These three natural lakes were formed in a line. Lake Kizaki is closest to the center of the city with hot springs around it (15-minute walk from Shinano Kizaki Station). Lake Nakatsuna is relatively small but renowned for fishing. Lake Aoki is famous for its stunning beauty with the reflection of the Hakuba Mountain Range. Lake Kizaki in particular offers visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse array of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, and windsurfing in grand natural surroundings.
Lake Kizaki
There is a campsite to the west of the lake and it’s possible to enjoy walking and cycling. The lake was also the setting for a popular anime. Many anime fans now make a “pilgrimage” to this anime “mecca”. The Kuzu Hot Springs are also located close by and the hot spring water is piped to “Yupuru Lake Kizaki”, where the whole family can enjoy the hot springs and pool.
Lake Nakatsuna
You can enjoy fishing for smelt in the icy winter season. Precious species also inhabit in the water. Warmth and kindness overflows at the local family run lodges, and the slopes of Kashimayari ski resort are right before your eyes. In early May, many photographers gather to take pictures of the large mountain cherry tree’s deep pink blossoms, reflected in the lake.
Lake Aoki
The heart shaped Lake Aoki boasts some of the clearest waters in the prefecture. It is also the largest of the Three Lakes of Nishina. You can enjoy the changing richness for the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, deep green leaves in summer, brightly colored autumn leaves and migratory birds visiting in winter. Around the lakeside you can find an old road, a campground and a ski resort. You may wish to view the mountains of Hakuba, reflected in the waters of the lake, from the southeast shore. The road around the lake is ideal for cycling. Firefly viewing cruises are a popular summer activity.
Surrounding Attractions
Yupuru Lake Kizaki
From an exciting water slide and heated pool to large baths and open air baths, these health and sports themed hot springs can be enjoyed year round.
The Yupuru Lake Kizaki website is here (Japanese)
Salt-Road Festival
From more than 1,000 years ago, the Chikuni Kaido Road carried salt and seafood to Nagano from the Sea of Japan. The vestiges of this road remain in the area around the Three Lakes of Nishina to this day. On the West shore of Lake Aoki a stone Buddha stands in a grove of cedar trees and a pleasant old time atmosphere remains. From May 3rd to May 5th every year, the Salt Road Festival is held in Otari, Hakuba, and Omachi. The festival is in Omachi on the final day, the 5th.
Official website (Japanese)
Hot Springs