Lake Kasumigaura
Lake Japan's second-largest lake, important for fisheries and recreation
East of Tokyo in Ibaraki Prefecture, Lake Kasumigaura is Japan’s second-largest lake; anglers, cyclists and small-boat users explore its shallow waters and shoreline routes.
Lake Kasumigaura is a large freshwater lake in Ibaraki Prefecture on Honshu, Japan, and ranks as the country’s second-largest lake by surface area. It is a lowland lake with extensive shoreline and populated settlements around its basin.
The lake is relatively shallow and supports local fisheries, irrigation and boating activities, with roads and towns along much of the shore. It is an important regional water body for both economic use and recreation.
Kasumigaura lies within the Kantō region east of the greater Tokyo area and is connected to other waterways and canals that have shaped its modern form and use.
- Size rank: Covers roughly two hundred square kilometres, making it Japan's second-largest lake by surface area after Lake Biwa.
- Use and setting: Shallow and used for fisheries, irrigation and recreational boating, with built infrastructure around its shores in Ibaraki Prefecture.
How to Get to Lake Kasumigaura #
Access from Tsuchiura Station (JR Jōban Line) or via local bus routes that serve lakeside towns. Cycling around parts of the lake is popular; rental bikes available in towns such as Tsuchiura and Kasumigaura.
Tips for Visiting Lake Kasumigaura #
- Rent a boat from Tsuchiura or Sakuragawa to explore lesser-seen bays; the lake is large and wind can make crossings choppy.
- Visit during the shijimi (corbicula clam) harvest season to see local fisheries in action and sample local dishes.
- Avoid peak fishing contests on weekends if seeking quiet waters.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kasumigaura #
Spring through autumn is best for boating and local festivals; check weather for summer storm risk.
Weather & Climate near Lake Kasumigaura #
Lake Kasumigaura's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1358 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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