What Is Lake Nozori? A Highland Dam Lake Near the Gunma–Nagano–Niigata Border
The appeal of Lake Nozori (Nozori-ko) lies not only in its blue water surface, but in the way the surrounding mountains and grasslands come together into a single sweeping landscape.
It suits travelers who come mainly for the natural scenery and want to take in the quiet expanse of the lake and mountains.
A Nature Area Near the Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata Border
Lake Nozori sits in the northern part of Nakanojo in Gunma Prefecture, close to where Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata Prefectures meet.
Spreading out at the end of National Route 405, it is a mountain area where you can feel air and scenery quite different from the sightseeing spots in town.
It is a highland lake in the Shinano River system, and its water eventually flows to the Sea of Japan.
Before heading into the mountains, it is advisable to prepare essentials such as drinks and warm clothing.
A Dam Lake at a Surface Elevation of 1,513 Meters
Lake Nozori is a dam lake with a surface elevation of 1,513 meters, a depth of 25 meters, and a circumference of 12 kilometers.
Surrounded by mountains in the 2,000-meter class, it lets you take in the wide highland sky and shifting clouds together with the lake surface.
Completed in 1956, this man-made lake is also known as the "Lake in the Sky."
Because of the high elevation, the wind can feel cold even on days when the foothills are warm.
A Place to Experience the Scenery of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park Up Close
Lake Nozori lies within the special zone and recreational forest of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, an area rich in nature.
Beyond simply enjoying the scenery, visitors are asked to be mindful of leaving the plants and terrain undamaged for the travelers who come next.
The basic rule is to follow the maintained paths and signs and to stay out of areas where entry is restricted.
Highlights of Lake Nozori: Scenery Created by the Lake and Over 300 Species of Alpine Plants
At Lake Nozori, the colors of the shoreline and the prominent plant species change with the season you visit.
Rather than focusing only on the flowers, taking in the combination of sky, mountains, lake surface, and grassland lets you enjoy the natural scenery of the day more fully.
Taking In the Lake and the 2,000-Meter-Class Mountain Range Together
Near the lake it is easy to sense the breadth of the water, while from higher ground you can survey the lake's outline and the surrounding peaks all at once.
Because the impression changes depending on where you stand, it is a good idea not to take all your photos from one spot but to shift your viewpoint within a comfortable range.
Observing Alpine Plants Such as Shirane-aoi and Nozori-kisuge
From early summer to early autumn, the lakeshore and surrounding mountains reveal over 300 species of alpine plants, including Shirane-aoi, Renge-tsutsuji, Nozori-kisuge, Komakusa, Yanagiran, and Ezo-rindo.
Nozori-kisuge (Zenteika), which shares its name with the lake, typically dyes the shoreline yellow from early to mid-July and is one of Lake Nozori's early-summer seasonal highlights.
Because blooming depends on temperature and weather, it is better to observe whatever is in flower when you visit than to expect one specific flower.
Stepping into the grass to get closer to the flowers can damage the vegetation, so enjoy them from the path.
Comparing the Colors of the Lake and Autumn Leaves in Fall
In autumn the surrounding trees change color, and from early to mid-October a contrast with the blue lake surface typically appears.
Not only on clear days but also on days when clouds drift by, the light shifts and the lake's color and the shadows on the mountainsides can change within a short time.
Getting to Know the Differences by Season
When deciding when to travel, it is important to consider not only the scenery you want to see but also your clothing and road conditions.
The following table summarizes how to enjoy the scenery and what to prepare for each season.
| Season | How to View the Scenery | Preparation Points |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Grassland after the snowmelt | Check road-opening information |
| Early summer | Flowers and fresh greenery | Prepare for temperature swings |
| Summer | Colors of the lake and grassland | Sun protection |
| Autumn | Autumn leaves and the lake | Bring warmer clothing |
| Winter | General sightseeing is difficult | Check closure information |
How to Enjoy Hiking at Lake Nozori: Decide Your Range First
At Lake Nozori you can choose anything from a lakeside stroll to hiking the surrounding mountains, but even when the scenery looks gentle, it remains a mountain environment.
Choose a range that suits you based on your fitness, footwear, the weather, and how much daylight you have before sunset.
Even a Short Lakeside Stroll Lets You Enjoy the Scenery
Without walking long distances, you can enjoy the natural scenery from the observation decks overlooking the lake or from the lakeside paths.
For those not used to walking or on days with unstable weather, a realistic approach is to combine the views and plant observation within a range that does not take you too far from your car.
If the ground is wet, you may also need to shorten your route.
Change Your Gear If Climbing Nearby Mountains Such as Mt. Shirasuna
If you head into the surrounding mountains, you need to prepare for it as mountain climbing rather than a sightseeing stroll.
The Mt. Shirasuna (Shirasuna-yama) trailhead has a climbing-registration box and a restroom building, and the climbing information center opens mainly on weekends from around June to November.
Prepare easy-to-walk shoes, rain gear, a map, drinks, and warm clothing, and before setting out, check the trail conditions and information on bear sightings.
In places where signs are hard to see or when the weather worsens, it is safer to turn back than to force your way forward.
Choosing How to Spend Your Time to Match the Type of Traveler
At Lake Nozori, not everyone needs to walk the same distance.
If there are differences in fitness among your group, rather than splitting into a view group and a walk group, prioritize a plan that lets everyone return safely.
