Overview
Lake Kasumigaura spreads across the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture and, in the narrower sense, refers to Nishiura. It is the second-largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa, located about 60 km northeast of Tokyo. In the wider sense it forms a group of contiguous lakes and connecting rivers, including Nishiura, Kitaura and Sotonasakaura.
Highlights
- ●The second-largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa
- ●A wider waterbody linking Nishiura, Kitaura and Sotonasakaura
- ●Rivers connecting the lakes, forming a single system
- ●Selected among the 100 Landscapes of Heisei
History
The lake developed as a system centered on Nishiura and Kitaura together with the rivers that connect them. In the wider sense the total area reaches about 220 square kilometers, while the narrower, official waterbody covers around 167.63 square kilometers. It is designated under the special law for the preservation of lake water quality.
Access
The lake lies in the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, with its basin extending across many municipalities. Its shores can be reached from surrounding towns.
Best season
The calm lakeside scenery can be enjoyed year-round, with the waterfront changing character through the seasons.
Map
36.0403, 140.3942 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Take in the vast expanse of water from the shore
- 2Stroll along the waterfront on the Nishiura side
- 3View the natural scenery within the surrounding basin
- 4Visit the nearby town and its tourist facilities
Did you know?
💡 About 45% of the land surrounding the lake is natural landscape and 43.5% is agricultural land.
Nearby spots
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