Lake Nojiri, Shinano Travel Guide

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Discover Lake Nojiri: A serene escape in Nagano's mountains with stunning nature, rich history, and year-round outdoor activities.

Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Nojiri (Nojiriko) is a stunning glacial lake offering a peaceful escape with beautiful scenery and rich history. Formed by volcanic activity around 70,000 years ago, it's a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

A brief summary to Lake Nojiri

Shinano, Kamiminochi District, Nagano, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lake Nojiri.

Visit the Nojiriko Naumann Elephant Museum to learn about the ancient history of the area and see fossils of Naumann's elephant.
Enjoy water activities on the lake during the summer months, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a pleasure boat cruise.
Explore the hiking trails around the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
In winter, try smelt fishing (wakasagi) on the frozen lake for a unique Japanese experience.
Take a short trip to nearby Myoko Kogen for skiing, onsen hot springs, and a lively ski resort village.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kurohime Kogen

Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

Omachi Alpine Museum

Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park

Explore Lake Nojiri on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lake Nojiri, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The most common way to access Lake Nojiri is via Kurohime Station on the Shinano Railway Line. From Nagano Station, take the Kita-Shinano Line to Myoko-Kogen, which takes approximately 40 minutes and costs ¥800. Kurohime Station is the last stop before the Myoko-Kogen Terminus. From Kurohime Station, take an infrequent Nagaden bus to Lake Nojiri. The bus ride takes around 10 minutes and costs ¥200. Accommodation establishments often offer pick-up services from the train station.
Taxi

From Kurohime Station, a taxi ride to Lake Nojiri takes approximately 6 minutes. A taxi subsidy program may be available. The typical cost is around ¥1,500 - ¥2,000 [ESTIMATE BASED ON GENERAL TAXI FARES IN JAPAN].

Discover more about Lake Nojiri

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.