Located 13 kilometers directly north of Shinano-Omachi Station, the Three Nishina Lakes of Aoki, Nakatsuna, and Kizaki are best known for its azure waters and the lake activities that can be done therein. Whether you are looking to dip into the waters to escape the summer heat, or do other types of activities like fishing, boating, or firefly viewing, these three lakes offer alluring activities at any time of year. Although all of the lakes offer standard outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and SUP, each lake has something unique that sets it apart from the other options which we will cover below:

LAKE AOKI – LAKE NAKATSUNA – LAKE KIZAKI

STAND-UP-PADDLING (SUP) AND FIREFLY VIEWING ON LAKE AOKI

Although the lakes listed in this article do offer SUP, the special aspect of Aoki is the stunning fall foliage you can experience on this heart shaped lake while paddling your day away! As the largest of the three Nishina lakes, it does offer a large area to appreciate the alpine beauty around you. On not so windy days, you can gaze at the alps in water serving as a mirror of its beauty.

Lake Aoki is very well known for its daytime activities on the water, but becomes a magical place during the summer when fireflies light up the night. Although not well known because they are rarely seen from land, Lake Aoki is actually a treasure trove of fireflies in summer. On a good day, a great number of fireflies dance wildly along the lakeside in the evening creating a truly incredible horizon of flickering lights. This experience, for groups between four and seven people is by reservation only, but having a chance to have a peaceful evening by the lake, marveling at the delicate glow of fireflies in their natural habitat should not be missed!

ICE SMELT FISHING ON LAKE NAKATSUNA

Being the smallest of the Nishina Lakes, Nakatsuna is also the easiest to get a solid freeze to set up camp and go smelt (wakasagi) fishing in true local fashion! From late February to the end of the winter season, you can pair smelt fishing with ice fishing on little tents on the lake paired with a meal! While fishing in this manner, you can enjoy the view of the Kashimayari Ski Resort as the skiers and snowboarders bound down the slopes to your viewing pleasure. Although the most unique experiences are offered in the winter season, you can still smelt fish until the end of October in a regular fishing boat. The area is also known for its good number cherry trees that bloom in Spring!

MOTORBOATING ON LAKE KIZAKI

Being very close in size to Lake Aoki, Kizaki also has a lot of area to experience another type of water activity: the motorboat! Lake Kizaki offers motorboating tours for small groups around the lake, as well as other sports like wakeboarding and biscuiting. This lake also offers the largest amount of traditional camping and outdoor experiences as lakeshore campsites. The Kuzu Hot Springs located nearby in Takase Valley allow for the whole family to experience Japanese onsen culture while they enjoy the outdoors!

No matter the time of year you are visiting Omachi or Hakuba, a visit to the three Nishina Lakes provide worthwhile outdoor experiences! The activities discussed above that take place on the lakes have various providers, but you can always inquire on this page about how to get in touch with the organizers to get your great day on the water.