Last updated: December 21, 2020
Discover "Shima Blue" at this remote lake
Lake Okushima is one of the best places to discover "Shima Blue," the bold, cobalt color associated with the Shima River. The lake is located deep in Shima, around 5 kilometers from the main town.
This vivid color is the result of the water being remarkably transparent. The blue is most intense during spring (through May) when the mountains' snowmelt flows into the river. The fresh green of the spring foliage makes the blue seem more intense. It is also a popular place to see autumn foliage in mid- to late October and snowy scenes in winter.
This remote lake is a reservoir of Shimagawa Dam, which is surrounded by forests, mountains, streams, and waterfalls to explore.
Shima, Nakanojo, Agatsuma District ( Map)
About 40 minutes by bus from Nakanojo Station
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC of Kan-Etsu Expressway
Free
