volcanic sand beaches along the eastern shore

• Aquamarine Inawashiro aquarium showcasing local freshwater species

• Clear mountain water with exceptional visibility

Location: Central Fukushima Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Bandai

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; some beach facilities charge parking fees (¥500-1,000, approximately Rs. 280-560)

Timing: Accessible year-round; summer (July-August) for swimming, winter (December-February) for swan viewing

Activities: Swimming at designated beaches, water sports, swan watching, photography, hiking around the lake, camping, fishing, and winter sports like ice fishing

Nearby Restaurants:Hero’s Diner, Inawashiro Original Beer Brewery

Suggested Read: How to Check Japan Visa Status Online for Indians

5. Lake Kussharo (Hokkaido)

Source: wikimedia

Lake Kussharo stands as Japan’s largest caldera lake, formed in the crater of an ancient volcano. Located within the stunning Akan-Mashu National Park in eastern Hokkaido, this lake offers one of the most unique bathing experiences found at any lakes in Japan.

The volcanic activity beneath the lake creates natural hot springs along its shores, including the famous “sunayu” sand baths, where visitors can dig their own hot spring foot baths.

Highlights:

• Natural hot spring beaches where you can create your own foot bath

• Winter gathering spot for hundreds of whooper swans in unfrozen areas

• Nakajima Island in the center, accessible during low water periods

• Spectacular panoramic views from Bihoro Pass lookout

• Wakoto Peninsula with active volcanic vents and steam rising from the ground

• Pristine forests surrounding the caldera rim

Location: Eastern Hokkaido, within Akan-Mashu National Park

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake area; some hot spring facilities charge small fees

Timing: Open year-round; winter (December-March) for swan viewing, summer (June-September) for hiking and hot springs

Activities: Hot spring bathing, swan watching, canoeing, camping, hiking around the lake, fishing, photography, cycling, winter activities like snowshoeing

Nearby Restaurants:Kussharo Genya Youth Guesthouse Restaurant, Suzume Diner & Bar

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6. Lake Shikotsu (Hokkaido)

Lake Shikotsu holds the title as one of the clearest lakes in Japan, with visibility extending up to 25 meters into its depths. The lake’s name comes from the indigenous Ainu word “shikot,” meaning “big depression” – a fitting description for this massive volcanic crater filled with exceptionally clear water.

Located in southwestern Hokkaido as part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this caldera lake stays mysteriously ice-free year-round despite Hokkaido’s frigid winters, thanks to its depth and volcanic heating from below.

Highlights:

• Extraordinarily clear blue waters with visibility up to 25 meters deep

• Annual Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival with illuminated ice sculptures

• Year-round ice-free waters despite Hokkaido’s cold climate

• Volcanic hot springs surrounding the lake

• Spectacular forest scenery with autumn colors reflected in the water

Location: Southwestern Hokkaido, within Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; boat cruises cost around ¥1,300 (approximately Rs. 730)

Timing: Open year-round; summer (June-September) for water activities, winter (late January-February) for the ice festival

Activities: Sightseeing boat cruises, scuba diving in the clear waters, hot spring bathing, hiking, camping, fishing, ice festival viewing, and cycling around the lake

Nearby Restaurants: Shikotsuko Restaurant, Mori no Uta

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7. Lake Tōya (Hokkaido)

Lake Tōya presents a perfect circle of blue water surrounded by volcanic mountains in southwestern Hokkaido. This caldera lake never freezes, a rarity in Hokkaido’s cold climate, thanks to volcanic heat from below.

The lake features a group of four islands collectively called Nakajima in its center, remnants of the original volcanic cone that collapsed to form this circular body of water. With Mount Usu, an active volcano, standing guard nearby, Lake Tōya offers some of the most dramatic scenery among lakes to visit in Japan.

Highlights:

• Nakajima islands in the center, accessible by sightseeing boats

• Spectacular nighttime fireworks displays held daily in summer

• Views of Mount Usu and the young Showa-shinzan lava dome

• High-quality hot springs surrounding the lake

• Mount Usu Ropeway offering panoramic views of the entire lake

• Year-round ice-free waters despite Hokkaido’s cold climate

• Hot springs resorts along the shoreline

Location: Southwestern Hokkaido, within Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; boat cruises to Nakajima islands cost around ¥1,500 (approximately Rs. 840)

Timing: Open year-round; summer (July-August) for best weather and nightly fireworks

Activities: Sightseeing boat cruises, hot spring bathing, hiking around the lake, visiting the volcano observatory, cycling, fishing, nightly fireworks viewing in summer

Nearby Restaurants: Wakasaimo, Lake Hill Farm

Suggested Read: Japan Visa for Indians

8. Lake Towada (Aomori/Akita Prefectures)

Source: wikimedia

Lake Towada stands as the largest crater lake on Japan’s main island of Honshu, straddling the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures.

This deep blue lake surrounded by steep forested slopes provides the best time to visit lakes in Japan during autumn, when the surrounding maple trees burst into brilliant reds and oranges. The reflections of autumn foliage on the calm water create some of Japan’s most spectacular natural scenes.

