6 Lakes in Shizuoka worth your time

An artificial lake on Mount Fuji's western slope offering scenic views, camping, and the rare Diamond Fuji solar phenomenon.

What it is

• An artificial lake located on the western slope of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with a circumference of 3.3 kilometers.
• Created by expanding an original marsh starting in 1935 for water storage.
• A recreational area featuring campsites, lodging, and a dedicated cycling road.

What to see

• Tanuki Shrine located directly on the lakeshore.
• Views of the Diamond Fuji phenomenon reflecting over the water.
• Local wildlife including various species of wild birds and seasonal fireflies.
• Anglers fishing for crucian carp along the water's edge.

When to go

• Visit around April 20th or August 20th to witness the Diamond Fuji event.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Fujinomiya Station for a forty-five minute journey to the lake.

Read more about Lake Tanuki

A natural lake and park in Hamamatsu offering scenic walking paths, seasonal cherry blossoms, and local rowing competitions.

What it is

• A natural lake formed approximately 2,000 years ago in Hamamatsu City.
• A body of water containing both freshwater and brackish water fish species.
• The site of ongoing efforts to restore the Japanese basket clam population.
• A venue used for local rowing competitions and summer fireworks displays.

What to see

• Sanaru Ko Park which surrounds the western and eastern shores of the water.
• Mount Negawa, recognized as the lowest mountain in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• The Shin River which connects this lake to the larger Lake Hamana.
• Cherry blossoms that bloom along the shore during the spring season.

When to go

• Springtime to view the famous cherry blossom displays around the park.
• Summer to attend the annual Sanaru Lake Fireworks Display.

Read more about Lake Sanaru

A scenic agricultural reservoir and Izu Peninsula Geopark site designed to warm spring water for local farmland irrigation.

What it is

• An agricultural reservoir constructed in 1953 to warm cold spring water for irrigation.
• A designated geosite of the Izu Peninsula Geopark located at the end of Genbe River.
• One of the Top 100 Reservoirs selected for its landscape and ecological importance.
• A water source for 216 hectares of farmland supplied by Kohama Pond in Rakujuen Park.

What to see

• A diverse ecosystem supporting over 100 species of animals and plants.
• Award-winning landscape views that earned the Shizuoka Prefecture Landscape Award in 2006.

Getting there

• Accessible via National Route 136 for those traveling by car.
• The nearest train access is through Mishima Station and Mishima-Tamachi Station.

Read more about Nakazato Warm Water Pond

A vast brackish lake in Shizuoka famous for its unique history, eel farming, and scenic hot spring resorts.

What it is

• The tenth largest lake in Japan, spanning Hamamatsu and Kosai in Shizuoka.
• A brackish body of water connected to the Pacific Ocean via the Imagire inlet.
• A designated Prefectural Natural Park legally part of the Miyakoda River system.
• A historic site transformed from freshwater to saltwater by the 1498 Meio earthquake.

What to see

• The Kanzanji Onsen resort area located on the northern shore of the lake.
• Benten Island situated in the southern part of the water.
• Active eel, seaweed, and oyster farms throughout the lake's perimeter.
• Traditional Takiya fishing demonstrations using lights and spears to catch fish.
• The Imagire inlet formed by a tsunami over five hundred years ago.

Read more about Lake Hamana

A historic 16th-century irrigation pond fed by spring water, offering views of Mount Fuji and rare aquatic plants.

What it is

• An artificial irrigation pond constructed in 1572 to supply water to seven local districts
• A designated part of the Izu Peninsula Geopark fed by the Sakaigawa West Bank spring group
• A 7,800 square meter body of water also known as Tamagawa Pond

What to see

• Seirei Shrine which stands directly on the shore of the pond
• Views of Mount Fuji visible from the surrounding walking paths
• Rare Mishima-baikamo water plants located in the nearby Kiyozumi Green Space

Getting there

• A three-minute walk from the Tamagawa bus stop
• A thirteen-minute drive from the Numazu Interchange

Read more about Maruike

A gourd-shaped volcanic crater lake in Ito City known for its scenic islands, literary monuments, and diverse birdwatching opportunities.

What it is

• A lake formed in a volcanic crater approximately 103,500 years ago.
• Part of the Izu Eastern Volcano Group and shaped like a gourd.
• Selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan for its natural beauty.
• The site where bluegill fish were first released into Japan.

What to see

• The northwestern section called Oike and the southeastern section called Numaike.
• A group of small islands called Jurenjima created by ancient lava flows.
• Monuments featuring poems written by Tekkan and Akiko Yosano.
• Various species of wild birds and people fishing for crucian carp.

Read more about Lake Ippeki