Overview
Lake Numazawa is a caldera lake in Onuma District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It fills a volcanic caldera roughly 2 km across, and its waters reach about 96 m deep. Sitting at an elevation of 475 m with an area of 2.99 sq km, this quiet mountain lake lies within the Echigo-Sanzan-Tadami Quasi-National Park.
Highlights
- ●Lake surface within a caldera about 2 km across
- ●Deep waters reaching around 96 m
- ●A mountain vista opening at 475 m elevation
- ●Rich nature of the Echigo-Sanzan-Tadami Quasi-National Park
History
Lake Numazawa occupies a caldera created by volcanic activity, which itself formed inside the older and larger Uwaigusa caldera dated to 4.2 to 4.0 million years ago. The caldera-forming Plinian eruption occurred about 4,600 years ago, and a VEI 5 eruption is recorded at around 3,400 years ago. This long volcanic history shaped the lake we see today.
Access
The lake is located in Kaneyama, Onuma District, Fukushima Prefecture, set among the mountains of the Echigo-Sanzan-Tadami Quasi-National Park. Because it lies at an elevation of 475 m, reaching it involves mountain roads. Please check maps and official information for exact routes and parking.
Best season
For the crisp air of a mountain lake, early summer greenery through the autumn foliage season is especially recommended. On clear days the still water mirrors the surrounding forest and coloured slopes, offering a tranquil scene.
Map
37.4553, 139.5728 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head toward Lake Numazawa via mountain roads from the Kaneyama side
- 2View the roughly 2 km caldera landform from the shore
- 3Stroll along the calm lake and surrounding woods
- 4Enjoy the quasi-national park's nature before returning
Did you know?
💡 The Numazawa caldera has a nested structure, formed inside the far older Uwaigusa caldera of about 4 million years ago. Traces of a large VEI 5 eruption from roughly 3,400 years ago also remain here.
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