Highlights:

• Stunning autumn foliage reflecting in the deep blue waters

• The famous “Statue of Maidens” bronze sculpture at the lakeside

• Oirase Stream, a picturesque river flowing from the lake

• Yasumiya area with traditional shrines and viewing points

• Spectacular boat cruises showcasing the lake’s clear waters

• Dramatic crater walls rising around the lake

Location: Border of Aomori and Akita prefectures in the northern Tohoku region

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake area; sightseeing cruises cost around ¥1,400-1,700 (approximately Rs. 785-950)

Timing: Open year-round; autumn (mid-October to early November) for fall colors, summer (July-August) for pleasant temperatures

Activities: Sightseeing boat cruises, hiking trails, fishing, camping, photography, shrine visits, cycling, autumn leaf viewing, winter snow activities

Nearby Restaurants: Towada Prince Hotel restaurant, local Aomori cuisine establishments

Suggested Read: Japan in January

9. Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi Prefecture)

Source: wikimedia

Lake Chuzenji is one of the highest natural lakes in Japan, perched at an elevation of 1,269 meters. It was formed by volcanic activity from nearby Mount Nantai. The lake is located in Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture.

This beautiful mountain lake offers a cool and refreshing escape from the summer heat. Because of its pleasant climate, it became a popular retreat for foreign embassies in the early 20th century. For Indian visitors exploring Nikko’s famous shrines, Lake Chuzenji is a perfect additional stop.

Highlights:

• Historic summer retreats and former embassy villas along the shore

• Spectacular views of Mount Nantai reflected in the water

• Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls

• Four distinct seasons with cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn colors, and winter snow

• Beautiful hiking trails around the lake with various viewpoints

• British, Italian, and Belgian embassy villas open to the public

Location: Nikko National Park, Tochigi Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers north of Tokyo

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; Kegon Falls observation deck costs ¥570 (approximately Rs. 320)

Timing: Open year-round; autumn (mid-October to early November) for fall colors, summer (July-August) for comfortable temperatures

Activities: Boat cruises, hiking, visiting historical villas, waterfall viewing, photography, cycling around the lake, picnicking, winter activities

Nearby Restaurants: Lake Chuzenji Boat House Café, Sushi Kurosaki

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10. Lake Ashi (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Lake Ashi, also called Ashinoko, offers one of Japan’s most iconic views. You can see Mount Fuji rising beautifully beyond its blue waters. This volcanic crater lake is located in the popular resort area of Hakone. It sits at 723 meters above sea level.

The lake was formed about 3,000 years ago after an eruption of Mount Hakone. Over time, Lake Ashi has become a symbol of Hakone. It is also one of the most photographed landscapes in Japan. That’s why it is considered one of the best lakes for photography in Japan.

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days (best in winter mornings)

• Ornate replica pirate ships offering sightseeing cruises

• Hakone Shrine’s famous red torii gate at the water’s edge

• Numerous hot springs and resorts surrounding the lake

• Mount Hakone Ropeway providing aerial views of the entire lake area

Location: Hakone area, Kanagawa Prefecture, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo

Entry Fee: Free access to the lake; sightseeing cruises cost around ¥1,000-2,000 (approximately Rs. 560-1,120)

Timing: Open year-round; winter mornings (December-February) for clearest views of Mount Fuji

Activities: Sightseeing boat cruises, hot spring bathing, hiking, shrine visits, photography, ropeway rides, museum visits, shopping at lakeside boutiques

Nearby Restaurants: Hakone Akatsukian, Bakery & Table Hakone

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FAQs

How many lakes are in Japan?

Japan has around 600 natural lakes, ranging from small mountain ponds to large bodies like Lake Biwa. Most lakes formed through volcanic activity, while others resulted from tectonic shifts, river damming, or coastal processes.

Are the lakes in Japan man-made?

Most lakes in Japan are natural, like Lake Biwa, which is around 4 million years old. However, Japan also has many man-made reservoirs and dams for flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power.

What is the most beautiful lake in Japan?

Lake Mashu in Hokkaido is often considered the most beautiful lake in Japan for its deep blue color and clarity. Other favorites include Lake Ashi for Mount Fuji views, Lake Towada’s autumn colors, and Lake Biwa’s cultural charm.

Can you swim in the lakes in Japan?

Yes, is swimming allowed in Japan lakes is a common question—and the answer is yes at many lakes in summer. Popular spots like Biwa, Inawashiro, and Toya have designated beaches, though some lakes restrict swimming.

What is the best time to visit lakes in Japan?

The best time to visit lakes in Japan depends on your interests. Summer is great for swimming, autumn for colorful foliage, winter for swan migrations and ice festivals, and spring for cherry blossoms along lakeshores.

What activities can you do at the lakes in Japan?

Lakes in Japan offer swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, photography, camping, and hot spring bathing. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, water sports in summer, autumn foliage, and ice fishing or swan watching in winter.

Is there an entry fee for lakes in Japan?

Most entry fee for lakes in Japan is free for general access. However, some beaches, parks, or facilities may charge small fees. Activities like boat rides or museums cost around ¥500–2,000 (Rs. 280–1,120).

Are pets allowed at Japan’s lakes?

Pets are often allowed at lakes in Japan, especially in public picnic areas, if leashed. However, some beaches, parks, and nature reserves may restrict access. Always check local rules and clean up after pets.