Lake Kasumigaura Lake

Admission: Free (lake access); fees for boat rentals or specific attractions

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.

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.

• 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.