Momiji Lake Live Camera | Autumn Leaves at Minowa Dam in Minowa, Nagano

Autumn leaves at Momiji Lake Minowa

This image is a sample.

Advertisements

This live camera is installed at Minowa Dam, also known as Momiji Lake, in Higashiminowa, Minowa Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture. It shows the autumn foliage around Momiji Lake, the area in front of the maple tunnel, the Minowa Dam parking area, Takenoo Square, and nearby surroundings. Momiji Lake is one of Nagano Prefecture’s well-known autumn foliage spots, with about 10,000 maple trees planted around the dam lake. It is especially popular from late October to early November. The camera is useful for checking the color of the leaves, local weather, parking congestion, and the atmosphere during evening illuminations before visiting. The live camera is streamed for a limited period by Ina Cable Television’s information camera channel.

Autumn leaves at Momiji Lake
Autumn leaves at Momiji Lake
Advertisements

View the Live Camera

Live Camera Information

Advertisements

What You Can Check with the Minowa Dam Momiji Lake Live Camera

The Minowa Dam Momiji Lake live camera lets you check the autumn colors around the lake, the maple tunnel area, Minowa Dam parking, and Takenoo Square. During the autumn foliage season, congestion can vary widely by day, so checking the camera before departure is a helpful way to understand local weather, crowds, and parking conditions. It is especially useful on weekends, holidays, and peak-color days when the area can become busy.

Best Time to See Autumn Leaves at Momiji Lake and How to Use the Camera

Autumn leaves at Momiji Lake usually reach their best viewing period from late October to early November. About 10,000 maple trees are planted around the lakeside, creating a vivid contrast between red and orange foliage and the surface of the lake. Because coloring can vary by elevation, sunlight, and weather, the live camera is useful for checking the current appearance in addition to reading foliage reports. Before peak color, it helps you see how far the leaves have turned; later in the season, it helps you check leaf-fall conditions.

Advertisements

The Maple Tunnel and Photo Spots

One of the most popular areas around Momiji Lake is the maple tunnel, where red leaves arch over the road. During peak foliage, many visitors come for photography, and the area can become crowded depending on the time of day. Checking the live camera in advance gives you a sense of the atmosphere and visitor levels. Mornings often feel calmer, while daytime makes the foliage colors easier to see clearly.

Parking, Congestion, and Traffic Restrictions Around Minowa Dam

During autumn foliage season, parking lots and nearby roads around Momiji Lake may become crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Depending on the year, traffic measures such as advance parking reservations, private-car restrictions, or shuttle buses may be introduced. Please check the latest local information before visiting. The live camera can help you judge conditions around Minowa Dam parking and the surrounding area before heading there. Some roads are narrow, so allow extra travel time.

Advertisements

Evening Illumination and Night Foliage at Momiji Lake

In some years, Momiji Lake holds evening illuminations during the autumn foliage season. The illuminated leaves create a different, more atmospheric scene from the daytime view, attracting visitors for lakeside walks and photography. Dates and times vary by year, so it is best to confirm the latest event details before visiting. Temperatures can drop at night, so warm clothing is recommended.

About Minowa Dam and Momiji Lake

Minowa Dam is a gravity concrete dam in Minowa Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture. Its reservoir is affectionately known as Momiji Lake. The dam supports local life through functions such as flood control, maintaining normal river flow, and supplying water to the northern Ina Valley area. Parks, open spaces, and camping areas are located nearby, and in autumn the area draws many visitors as a scenic foliage destination. It is also a place where visitors can learn about local water resources, tourism, and disaster prevention.

Advertisements

Access to Momiji Lake and Notes Before Visiting

By car, Momiji Lake can be accessed from the Ihoku Interchange or Ina Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. By public transportation, a taxi from Matsushima Station on the JR Iida Line is a practical option. During the foliage season, nearby roads can become busy, and some narrow sections require careful passing. Before visiting, check the live camera, latest traffic restrictions, parking information, and local weather.

Momiji Lake Autumn Leaves Festival Information

The Momiji Lake Autumn Leaves Festival is usually held around the peak foliage period. Festival dates, illumination hours, parking reservations, private-car restrictions, shuttle bus operations, and traffic guidance can change from year to year. If you plan to visit during autumn, check the latest official announcements and use the live camera to confirm local conditions before departure.

2025 event record: The 2025 Momiji Lake Autumn Leaves Festival was held from October 25 to November 9, with illuminations and congestion-management measures during the event period. Please update future event details after official announcements are released.

Because the Momiji Lake area can become crowded during autumn, visitors coming from farther away may also consider accommodations around Ina City, Minowa Town, or Tatsuno Town, especially when planning to enjoy early-morning foliage or evening illuminations.

For other nearby autumn foliage and sightseeing cameras, you can also check the autumn leaves live camera list and the Minowa Town live camera list on this site.

Weather Forecast and Expected Temperature for Minowa Town, Nagano Prefecture

Rain Cloud Radar for Minowa Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture

Rain Cloud Radar – Yahoo! Weather
Check the real-time movement of rain clouds across Japan and zoom in easily to the area you need.
Weather Forecast: Minowa Town, Nagano Prefecture Data as of Aug 13, 6:01 JST  Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Today (Aug 13)
Mostly Cloudy
AM 20%  PM 30%
Tomorrow (Aug 14)
Cloudy
AM 10%  PM 30%

Map Around Minowa Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture (Google Maps)

  • View on Google Maps

Related Video of Momiji Lake Autumn Leaves

FAQ About the Minowa Dam Momiji Lake Live Camera

When is the best time to see autumn leaves at Momiji Lake?

The best time is usually from late October to early November. Because the color changes depending on temperature and weather, checking the live camera before visiting is recommended.

What can I see on the live camera?

You can check the autumn foliage at Momiji Lake, the area in front of the maple tunnel, Minowa Dam parking, and Takenoo Square. During the foliage season, it is also helpful for checking crowds and weather.

Do I need a parking reservation during the autumn foliage season?

Depending on the year, advance parking reservations, private-car restrictions, or shuttle bus operations may be introduced during the autumn foliage season. Please check the latest traffic guidance before visiting.

You cannot copy content of this page