7 Lakes in Chiba worth your time

A historic artificial lake in Chiba featuring a scenic perimeter of cherry trees and a registered cultural property on its shore.

What it is

• An artificial lake in Togane City also known by the name Kosaiko.
• The lake was expanded in 1614 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• It covers 3.4 hectares with a total circumference of approximately 800 meters.
• The site of the former Togane Palace is now occupied by Togane High School.

What to see

• Approximately 300 cherry trees planted around the perimeter of the water.
• Hakkakutei is a registered tangible cultural property located on the lakeshore.
• Sannodai Park offers views overlooking the lake from a nearby hill.

When to go

• The Togane Cherry Blossom Festival is held every April.
• The Hakkako Boat Cup takes place from late August to early September.

Getting there

• The lake is located 500 meters west of JR Togane Station.

Read more about Hakkao-ko

A large lake and prefectural natural park in Chiba featuring a bird museum, seasonal festivals, and a major bridge.

What it is

• A designated Prefectural Natural Park spanning four cities in Chiba Prefecture.
• Part of the Tone River system used primarily for agricultural irrigation.
• A water body divided into northern and southern sections by land reclamation.
• A former site of poor water quality improved by a conveyance channel in 2000.

What to see

• The Abiko City Bird Museum located directly on the lakeshore.
• The Tega Ohashi Bridge which connects the central parts of the lake.
• The North Chiba Water Conveyance Channel infrastructure near the water.
• Expansive views of the remaining twenty percent of the original lake area.

When to go

• August for the large annual fireworks display held over the water.
• October to see or participate in the Tega Marsh Eco-Marathon.

Official site

www.city.abiko.chiba.jp

Read more about Lake Tega

A scenic lake and river system in Chiba featuring seasonal flower parks, boat tours, and a ten-kilometer cycling circuit.

What it is

• A body of water formed from sediment deposits of the Tone River.
• The central point of the Suigo Sixteen Islands in Katori City.
• A lake integrated with the first-class Yodaura River system.
• Three remaining lake-shaped areas from the former larger Lake Yoda.

What to see

• Suigo Sawara Ayame Park built on reclaimed land.
• A ten kilometer circuit road running along the lakeshore.
• Iris and lotus flowers blooming in the park areas.
• Traditional boat tours departing from the nearby Katozu Juni-kyo boarding point.

When to go

• Late spring to early summer for iris and lotus blossoms.

Getting there

• The lake area is situated around Juni-kyo Station on the Kashima Line.

Read more about Lake Yodaura

The largest lake area in Chiba Prefecture, offering natural park scenery and a major autumn fireworks festival near Narita.

What it is

• A reservoir in northern Chiba Prefecture belonging to the Tone River system.
• Part of the Chiba Prefectural Inba-Tega Natural Park.
• The largest lake area in Chiba, formed from erosion valleys 20,000 years ago.
• A source of drinking water for Chiba and Funabashi cities.

What to see

• The Narita Sky Access Line railway crossing over the northern reservoir.
• A natural landscape that is home to an estimated 16,000 invasive snapping turtles.
• Northern and western reservoirs created by post-war land reclamation projects.

When to go

• Autumn for the NARITA Fireworks Festival held at the lake.

Read more about Kita-Inbanuma

The largest lake in Chiba Prefecture, featuring a Dutch-style windmill and scenic views within a protected natural park.

What it is

• The largest lake in Chiba Prefecture by surface area and part of a natural park.
• A vital water source for the cities of Chiba, Narashino, and Funabashi.
• A site recognized as one of the top 100 canals in Japan.
• A former larger body of water reduced by post-war land reclamation projects.

What to see

• A Dutch-style windmill located at the Sakura Furusato Square.
• The Kashima River, which is the largest river flowing into the lake.
• An environment home to an estimated 16,000 invasive snapping turtles.

When to go

• August for the annual Sakura Citizen Fireworks Display.

Read more about Nishi-Inbanuma

An artificial reservoir in Chiba Prefectural Kujukuri Natural Park featuring a historic stone monument and scenic divided waters.

What it is

• An artificial irrigation reservoir covering approximately 6.8 hectares in Ichinomiya.
• A designated part of the Chiba Prefectural Kujukuri Natural Park.
• Named by Lord Kano Hisatake after Lake Dongting in China.
• Selected in 1983 as one of the 500 Attractions of Boso.

What to see

• A central bank that divides the water into eastern and western sections.
• A stone monument erected by Kano Hisatake in 1844.
• The Matsuko River which connects to the western side of the lake.

Getting there

• The lake is located near Torami Station.

Read more about Lake Dōtei

Chiba's largest lake features a Dutch windmill and scenic paths, offering a peaceful escape for cycling and walking enthusiasts.

What it is

• The largest lake in Chiba Prefecture and part of the Tone River system.
• A protected area within the Inba Tega Prefectural Natural Park.
• A primary source of drinking water for Chiba and Funabashi cities.
• A body of water divided into Northern and Western regulation ponds.

What to see

• A Dutch-style windmill located at the Sakura Furusato Square.
• Extensive cycling and walking paths that follow the lake shore.
• The Kashima River, which is the largest river flowing into the lake.
• Natural landscapes that survived post-war reclamation projects.

Read more about Lake Inba