Izumiko Lake is an artificial reservoir surrounded by rich woodland in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters, the lake enjoys a cool, refreshing mountain climate and beautiful natural scenery throughout the year.
Forests of Japanese larch, maple, and other trees surround the water, creating a different atmosphere in every season. Fresh green foliage brightens the landscape in spring, deep green forests provide a cool retreat in summer, autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter transforms the area into a quiet, peaceful landscape.
The area around Izumiko has been developed as Izumiko Park, a comprehensive recreation area designed for relaxation, outdoor activities, and contact with nature.
The park is located in a forested area approximately 3 kilometers from the urban center. Its quiet surroundings make it an ideal place to escape the bustle of town and enjoy a slower pace of travel.
The park includes spacious grassy areas and a waterside recreation area, while the Forest Walking Area provides opportunities to explore the changing scenery and observe plants and wildlife throughout the seasons.
Izumiko Park offers a wide range of facilities for visitors who enjoy sports and outdoor recreation. These include a 36-hole mallet golf course, eight tennis courts, a multipurpose sports field, a canoeing area, a training lodge, and a campground.
The campground is available free of charge from May through October. During the camping season, families and groups gather here to enjoy barbecues, campfires, and time together in the refreshing highland environment.
Because of its elevation, Izumiko is also a popular summer retreat. Even when temperatures rise in the lowlands, the air here remains comparatively cool and pleasant, making it a comfortable place for camping, sports, walking, and other outdoor activities.
Izumiko is an appealing destination for travelers who want to experience the natural side of the Suwa region. Rather than being a busy sightseeing attraction, it offers the chance to spend time surrounded by forests, open skies, and peaceful water.
The seasonal scenery is one of its greatest attractions. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers cool shade beneath the trees, autumn paints the surrounding mountainsides with brilliant colors, and winter creates a tranquil atmosphere that highlights the area’s quiet beauty.
By car, Izumiko Park is approximately 30 minutes from either the Suwa Interchange or Okaya Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.
For travelers arriving by train, the park is approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Shimosuwa Station on the Chuo Main Line, or about 20 minutes by car from JR Kamisuwa Station.
With its combination of forest scenery, outdoor sports, camping, and peaceful highland surroundings, Izumiko Park is an excellent place to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace. It is especially appealing in summer, when the cool mountain air provides a refreshing break from the warmer lowlands.