Lakes where you can swim in Japan

Many people imagine Japan’s lakes as peaceful summer swimming spots - calm water, mountain views, and quiet shorelines. But the reality is that most lakes across the country don’t allow swimming at all. Many are reservoirs, protected nature zones, or fishing areas where entering the water is prohibited. In my own prefecture of Saitama, there aren't any lakes you can swim in.

However, there are lakes in other prefectures of Japan where swimming is officially permitted, even when they don't have beaches. I will look at lakes with beaches in my next post. But lakes that allow swimming without a proper, large, sandy beach include:

• Lake Motsu, Yamanashi
• Lake Nojiri, Nagano
• Lake Hibara, Fukushima
• Lake Towada, Akita

These lakes may not look like traditional beaches; they are often pebbly, grassy, or volcanic, but they offer a refreshing, quiet alternative to crowded seaside spots. However, often lakes without a sloping, sandy shoreline become exceptionally deep almost immediately. Please do take proper care and precautions.