REPORT

With a surface elevation of 822 meters above sea level, Aoki-ko (Lake Aoki) is once again a popular spot for SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) this summer—thanks to its refreshing mountain air and spring-fed crystal-clear water! At Hakuba Lion Adventure, you can rent single-person SUP boards, Family SUPs that fit up to four people, and even a Big SUP that holds up to five individuals. Just beyond the dedicated SUP dock, there’s also a floating attraction (pictured), which costs ¥1,000 per person for 45 minutes (or ¥500 for SUP participants).
[Lake Aoki]

After checking in and changing in the locker room, I received a brief safety lesson and set off. I spoke with a couple visiting from Shiojiri (pictured), who told me, “We tried SUP once before when we lived in Miyazaki, so this is our second time—and we’re loving it!” Incidentally, as long as you start off by paddling while seated, there’s very little risk of falling in.
[Lake Aoki]

If you’re still a bit unsure about SUP, renting a canoe is a great alternative. I also had a conversation with a pair from Osaka (pictured) who commented, “We’re staying in Hakuba for two nights—yesterday we went to Iwatake, and today we’re here at Lake Aoki. It’s the first time our dogs have been in a canoe, and they seem a little scared to be out on the water.”
[Lake Aoki]

Another two visitors from Nagano City (pictured) told me, “We’ve been wanting to try SUP for a while, and finally today we had the chance. At first, we didn’t think we’d be able to stand up, but somehow we managed!” Once you get the hang of standing, you’re free to explore the wide-open waters of Lake Aoki—Nagano’s third-largest lake after Lake Suwa and Lake Nojiri—at your own pace!
[Lake Aoki]

　　
＊In general, reservations for both SUP and canoe rentals are required by the day before, but same-day bookings are possible if there are openings.

[Hakuba Lion Adventure・Lake Aoki SUP]
＊Open period … 2025/4/26(Sat) – 5/6(Thu), 6/21(Sat) – 10/26(Sun)
＊Location … Lake Aoki
＊Opening time … 8:15-、10:30-、13:15- (*2 hours each)
＊Fees … SUP 90min. JPY4,000 (elementary school students and older), Family SUP rental 90min JPY12,000(up to 4 people), Big SUP rental 90min JPY14,000 (up to 5 people) *Rates differ for the high season (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 7/19 to 8/8 and 8/9 to 8/17) and value season (weekdays from 6/21 to 7/13 and 9/8 to 9/30 and 10/1 to 10/26).
＊Parking lot … Free
　
＊To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs
　
reported by Snownavi