Lake Motosu, Landslide-dammed lake in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Lake Motosu is a landslide-dammed body of water in Yamanashi Prefecture at the base of Mount Fuji. It covers approximately 4.7 square kilometers and reaches depths of around 121 meters, surrounded by forested hills and the dominant volcanic peak.
The lake formed through volcanic processes when lava flows from Mount Fuji separated it from a larger water system that once included Lakes Shoji and Sai. This geological separation happened thousands of years ago and shaped the basin as it exists today.
The lake holds a special place in Japanese culture and appears on banknotes from certain series. Its image with Mount Fuji in the background is a symbol that many Japanese people have known since childhood.
The water remains cool year-round, making it suitable for activities like windsurfing and fishing. Visit during warmer months for the most comfortable experience with water-based activities.
Underground waterways beneath the lake connect it to neighboring lakes Shoji and Sai, forming a hidden network. This concealed geology shows that the three lakes remain connected despite their surface separation.
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