Akagi Shrine — Mystical Forest Sanctuary

**Shrine approach:** The torii gates and vermillion bridges leading to the shrine are photographed from the lakeshore (east side) — the gates frame the shrine with Mt. Akagi's peaks behind. Early morning (6:00-8:00) offers mirror-like water reflections (wind picks up by 10:00). The shrine itself is small — visit for the setting and forest walk rather than architectural complexity. The surrounding cedar forest (御神林, goshinrin, sacred grove) is ancient and rarely visited — walk the forest paths for solitude. **Autumn foliage:** Mid-October (peak varies ±1 week annually) turns the caldera into a color bowl — maples, beeches, and oaks surrounding the lake. The contrast between volcanic slopes, autumn colors, and the vermillion shrine creates dramatic photography. Weekend foliage season sees crowds (buses are full) — weekday visits offer parking and viewpoints without competition. **Summer camping:** Lake Onuma has designated campgrounds (キャンプ場, ¥1,000-2,000/site) with lake access. Summer (July-August) is warm (25-30°C days, 15-20°C nights at elevation), and the lake is swimmable (though cold, 18-20°C). Fishing (rainbow trout, bass) requires permits (¥500, sold at lakeside shops). The area has mountain hiking trails — Mt. Kurohina (黒檜山, 1,828m, Akagi's highest peak, 3-hour round-trip from lake) offers caldera views. **Winter ice fishing:** January-February sees Lake Onuma freeze 30-50cm thick. The Akagi Ice Fishing Festival (赤城大沼氷上ワカサギ釣り, late January-February) allows fishing through drilled ice holes for wakasagi (Japanese smelt). Rental equipment ¥1,500, fishing permit ¥700. The frozen lake with snow-covered Mt. Akagi is surreal — bring extreme cold-weather gear (-10°C to -15°C).