Home/Gunma/Takasaki/Mt. Haruna & Lake Haruna

Mt. Haruna & Lake Haruna

Mt. Harunacrater lakeropewayshrineautumn foliage

Gunma · Takasaki

36.4733°N, 138.8669°E

Mt. Haruna (榛名山, 1,449m) is a dormant volcano with a crater lake (Lake Haruna, 榛名湖) at 1,100m elevation, surrounded by volcanic peaks (Mt. Haruna-Fuji, 1,390m, and Mt. Souma, 1,411m). The lake is a perfect circle (4.5km circumference), reflecting the surrounding mountains, and is popular for boating, fishing, and lakeside cycling. The area offers hiking trails, a ropeway to Mt. Haruna-Fuji's summit (views over the Kanto Plain and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji), and autumn foliage (late October-November) that turns the crater into a bowl of reds and golds.

The lake's Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) sits 3km downhill in a forested gorge, accessed via a 700-meter stone path through towering cedars and moss-covered rocks. The shrine's main hall is built against a massive rock face (御姿岩, Misugata-iwa), and the setting is powerfully atmospheric — ancient trees, waterfalls, and stone lanterns create a mystical forest shrine rarely seen outside Kyoto's mountains. The shrine is dedicated to fire and water deities, reflecting the volcano's elemental power.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Lake area: open 24 hrs | Boat/bicycle rental: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Ropeway: December–February (winter maintenance) | Lake and shrine: open year-round | Bus service: seasonal, check schedule

Entrance Fee

Best Season

Late October–November (autumn colors in volcanic crater) | July–August (lake activities and hiking) | January–February for snow scenery (ropeway closed)

Visit Duration

Lake + ropeway: 3–4 hours | With Haruna Shrine (3km away by car): full day | Shrine alone: 60–90 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

Lake Haruna: Haruna-machi, Takasaki. By bus from JR Takasaki Station (¥1,100). Haruna Ropeway: ¥840 round-trip, 3 minutes to summit (1,390m). Haruna Shrine: 3km downhill from lake, a drive or a short walk. Shrine free entry. Best season: October-November (autumn foliage).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Ropeway & summit views:** The Haruna Ropeway ascends Mt. Haruna-Fuji (1,390m) in 3 minutes (¥840 round-trip). The summit observation deck offers 360-degree views — Lake Haruna directly below, Kanto Plain stretching east, Mt. Akagi (north), and on exceptionally clear days (winter mornings), Mt. Fuji 120km south. The summit has a small shrine and walking paths (10-minute loop). Arrive early morning (9:00-10:00) for clearest views before afternoon haze. **Lake activities:** Rental swan boats (¥800/30 min), rowboats (¥600/30 min), and bicycles (¥500/hour) available at lakeside rental shops. The 4.5km lakeside path is flat, paved, and suitable for casual cycling (60-90 minute loop). Fishing permits (¥500) allow trout and bass fishing. The lake is swimmable but cold (no designated swimming areas). Autumn (late October-November) is peak beauty — maples surrounding the crater turn crimson, reflecting in the lake's still water. **Haruna Shrine approach:** The 700-meter stone path to Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) is one of Gunma's most atmospheric walks — 300-year-old cedar trees, moss-covered stones, seven bridges (each symbolizing stages of spiritual purification), and small waterfalls. The path takes 15-20 minutes, with stone lanterns and torii gates marking the ascent. The main hall is built into the Misugata-iwa rock face — the rock is worshipped as the shrine's shintai (神体, physical embodiment of the deity). Bring a flashlight (forest is dim even midday). **Haruna Shrine combination:** Visiting both Lake Haruna and Haruna Shrine requires a car or taxi (3km distance, buses infrequent). Taxis from Takasaki Station (¥6,000-8,000 one-way) can drop at the shrine, wait while you visit, then continue to the lake (negotiate price beforehand). Or rent a car at Takasaki Station (¥6,000-8,000/day) for full flexibility.

View on Google Maps