Japanese lakes 日本の湖

Japanische Seen

The Japanese archipelago is home to thousands of lakes, ranging from ancient tectonic freshwater basins to spectacular volcanic crater lakes. They play a central role in both Japanese Shintô and modern nature tourism. Lake Biwa, one of the oldest lakes in the world, situated near Kyôto, is Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Lake Chuzenji, a picturesque mountain lake above the town of Nikkô, was formed by a volcanic eruption and feeds the famous Kegon Falls. The “Five Fuji Lakes” (fujigoko) lie at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. The pristine crater lake Mashu-ko in Akan-Mashu National Park is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world. Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake freezes over almost completely in winter, is famous for its hot springs right on the sandy shore (sunayu).