Walking Around the Lake
The area around Misuzu Lake has been developed as a recreational destination and is enjoyed by both local residents and visitors. Walking trails circle the lake, with an inner route of approximately 2 kilometers and an outer route of approximately 4 kilometers.
A leisurely walk offers views of the surrounding mountains reflected on the water, while the sound of the breeze moving across the lake creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season, when the trees around the lake turn vivid shades of red and yellow.
Misuzu Lake is also equipped with facilities including campgrounds, barbecue areas, fishing areas, a mallet golf course, and accommodation. These facilities make the lake a convenient destination for families, groups, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Misuzu Lake is well known as a fishing destination. The lake is home to fish such as hera-buna crucian carp, common carp, Japanese smelt, and black bass, allowing anglers to enjoy different types of fishing depending on the season.
Winter is especially popular for smelt fishing. When conditions permit ice fishing, anglers gather on the frozen lake to enjoy this distinctive winter activity. The surrounding camping and barbecue facilities also make Misuzu Lake suitable for relaxed outdoor recreation throughout the warmer seasons.
Cycling and Sporting Events
The road from Asama Onsen to Misuzu Lake includes a series of steep climbs, making the route a challenging destination for cyclists. At the end of June each year, the Tour de Utsukushigahara Kogen Cycling Race is held, attracting cyclists from across Japan for a demanding ascent through the mountain landscape.
The area near the lake was once home to the Asama Onsen International Skating Center, which hosted international competitions. Today, the site serves as the Misuzuko Cycling Velodrome, continuing the area’s role as a center for local sports.
From Ashinota Pond to Misuzu Lake
The history of Misuzu Lake stretches back more than four centuries. Its origins can be traced to 1597, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, when the Matsumoto domain of Shinano constructed a reservoir called Ashino-ta Pond to provide irrigation water for agriculture.
The reservoir was repeatedly improved over the following centuries. Expansion work was carried out in 1643 and again in 1698, allowing the water source to support the growing needs of the surrounding agricultural communities.
As water demand increased, however, the surrounding villages experienced chronic shortages, and disputes over water became increasingly common. Expanding the reservoir became a long-standing aspiration for the local communities.
In 1929, a major improvement project was proposed to increase agricultural production. A severe drought in 1939 provided a further impetus for the project, leading to plans for a large-scale reconstruction of the reservoir.
The Great Showa-Era Reconstruction
Nagano Prefecture conducted surveys, measurements, and design work as part of a prefectural project. Official approval was granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 1941, and construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony at Hongo National School on January 24, 1943.
Construction took place during the Second World War, when shortages of workers and materials repeatedly forced the work to stop. The project continued even after the war, and the new lake was finally completed in March 1951.
A grand completion ceremony was held on March 24, 1951, attended by more than 600 people, including the governor of Nagano Prefecture at the time. The reconstruction cost a total of 25.66 million yen and finally brought an end to the long-running disputes over water in the region.
The Birth of the Name Misuzu Lake
The former Ashino-ta Pond was renamed Misuzu Lake in 1953. Several theories explain the origin of the name. One suggests that the shape of the lake resembles a bell, while another connects it with the traditional poetic expression “Misuzukaru,” an ancient epithet associated with Shinano.
Whatever its precise origin, the elegant name “Misuzu Lake” suits the beautiful natural surroundings of Matsumoto and has become familiar to generations of local residents and visitors.
From Misuzu Lake to the Sea of Japan
The water of Misuzu Lake originates from the Misayama area. After leaving the lake, it flows as the Metoba River through central Matsumoto before joining the Tagawa, Narai River, Sai River, and Chikuma River.
After entering Niigata Prefecture, the river becomes known as the Shinano River, eventually reaching the Sea of Japan. This long journey demonstrates how Misuzu Lake forms part of an extensive water system that continues to support both the natural environment and human life across the region.
Bamba Pond, Another Historic Reservoir
Immediately west of Misuzu Lake lies another reservoir called Bamba Pond. It was originally constructed by local villagers in 1819 and was expanded in 1846 with the participation of approximately 13,000 people.
During the major reconstruction of Misuzu Lake in the Showa era, the storage capacity was reduced as part of an agreement between the surrounding communities. To compensate for the reduction, Bamba Pond was expanded in 1943 and connected to Misuzu Lake by waterways.
Today, the two bodies of water continue to play an important role as local water resources, linking the history of agriculture and water management with the modern landscape of Matsumoto.
A Peaceful Highland Oasis of Matsumoto
Misuzu Lake is a place where the natural beauty and long history of Matsumoto come together. Originally created as an agricultural reservoir in the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it has undergone repeated improvements over the centuries and now provides both a valuable water resource and a tranquil destination for recreation.
From autumn foliage reflected on the lake to fishing, hiking, camping, and cycling, there are many ways to enjoy the area. At the same time, the story of its development offers a glimpse into the importance of water in the history of local communities.
With its changing seasonal scenery, outdoor activities, and deep historical background, Misuzu Lake can be regarded as a peaceful oasis in the mountains of Shinshu Matsumoto.