Lake Hyoko

Seasonal beauty abounds

Lake Hyoko (and its surrounds) are probably best known for the springtime sakura and the summertime lotus flowers covering the lake's waters. I'd definitely recommend a summer visit if you can, as the scenery is just so lovely. Another thing that makes the lake cool is the vast number of swans that call it home for part of the year. Peak season for that is late November, so if you're in Niigata and want to see them it's almost that time!