Lake Shumarinai - Outdoor Autumn Adventures

To start your adventure on the right foot, you’ll need to head over to the southwestern edge of the lake. Although the water can be reached from some areas on the north side, these mostly river entrances in the middle of the wilderness are not recommended unless you are familiar with the grounds. For those looking to spend the night close to the water's edge, the only two options are Shumarinai Daisan Camping Ground and Lake House Shumarinai. Both options are excellent in their own right, and choosing one or the other depends on the type of adventure you want to enjoy.

When looking for comfort, hence a warm bed and delicious lodge-style food cooked by someone else, among other perks, staying at the Lakehouse Shumarinai is definitely the best option. While if you are up to the challenge of setting up your tent, starting up a fire, an keeping warm inside a tent… or, in other words, baring the elements, and waking up among the fall foliage mere steps from the misty lake, camping is a rewarding experience for being at one with nature.

Lakehouse Shumarinai is operated by NPO Lake Shumarinai World Center who are the same guys running the game fishing operation at the lake. Whether you stay here or not, you are sure to run into Nakano-san or one of his staff during your stay. But don’t be shy, they are very welcoming and eager to help out visitors to the lake. If you decide to stay at the lakehouse, you’ll be treated to spacious tatami-style rooms in a western-style lodge with a common lounge, delicious hot pot food for dinner, and a nutritious breakfast including fresh fish directly from the lake. Of course, you will also get a taste of the popular wakasagi smelts which abound in the nearby water and pair perfectly with a beer or glass of whiskey.

If you have decided to go on the more natural route and are eager to camp the night out, you’ll need to check in at the cabin a few meters down the road from the Lakehouse. We highly recommend you bring your own camping gear to the lake and make sure to include a good floor mat and warm blanket to insulate the tent from the cold ground. Fall temperatures are comfortable here but can quickly drop and not having the necessary equipment might make the experience less enjoyable. Doing the improv camping instead and only have a backpack with you? Then you can borrow all the camping gear from the Lake Shumarinai Tourist Information Centre for a reasonable fee. The nearest grocery store is 40km away from the lake so make sure you plan accordingly.

One upside of camping at Lake Shumarinai at the end of the fall is that not a lot of people are willing to brave the cooler temperatures, and there is campsite to choose from. If you arrive early enough, you can get first dibs and find yourself relaxing next to your tent right at the edge of the lake. This to us is one of the highlights of a trip to this pristine region. The views, even without leaving the warmth and comfort of your own tent, can be spectacular.

It is highly likely that if you’ve come this far, you’ve come to fish with the hope of catching the Ito, or the “ghost fish” as the locals call it. We know you’ll be eager to get right down to business, but before heading out on the hunt, registration at the tourist center is necessary along with a small fee. Where should you cast your line, you wonder…

You don’t need to go far and can stick around your campsite and get started as the sun is rising. Those that want to add more thrill to the day can pay for a boat service which takes anglers deep into the lake dropping them off at one of the countless inlets, leaving them there for several hours to try to catch the coveted price. If you want the company of a professional fishing guide, contact NPO Lake Shumarinai World Center and hire their services. http://en.shumarinai.jp/The price for a fishing guide is significant but if you want to find out about the best (and sometimes secret) fishing spots around the lake, then this is a good route to take.

Besides game fishing, for those not patient enough to wait for the fish to bite, there are other ways to enjoy the natural settings of Lake Shumarinai. For a small fee you can rent a rowboat and at your own leisurely pace paddle a few minutes to explore the nearby island, which by being right in the middle, can be explored without worrying about dangerous wildlife encounters.

Driving around the lake is definitely another fun way to enjoy your stay at Lake Shumarinai. If you want to make it a journey around the whole lake, start your drive along Sorachi National Highway, then change over to Road 688, and then head south on Road 528, eventually making your way back down to the Tourist Information Center. Along the way you’ll come across a different landscape, including cattle farms, and more often than not, some of the local deer population. Bear encounters are not as rare as one might think so be careful where you get out of the car, although according to the locals, you must be pretty lucky to run into the big, furry creatures. And don’t forget to look up to the sky, birds are also a pleasure to take in this region of Hokkaido.

At the end of the day, you will want to relax at your lodging, be it your own tent or back at Lakehouse Shumarinai. Whether indoors or outdoors, the best way to round out the adventurous day is to enjoy a warm drink, hot food, and for those fortunate enough, Hokkaido’s starry night by the lake.

レークハウス しゅまりない

北海道雨竜郡幌加内町朱鞠内

0165382029

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