The following table summarizes suitable, manageable ways to enjoy the lake for each type of traveler.
| Traveler | Suitable way to spend time | Points to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | Views and a lakeside stroll | Don't extend your walking range too far |
| Photography lovers | Shoot from changing viewpoints | Don't step into the grass |
| Family trip | Mainly short strolls | Cold and trail conditions |
| Experienced climbers | Hiking the nearby mountains | Check climbing information |
| Nature observation | Observing flowers and wild birds | Keep quiet and keep your distance |
Photographing Lake Nozori: Compositions and Rules That Don't Harm Nature
When photographing Lake Nozori, including the grassland and flowers in the foreground and the mountains in the background, rather than filling the frame with only the lake, expresses the highland sense of depth.
Even when looking for a place to shoot, stay on the trails and footpaths.
Being Aware of the Overlap of Lake, Mountains, and Alpine Plants
Beyond compositions that place the lake in the center, adding grass or flowers in the foreground makes the sense of season easier to convey.
On windy days the flowers sway, so instead of insisting on close-ups of the plants, you can also photograph a wider landscape that conveys the wind.
In places where other travelers are enjoying the view, take care not to block the path with a tripod or luggage.
Drone Photography Requires Advance Permission
Drone photography at Lake Nozori requires permission.
Rather than deciding whether to fly after arriving on site, check in advance with the official inquiry desk.
In addition to confirming whether permission is granted, you also need to check the permitted flight area and dates and times, and consider other visitors and wildlife.
Manners to Uphold at Lake Nozori: Consideration for Alpine Plants and Wildlife
The nature of Lake Nozori becomes easier to protect when visitors choose where they walk and how they act.
While you may take home photos and memories, the basic idea is to leave plants, stones, fallen branches, and the like in place.
Don't Pick or Trample Alpine Plants
Alpine plants bloom within a short growing period and are adapted to a harsh environment.
Do not pick even a single bloom, and do not step into the grass or move the flowers just to take a photo.
Don't Leave Trash or Food Behind
Take home all packaging, tissues, and leftover food.
Because leaving food behind can affect the behavior of wildlife, it is important to be careful not to drop even small scraps.
Don't Approach Wildlife
Even if you spot animals or wild birds, do not chase them or feed them; observe from a distance.
Because the mountains are also home to bears, check sighting information and consider officially recommended measures such as gear that makes noise.
Checking the Differences in Behavior
The following table summarizes situations in which visitors may be unsure how to act during nature observation and photography.
| Situation | Preferred behavior | Behavior to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Photographing flowers | Shoot from the path | Step into the grass |
| Bird watching | Keep your distance | Chase them around |
| Resting | Take your trash home | Leave food behind |
| Pathways | Yield the way | Block it with a tripod |
| Keepsakes | Keep photos as mementos | Pick the plants |
Getting to Lake Nozori: National Route 405 and Seasonal Bus Service
Lake Nozori is at the end of National Route 405 and is reached by driving through the mountains.
If you use public transportation, buses from the direction of Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line are the main option.
Access by Car and Parking Guidelines
By private car, you go via Nakanojo from the direction of the Kan-Etsu Expressway or the Joshin-etsu Expressway and head north on National Route 405.
Because the route includes a long stretch of mountain road, check your fuel and tire condition before departure and plan to descend while it is still light.
The Route Bus Runs Seasonally from May 1 to October 20
The route bus to Lake Nozori runs seasonally from May 1 to October 20, and from October 21 to April 30 of the following year it does not run all the way to Lake Nozori.
Because service is limited, check the timetable and the time of the last bus in advance, and build your length of stay around the return trip.
Facilities and Activities at Lake Nozori: Camping, Fishing, and Views
Lake Nozori has a lakeside campground, where you can also enjoy overnight stays as a summer retreat and stargazing.
However, because each facility operates seasonally, you need to check operating status to match the time of your visit.
Operating Season of the Lake Nozori Campground
The operating season of the Lake Nozori campground varies by year, with an opening around April 29 as a guideline.
Because it is in the highlands, nights can get cold even in midsummer, so bring adequate warm clothing and waterproof gear when camping.
Rainbow Trout Fishing on the Lake
The fishing season at Lake Nozori runs from May 1 to November 10.
If you fish, check the recreational fishing rules and required procedures in advance, and do not leave trash or tackle on the lakeshore.
Preparing to Visit Lake Nozori: Watch for Winter Closure and Mountain Weather
Lake Nozori is not a place you can visit the same way throughout the year.
Before departing, check the road opening status, the weather, and the operating status of local facilities using official information.
In Winter, the Road Is Closed from Late November to Late April
Lake Nozori is closed for winter from late November to late April.
The winter closure of National Route 405 is also roughly from late November to late April of the following year.
Because the opening date depends on snowfall and road conditions, it is important to check the latest updates on the day.
Bring Protection Against Cold and Rain Even in Summer
At an elevation of 1,513 meters, the apparent temperature can change greatly between sunny periods and periods with clouds or wind.
Dress in layers with a light warm jacket and rain gear, and also bring a hat, drinks, and comfortable walking shoes.
Because an umbrella alone is difficult to manage in the wind, hands-free rain gear is more suitable if you plan to walk.
Gather What You Need Before Traveling
Lake Nozori is at the end of National Route 405 and is reached by traveling through the mountains.
Regardless of your means of transport, check your return travel plan, remaining fuel or battery charge, and means of communication before departure.
Because foreign-language guidance is not always available, it helps to save the destination name and return route in a map app and to note the Japanese spellings you may need.
Summary: Enjoy Lake Nozori’s Scenery While Caring for Nature
Lake Nozori is a natural spot where you can take in a highland lake at an elevation of 1,513 meters, a 2,000-meter-class mountain range, and over 300 species of alpine plants as a single landscape.
Rather than treating a short lakeside stroll and serious mountain hiking as the same thing, it is important to choose a range that suits your gear and fitness.
Check the winter closure, weather, trails, and drone-photography permission using official information, and visit while upholding the basics: don't pick plants, don't stray from the path, and don't leave trash behind.
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