If you’re looking to relax and take things easy, then some local ice fishing at Lake Nojiri might be right up your alley. During the winter period, visitors can engage in the uniquely Japanese sport of fishing for smelt (wakasagi), using red-dyed ant-eggs as bait. Wakasagi is a tiny silvery freshwater fish about the size of an anchovy. During winter, when the lake freezes over, specially designed boats are available for hire to carve out your own fishing spot. Alternatively, you can sit in a cabin warmed by a kerosene heater, and sip local warm shochu (similar to sake) while you fish.