Ijira Lake is an artificial lake located in Nagataki, Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture. It was planned in 1956 to provide irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural areas. Construction began in 1958, the main works were completed in 1966, and the lake was officially completed in October 1969.
The lake sits at an elevation of 110 meters and covers approximately 0.1 square kilometers. Its shoreline measures about 2.4 kilometers, with an average depth of 5.4 meters and a maximum depth of 10.9 meters. The lake holds approximately 540,000 cubic meters of water, and the surrounding area has been developed as a park.
Ijira Lake offers different attractions throughout the year. In spring, visitors can enjoy the Ijira Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring a row of approximately 300 cherry trees. Summer brings the Ijira Lake Summer Festival and fireworks display, while autumn transforms the surrounding landscape with vivid foliage.
In winter, the lake becomes a popular destination for smelt fishing. These seasonal activities and changing landscapes make Ijira Lake an appealing place to visit throughout the year.
In January 2016, Ijira Lake was selected as a Sacred Place for Lovers through the Lovers’ Sanctuary Project operated by the Regional Revitalization Support Center, a nonprofit organization. A commemorative monument was installed at the lake in March of the same year.
On March 17, 2018, improvements to the lakeside visitor area were completed. The walking deck known as Lovers’ Road and the café-restaurant reopened following renovation. The local agricultural produce shop also adopted the nickname Love Lake, or “Love Lake” in English.
Love Lake offers more than dining. Visitors can purchase fishing permits and arrange boat rentals at the facility. The café-restaurant serves distinctive dishes inspired by the lake’s designation as a romantic destination, including pink ramen and pink curry—special menu items that add a playful touch to a visit.
The facility also sells local souvenirs, making it a convenient stop for food, shopping, and information about activities around the lake.
Ijira Lake is regarded as one of the leading smelt-fishing destinations in the Tokai region. From autumn through winter, it attracts many anglers eager to fish for this small freshwater species.
Approximately 40 million smelt eggs are introduced into the lake each April. From the opening of the fishing season into spring, the lake becomes lively with fishing boats. Visitors can also experience ayu, or sweetfish, fishing, a relatively unusual activity even in Gifu Prefecture, which is famous for its sweetfish and clear rivers.
Ijira Lake can be reached by car from the Nagoya area in approximately 90 minutes, making it a convenient destination for a short getaway. Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, a refreshing lakeside atmosphere in summer, autumn foliage, and smelt fishing in winter.
The changing scenery is one of Ijira Lake’s greatest attractions. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, autumn is filled with colorful foliage, and winter draws fishing enthusiasts to the water.
During the autumn foliage season, visitors can stroll along the paths around the lake, including sections where trees form a colorful tunnel. The peaceful surroundings provide an ideal setting to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
At Love Lake, visitors can enjoy meals and purchase local souvenirs. Next to the agricultural produce shop is a free rest area known as the Green Space Management Center, where visitors can take a break during their walk around the lake.
Another attraction worth visiting near Ijira Lake is Gannabi-ji Temple, a historic temple belonging to the Myōshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple is believed to have been established during the Sengoku period and features an impressive main hall with a distinctive eight-ridged roof. It enshrines Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy.
The temple grounds are home to an Edo-higan cherry tree more than 350 years old, designated a Natural Monument by Gifu Prefecture. Its blossoms announce the arrival of spring. In autumn, visitors can admire the colorful maple trees around the pond and in front of the temple gate.
With its beautiful scenery, seasonal festivals, fishing opportunities, and rich cultural heritage, Ijira Lake offers something to enjoy in every season. Its convenient location from the Nagoya area makes it an excellent choice for a relaxing day trip.
Whether you visit for cherry blossoms, summer festivities, autumn colors, winter fishing, or a peaceful walk by the water, Ijira Lake is a destination well worth exploring.