What is the best time to visit Shiozawa Lake?

Late May to early July offers the most vibrant turquoise water color due to peak snowmelt. The access road is open from late April to mid-November. October provides fall foliage viewing. The road closes in winter due to snow.

Can I reach Shiozawa Lake without a car?

No. There is no public transportation to Shiozawa Lake. A private vehicle is required. The drive from Matsumoto takes approximately 90 minutes via narrow mountain roads.

Are there facilities available at Shiozawa Lake?

Facilities are minimal. Parking areas and basic restrooms are available. There are no restaurants or shops at the lake. Visitors must bring their own supplies. The nearest services are in Omachi, 30 to 40 minutes away by car.

What activities can I do at Shiozawa Lake?

Activities include shoreline walking, photography, fishing with a license (rainbow trout and char), and boat or kayak rentals during warmer months. The lake provides trailhead access for hiking to Mount Harinoki and other peaks in the Tateyama range.

Why is the water at Shiozawa Lake so blue?

The turquoise color results from mineral particles (rock flour) in glacial meltwater from the Northern Alps. These particles scatter light to create the blue-green hue, which is most intense during snowmelt season in late spring and early summer.

Lake Shiozawa

3.9 (63)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Shiozawa Lake is a small alpine reservoir located in the Northern Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,130 meters. The lake was created in 1969 with the construction of the Shiozawa Dam on the Takase River, primarily for hydroelectric power generation. The dam stands 76.5 meters tall and holds back a water volume of around 14.7 million cubic meters, forming a narrow reservoir that stretches through a forested mountain valley.

The lake's appeal lies in its dramatic mountain setting and striking turquoise-blue water, which results from minerals suspended in the glacial meltwater flowing from the surrounding peaks. The color is most vivid during late spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. Dense forests of Japanese beech and cedar surround the shoreline, creating a scenic contrast against the water and the rocky mountain backdrop. The area serves as a gateway to the higher alpine regions of the Northern Alps and is popular with hikers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Visitors can walk along portions of the lakeshore and access several viewpoints that offer perspectives of the water and surrounding ridges. The lake is a starting point for trails leading deeper into the mountains, including routes toward Mount Harinoki and other peaks in the Tateyama mountain range. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, with rainbow trout and char among the species present. The lake can be explored by rental boat or kayak during warmer months, allowing closer access to the water's distinctive color and the quieter sections of the reservoir.

Access to Shiozawa Lake requires private transportation, as public transit does not reach the lake directly. From Matsumoto, the drive takes approximately 90 minutes via Route 147 and prefectural roads leading into the mountains. The final approach involves a narrow, winding mountain road that may be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Parking is available near the dam and at several lakeside points. There is no admission fee to visit the lake or dam area itself, though rental equipment and guided tour services carry separate charges.