Lake Suwa

What it is

• The largest tectonic lake in Nagano Prefecture, formed by ancient fault movements.
• A historic site where the Sone Ruins lie preserved on the lake bed.
• The legendary final resting place of the famous warlord Shingen Takeda.
• The location of Japan's first official figure skating competition held in 1922.

What to see

• The Tenryu River, which serves as the only natural outlet for the lake waters.
• Hatsushima, an artificial island constructed specifically for launching large-scale fireworks displays.
• Wakasagi smelt fish, a species successfully introduced to these waters in 1915.
• A vast surface area spanning twelve point eight one square kilometers across three municipalities.

When to go

• August 15th to witness the massive Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival.
• Winter months to see Omiwatari ice ridges form across the frozen surface.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.