Best Lakes in Japan
Japanese Lakes You’ll Want on Your Travel Bucket List
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Japan’s lakes showcase an extraordinary range of landscapes shaped by nature’s forces and layered with history. High-altitude caldera lakes come alive with autumn’s vibrant colors, while some of the clearest waters reflect volcanic peaks and surrounding forests. Each lake offers something different, some draw you in with scenic trails through wooded paths, others provide expansive views from mountain lookouts, while a few are perfect for quiet retreats beside calm waters.
With beaches, hot springs, and traditional inns by the shore, these lakes draw travelers in for both their beauty and the outdoor experiences they offer. Visiting these lakes opens up endless opportunities to experience Japan’s diverse natural scenery, capturing the varied terrains and seasonal beauty that make each visit unique.
1. Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu (摩周湖) in Hokkaido is famous for its mesmerizing clarity, often considered among the clearest in the world, and for its signature “Mashu Blue,” a deep blue hue unique to this caldera lake. Shaped by volcanic activity, the lake has remained largely untouched, creating a natural setting with an aura of mystery. Mist often gathers above the water’s surface, giving Lake Mashu a sense of almost mythical seclusion.
There are no direct paths down to the lake to preserve its pristine nature, so visitors take in its beauty from carefully positioned observation points. Early mornings can be especially captivating when low-hanging fog shrouds the lake in a veil, with the sun breaking through to reveal the rich blue waters beneath.
2. Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu
Within the boundaries of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu offer two distinct but complementary experiences. Lake Toya (洞爺湖) is a nearly circular caldera lake bordered by Mount Usu, an active volcano, and is known for its mild climate and calm waters. The area is also home to numerous onsen, where travelers can soak in hot springs while gazing out over Toya’s expansive waters.
See also: Lake Toya Onsen: Best View Onsen Town in Hokkaido
Just a short drive away, Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖) boasts some of Japan’s clearest waters, fed by an underground spring from nearby glaciers. Known for its striking transparency, Shikotsu is a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottomed boat rides, activities that provide a unique perspective on the lake’s crystalline depths.
More info: Lake Shikotsu: The Most Transparent Lake in Hokkaido
3. Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) in Akita Prefecture holds the title of Japan’s deepest lake, plunging over 400 meters below the surface, and is known for its vibrant blue color, which changes hue with the seasons and lighting. Its striking color is most vivid during summer and fall when the surrounding greenery or autumn foliage contrasts sharply with the lake’s depth.
Visitors often stop at the iconic bronze statue of Tatsuko, a legendary figure said to have transformed into a dragon to achieve eternal beauty, adding a mythical layer to Tazawa’s allure. The lake is surrounded by hot springs, which provide scenic relaxation spots after a day of exploration.
4. Lake Chuzenji
Located within the famed Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture, Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖) sits at an impressive elevation of 1,269 meters, making it one of Japan’s highest natural lakes. Created by volcanic activity from nearby Mount Nantai, Chuzenji boasts a rugged yet tranquil beauty, framed by lush forests and, in autumn, a blaze of red and gold foliage.
Visitors can enjoy the lake’s picturesque landscape from the shoreline or via leisurely cruises. Nearby, the majestic Kegon Falls plunges dramatically from a height of 97 meters, adding a scenic landmark to the area. Its seasonal landscapes, nearby historical sites, and convenient access to Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples, make Lake Chuzenji an ideal spot for travelers interested in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
5. Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖), located in the popular hot spring region of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, is famous for its scenic views of Mount Fuji on clear days and its cultural significance as part of the historic Tokaido route. Visitors can take a boat ride on traditional-looking pirate ships or cruise liners, enjoying panoramic views of the lake’s gentle waters framed by lush hills.
Hakone Shrine, with its iconic torii gate standing at the lake’s edge, is another popular attraction, both for its spiritual significance and a photo-worthy view. Lake Ashi’s convenient access from Tokyo, combined with its iconic views of Fuji, boat cruises, and rich historical landmarks, makes it one of Japan’s most versatile lake destinations for sightseeing.
More info: Lake Ashi: Hakone’s Best Autumn Leaves Spots
6. The Fuji Five Lakes
The Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖) — Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and Motosu — form a scenic ring around the northern base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, each one with distinct views of Japan’s most iconic peak. Among the five, Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖) is the most developed for tourism, with easy access to hotels, hot springs, and viewpoints like the Chureito Pagoda, which frames Fuji in perfect symmetry.
Lake Motosu (本栖湖), known for its pristine waters and quieter atmosphere, inspired the design on Japan’s former ¥1,000 bill. Lake Sai (西湖) and Lake Shoji (精進湖) have a more rugged, secluded appeal, ideal for camping and hiking, while Lake Yamanaka (山中湖), the largest, is a popular spot for various water sports. Together, the Fuji Five Lakes are a captivating mix of accessibility and wild beauty, inviting travelers to experience Fuji’s changing faces from various vantage points.
More info: Fuji Five Lakes: Best Photo Spots of Mt.Fuji!!
7. Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) in Shiga Prefecture is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, spanning over 670 square kilometers. Located near Kyoto, Biwa has been a crucial water source for centuries, supporting diverse wildlife and a vibrant fishing culture. Along its shoreline are historic sites like the scenic Shirahige Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, Ishiyama-dera, which inspired literary works, and Chikubu Island, a mystical islet said to house a powerful deity.
Water sports, cruises, and cycling paths offer numerous ways to explore Biwa’s vast expanse, while Omi Hachiman and other towns along the shore preserve old merchant houses and scenic canals. Lake Biwa’s extensive size means that each area has a unique character, making it a versatile destination that balances relaxing spots with historical and cultural experiences.
More info: Lake Biwa: the Largest Lake in Japan
8. Lake Towada
Straddling the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures, Lake Towada (十和田湖) is a striking caldera lake known for its emerald green waters and the surrounding forested cliffs, which burst into fiery colors in autumn. This scenic lake is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, with access to the iconic Oirase Gorge, where clear waters and waterfalls make for one of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails.
Visitors can enjoy boat cruises that reveal the lake’s vastness, explore the small islands within it, or relax at nearby onsen. The Towada Shrine, set in the lush forest near the lake, adds a layer of spiritual calm to the area. Particularly popular during the autumn foliage season, Lake Towada’s combination of natural beauty, hiking trails, and tranquil surroundings create a compelling escape that feels both wild and welcoming.
9. Lake Inawashiro
Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖) in Fukushima Prefecture is Japan’s fourth-largest lake, often called “Sky Mirror Lake” for its mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects Mount Bandai on clear days. The lake is a popular year-round destination, with summer offering beach activities and water sports, while winter transforms it into a spot for swan watching as migratory birds flock to its shores.
Inawashiro’s proximity to historical towns and onsen resorts like Bandai Atami adds to its appeal, making it a convenient base for exploring both natural and cultural attractions. The lake’s clear waters are also famously clean, thanks to the natural filtration by surrounding forests, making it a pleasant spot for swimming.
10. Lake Okushima
Located in Gunma Prefecture, Lake Okushima (奥四万湖) is a man-made lake with a striking turquoise color, affectionately called “Shima Blue” for its unique hue. The lake is part of the larger Shima Onsen area, a historic hot spring town that has drawn visitors for centuries, and today offers a mix of retro charm and scenic tranquility.
Known for its clean, spring-fed waters, Okushima attracts nature lovers and photographers looking to capture its unusual color, especially stunning under clear skies. Nearby trails are a good opportunity for peaceful walks around the lake, and kayaking allows visitors to experience the bright blue waters up close.
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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