Kusaki Lake is an artificial lake created by the construction of Kusaki Dam on the upper reaches of the Watarase River in Azuma, Midori City, Gunma Prefecture.
The lake was created when the dam was completed in 1977 and has a total storage capacity of approximately 60 million tons. It is one of the largest reservoirs in the Tone River basin. In 2005, Kusaki Lake was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Dam Lakes in recognition of its beautiful scenery and harmonious relationship with the surrounding natural environment.
Surrounded by the mountains of the Ashio area, the lake takes on a different appearance with each season. The mountains and sky reflected on its calm surface create a peaceful atmosphere, making Kusaki Lake one of the representative scenic attractions of Midori City.
In spring, cherry trees and flowering peach trees bloom around the lakeshore, filling the area with soft colors.
Flowering peach trees have been planted throughout the Azuma area of Midori City, and various Hanamomo Festivals are held in April, particularly around Gōdo Station.
The contrast between colorful flowers reflected on the lake and the remaining snow on the surrounding mountains creates a beautiful landscape that is especially popular with photographers.
During summer, campsites and boating facilities around Kusaki Lake become lively. Visitors can enjoy water activities such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), while the cool breeze from the lake and fresh mountain air provide a refreshing escape.
In August, the Kusaki Lake Festival is held, featuring fireworks launched over the lake. The colorful bursts illuminate both the night sky and the surface of the water, creating a spectacular summer scene.
In autumn, the Watarase River valley stretching from Ashio toward Takatsudo Gorge is covered in vivid autumn foliage.
Mountains colored in shades of red and gold are reflected on the surface of the lake, creating an almost dreamlike landscape. The lakeshore extends for approximately 12.4 kilometers, and walking trails allow visitors to enjoy the autumn colors at a leisurely pace.
On clear winter days, visitors can see the Nikkō Mountains covered in snow across the lake.
The white peaks viewed through the exceptionally clear winter air create a striking contrast with the quiet lake. The peaceful lakeshore takes on a crisp and serene beauty during this season.
Azuma General Sports Park is located near Kusaki Lake and includes a baseball field and other sports facilities. Walking trails around the lakeshore begin in this area and are popular for hiking and leisurely walks.
Following the local road leads to Takinoue Bridge, from where visitors can see Fudō Falls cascading through the trees. Continuing up a gentle slope eventually brings you to the dam site, where the view suddenly opens up to reveal the expansive blue lake and the magnificent mountains of the Ashio area.
Along the way is Kusaki Bridge, painted red and offering an attractive photographic view with its reflection on the lake.
The area is also known for its production of granite. Quarries and stone-processing facilities can be found in various parts of the surrounding region, adding another distinctive aspect to the local landscape.
Located near the lakeshore, the Tomihiro Museum operated by Midori City displays works by Tomihiro Hoshino, a painter and poet from the local area.
Hoshino created delicate watercolor paintings of flowers and plants by holding a brush in his mouth. His artworks combine these transparent, graceful botanical paintings with poetry, creating a distinctive form of illustrated poetry known as shiga.
Since opening in 1991, the museum has welcomed visitors from Gunma and throughout Japan and has become one of the area’s leading cultural attractions.
This museum commemorates the achievements of Wasaburō Ishihara, the lyricist who wrote the words for well-known Japanese children’s songs such as Usagi to Kame (“The Rabbit and the Turtle”) and Kintarō.
Photographs, handwritten manuscripts, and panels about children’s songs are displayed, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into scenes and traditions from Japan’s past.
This quiet museum presents the artistic world created through the combination of Ryōkan’s calligraphy and large ancient Tokoname pottery jars.
Japanese and Southeast Asian ceramics are also displayed, allowing visitors to enjoy art and traditional craftsmanship in a calm and intimate setting.
Upstream from Kusaki Lake lies the former Ashio Copper Mine. The rugged rock formations of Matsuki Gorge have earned it the nickname “Japan’s Grand Canyon.”
Access to parts of the area is currently restricted, but the dramatic landscape can be viewed from around the Ashio Erosion Control Dam.
National Route 122 runs along the right bank of Kusaki Lake and continues toward Nikkō, offering a scenic route through the mountains.
The Watarase Keikoku Railway also runs along the lake, making it possible to combine a railway journey with walking excursions and visits to Kusaki Dam.
The route connecting Kiryu City with Nikkō City is popular as one of Gunma’s scenic driving routes, allowing travelers to enjoy mountain landscapes, the lake, and historic railway scenery along the way.
Kusaki Dam, which created Kusaki Lake, is a 140-meter-high gravity concrete dam.
The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control, the supply of tap water and industrial water, and hydroelectric power generation. It is an important source of water for the Tokyo metropolitan area while also playing a significant role as a tourism resource for the surrounding region.
By car, Kusaki Lake is approximately 70 minutes from the Kitasakanto Expressway’s Ōta-Yabuzuka Interchange and approximately 100 minutes from the Tōhoku Expressway’s Sano-Fujioka Interchange.
By public transportation, take the Watarase Keikoku Railway from Kiryū Station on the JR Ryōmō Line or Aioi Station on the Tōbu Kiryū Line, and get off at Gōdo Station. From the station, the lake can be reached on foot or by bus.
Kusaki Lake serves an important role as a water resource while also offering visitors beautiful seasonal scenery and access to a variety of cultural and recreational attractions.
A walk along the lakeshore provides views of tranquil water and surrounding mountains, offering a welcome break from the noise and pace of everyday life.
With its combination of nature, history, culture, and scenic railway travel, Kusaki Lake is an inviting destination for travelers exploring eastern Gunma. Take time to enjoy the peaceful scenery and experience the changing character of the lake throughout the seasons.