Kasumigaura, Japan's Beloved Second Largest Lake.

Last week I wrote about "No.2 day", a day dedicated to celebrating things that rank second in Japan! As I said in that post, exploring Japan's 'second-best' makes for interesting content. To that end, introducing Kasumigaura, Japan's beloved lake, located in Ibaraki Prefecture. But here's the thing, even though it is much loved, not everyone knows it's the second largest lake in all of Japan. Meanwhile, almost everyone will be able to tell you that Lake Biwa is the largest.

According to Wikipedia, the lake area is 220 km², the average depth is 4 meters, the maximum depth is 7 meters, and the water volume is 0.848 km².  What makes Kasumigaura special isn’t grandeur but character. It has an identity that feels approachable, lived‑in, and deeply connected to everyday life in the Kanto region. The lake stretches across a broad, open landscape where fishing boats, reed beds, and wide skies create a sense of calm that’s hard to find near Tokyo. Its waters support one of Japan’s most important freshwater fisheries, and the lake has long been known for carp, catfish, and the once‑famous shijimi clams. 

I think I was aware that Kasumigaura was the second largest lake in Japan, because I lived in Ibaraki for a couple of years. Moreover, when I lived there, I often had work events at a prefectural building located by the lake. In recent years, my son fishes at the lake a few times a year. And a couple of years ago, my family and I stayed by the lake while on a mini road trip in the area. It is somewhere I think I will go back to several times in my future too. There is good reason why it is so beloved, even if most people don't realize it's the second largest lake in Japan!