Lake Misuzu

Lake Misuzu is a man-made reservoir in the mountains north of Matsumoto, sitting at approximately 1000 meters elevation with clear water reflecting the surrounding peaks and forest. A walking trail circles the shoreline and offers access to fishing spots and rest areas where visitors can view the landscape.

The water body dates back several centuries to the Azuchi-Momoyama period and was originally known as Ashinoda Pond before receiving its current name in 1953. It was created as a reservoir to store water and help manage local flood risk.

The lake's name was officially given in 1953, connecting it to its historical past as Ashinoda Pond. It has become part of local tradition, where people return across seasons to find peace by the water and experience nature's cycles.

The lake sits about 3.5 kilometers from Asama hot spring and is reachable by taxi in around 30 minutes from Matsumoto station, though the road becomes steep and narrow near the top. Free parking is available onsite along with basic facilities including washrooms, toilets, and a small summer hut offering shelter.

The lake's water is remarkably clear, sometimes offering mirror-perfect reflections of the sky and surrounding mountain peaks, especially during early mornings or late afternoons. Many visitors discover that simply watching these quiet moments is enough to find relief from daily concerns and feel connected to the natural world.