Lake Shumarinai - Hokkaido

Lake Shumarinai (朱鞠内湖) is the largest and only man-made lake in Japan. It is located in the northern part of the town of Horokanai in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Lake Shumarinai

Lake Shumarinai Details

Lake Shumarinai is a vast man-made lake nestled deep within northern Hokkaido. With a surface area of 2373 hectares, equivalent to 30 times the size of Tokyo Disneyland, this stunning lake is a true wonder of nature.

Lake Shumarinai - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Formed by the construction of the Uryu Dam in the upstream area of the Uryu River, Lake Shumarinai serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. It is commonly referred to as Shumarinai Lake but is also formally known as the First Uryu Reservoir. The construction of the dam began in 1937 and was completed in 1943 by the Hokkaido Electric Company. Today, the lake not only supplies irrigation water during the summer season, from May to August but also plays a crucial role in flood prevention downstream during the spring thaw.

Early morning photos of Lake Shumarinai

Lake Shumarinai boasts 13 islands and showcases an intricate, branching shape. The surrounding area has been designated as a prefectural natural park, with strict regulations in place to preserve the abundant wildlife and other natural resources. Activities such as hunting, capturing animals, and deforestation are strictly prohibited, ensuring the preservation of this natural treasure.

-41.2 degrees Celsius Monument

The climate around Lake Shumarinai is characterized by long, severe winters and short, dry summers. The lake regularly freezes over from late autumn to late spring, contributing to its breathtaking beauty. The town of Horokanai, located on the lake's shore, is renowned as one of the coldest places in Japan, with a recorded air temperature of -41.2 degrees Celsius in 1978.

It's common to see anglers at the banks of Lake Shumarinai

The catchment area of the reservoir spans 312.1 square kilometers and is sparsely populated, mostly dominated by dense forests. Only a small portion of agricultural land can be found in the vicinity. As the forests and sky reflect off the tranquil lake, it creates an ethereal atmosphere that is incredibly rare in Japan. This unique location is also home to a bountiful population of fish including the rare Sakhalin taimen, making it a haven for anglers seeking to reel in their dream catch.

Lake Shumarinai Camping Ground 

The map of Lake Shumarinai

Lake Shumarinai boat rental

Currently, Shumarinai Lake has become a popular spot for anglers, attracting enthusiasts from near and far. The southern part of the lake has also been developed into a camping area, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the splendid natural surroundings. 

A part of the lake was closed to the public due to the recent bear attack

However, always keep in mind that 90 percent of the surrounding area of the lake is forested. It’s home to the brown bear. There were cases of bear attacks in the area. 

Team Nicerio visits Lake Shumarinai

My family and I visited Lake Shumarinai for the first time last September 24, 2022, the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the highlight of our trip to the town of Horokanai. Aside from that, we also camped at the Lake Shumarinai Camping Ground located in the southern part of the lake. What’s memorable about the lake is its picturesque early morning view.

Update:

An angler was mauled to death by a brown bear last May 2023. 

Lake Shumarinai Fees

It’s generally FREE to visit the lake. There are numerous observation decks and viewing areas around it. However, if you plan to camp in its camping ground, you need to keep these in mind:

Camping Season: From the beginning of May to the beginning of November

Camping Fee: Adult 600 yen per night   / Child 300 yen per night

You can also rent camping stuff at the camping information building. Please inquire in person about the updated fees.

If you plan to go fishing, you need to pay for a fishing license. 

1 Day Fishing License: Adult - 1100 yen per person / Child - 550 yen per child

You can also rent fishing stuff at the camping information building. Please inquire in person about the updated fees. 

If you plan to avail of the Private Guided Tour then please check the updated fees 👉 HERE 👈. 

Lake Shumarinai Operating Hours

Lake Shumarinai is open 24/7. 

Fishing: 6 AM to 4 PM.

Why visit Lake Shumarinai?

Lake Shumarinai is probably one of the best places to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also a great place to go fishing. Whether you are an angler in search of the perfect fishing spot or a nature lover yearning for tranquility, Shumarinai Lake is truly a destination that will leave you awestruck. Its breathtaking beauty, vastness, and ecological importance make it a must-visit location in northern Hokkaido.

Getting to Lake Shumarinai:

 

If you are a tourist, the best way to reach Lake Shumarinai from Asahikawa or Sapporo is by rental vehicle. 

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