Lake Sugenuma, Mountain lake in Katashina, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Lake Sugenuma sits at 1,731 meters elevation within Nikko National Park, displaying remarkably transparent waters that shift from emerald green to deep cobalt blue depending on depth and weather conditions.
The lake formed naturally approximately 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age, creating a pristine aquatic environment that has remained largely untouched within the protected boundaries of Nikko National Park.
Local eco-tourism guides like Kuwano-san and Numano-san lead canoeing and paddleboarding excursions, emphasizing respectful engagement with nature and promoting outdoor activities as a way to connect with the mountain environment.
Access requires approximately one hour and ten minutes by car from Numata IC via Kan-Etsu Expressway, with half-day canoeing trips costing around 7,000 yen and full-day excursions about 13,000 yen.
The lake's exceptional transparency allows visitors to observe large rainbow trout swimming below and even spot a deer skeleton resting on the lake bed through the crystal-clear waters.
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