Lake Nojiri Travel Guide

Lake Nojiri, or Nojiriko, is a picturesque lake located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This pristine lake, situated in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, is surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking respite from city life.Formed approximately 70,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, possibly from nearby Mount Kurohime or Mount Madarao, the lake has a rich history. The eruptions dammed a river, creating the lake we see today. Lake Nojiri has been a significant location throughout history, serving as a stop on the Hokkoku Kaido during the Edo period, an ancient road connecting Kanazawa City and Izumozaki.In the 1920s, Lake Nojiri was rediscovered as a tourist destination by Canadian missionary Dan Norman, who sought a quieter alternative to the bustling Karuizawa. He established the Nojiri Lake Association, creating an international village (kokusai mura) that still exists today with around 250 cabins owned by members.Lake Nojiri offers a variety of activities throughout the year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy water sports such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Hiking trails around the lake provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. In winter, the lake becomes a destination for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts. Fishing is also popular, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass and wakasagi (smelt).Excavations around Lake Nojiri have unearthed fossils of Naumann's elephant, a species related to African elephants, dating back approximately 40,000 years. The Nojiriko Naumann Elephant Museum showcases these findings and the area's ancient history.