Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is a large artificial lake in Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. Its official name is Mawarizeki O-ike Pond, and it was originally created as an agricultural reservoir.
Today, however, the lake is also one of the area’s most attractive scenic destinations. With beautiful Mount Iwaki, known as the “Tsugaru Fuji,” rising in the background, the reflection of the mountain on the calm surface of the lake creates a spectacular landscape that has long been loved by local residents and visitors.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is the largest artificial lake in Aomori Prefecture. While it continues to play an important role in supplying water for agriculture, its impressive scenery, natural surroundings, and the famous Tsuru no Mai Bridge have made it an important tourism destination as well.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake stores approximately 14.256 million cubic meters of water. During the spring high-water season, the maximum water depth reaches approximately 7 meters, while the full water surface covers about 281 hectares.
One of the lake’s most remarkable features is the length of its embankment. Extending approximately 4.2 kilometers, it is known for having the longest embankment of its kind in Japan.
The enormous scale of the reservoir reflects the important role that human engineering has played in supporting agriculture in the Tsugaru region. At the same time, the combination of the broad water surface, surrounding greenery, and distant mountains creates a landscape that feels remarkably natural.
In 2010, Tsugaru Fujimi Lake was selected as one of the “100 Best Agricultural Reservoirs of Japan” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The selection recognizes reservoirs that have particular historical, cultural, environmental, or scenic value. Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is an excellent example of a place where an agricultural facility has become an important part of the local landscape and regional identity.
The history of Mawarizeki O-ike Pond dates back to 1660, during the early Edo period.
At the direction of Tsugaru Nobumasa, lord of the Tsugaru domain, the reservoir was constructed to provide irrigation water for the development of new agricultural land in western Tsugaru.
Since then, the reservoir has supported farming and daily life in the surrounding communities for centuries.
From 1943 to 1969, the reservoir underwent major improvement and enlargement as part of the national Nishitsugaru Phase I Agricultural Water Management Project. These works increased its capacity and strengthened its role as an agricultural water source.
Further improvements were carried out from 1989 to 1994 through a prefectural agricultural water management project in the Tsugaru Fujimi district.
During this period, facilities were developed not only to improve the agricultural functions of the reservoir but also to enhance its value as a recreational and tourism destination.
One of the most important additions was the construction of Tsuru no Mai Bridge, which opened in July 1994 and helped establish the lake as one of Tsuruta Town’s most recognizable tourist attractions.
The most famous landmark around Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is undoubtedly Tsuru no Mai Bridge, an elegant wooden three-arch bridge stretching approximately 300 meters across the lake.
The bridge is made from Aomori hiba cypress trees more than 150 years old and is known as one of Japan’s longest wooden pedestrian bridges.
Its graceful curves were designed to resemble a crane spreading its wings and dancing over the water. The central elevated section represents the body of the crane, while the curved sections extending to both sides suggest its wings.
From a distance, the bridge therefore appears almost like a crane gracefully spreading its wings across the lake.
A raised resting area is located near the center of the bridge, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The bridge itself is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. Rather than dominating the lake, its warm wooden structure complements the water, trees, and mountains surrounding it.
On clear days, one of the most beautiful views is the combination of Tsuru no Mai Bridge, the calm surface of the lake, and Mount Iwaki in the distance.
The bridge is also attractive after sunset.
Copper plates decorated with crane motifs adorn the bridge railings, while approximately 110 lights illuminate the structure at night.
The lighting is designed to evoke the image of fireflies dancing above the water. Reflected on the surface of the lake, the illuminated bridge creates a peaceful and romantic nighttime scene that is very different from its appearance during the day.
One of the greatest attractions of Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is the view toward Mount Iwaki.
Known locally as “Tsugaru Fuji”, Mount Iwaki is an iconic mountain of Aomori Prefecture. Its distinctive shape has long been an important symbol of the Tsugaru region.
When weather conditions are favorable, the mountain is reflected on the lake’s surface, creating a beautiful mirror-like landscape.
The scenery changes throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greenery and clear mountain views, summer offers lush vegetation, autumn adds colorful foliage, and winter creates a quieter landscape with a distinctly northern Japanese atmosphere.
The area surrounding Tsugaru Fujimi Lake has also been designated as a wildlife protection area.
The lake provides an important wintering habitat for migratory birds, including swans, geese, and ducks. During the colder months, visitors may be able to observe these birds resting and feeding around the lake.
There are also historical accounts of red-crowned cranes visiting the area. Today, visitors who want to see these elegant birds can visit the nearby Tanchōzuru Nature Park.
The combination of open water, wetlands, trees, and farmland makes the area an interesting destination for visitors who enjoy birdwatching and nature photography.
Another attraction near the lake is Tsugaru Fujimi Onsen, where visitors can relax after exploring the surrounding area.
Combining sightseeing with a traditional Japanese hot spring experience is an enjoyable way to spend a day in Tsuruta Town. After walking around the lake or visiting Tsuru no Mai Bridge, travelers can take a relaxing bath while enjoying the atmosphere of the Tsugaru countryside.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake also serves as a venue for local events.
During the annual Tsuruta Festival in summer, a national crucian carp fishing competition attracts fishing enthusiasts from across Japan.
The event brings together local residents and visitors and gives travelers a chance to experience the community atmosphere of Tsuruta beyond its scenic attractions.
Located inside Fujimi Lake Park, near Tsuru no Mai Bridge, “Koko ni mo Aruja” is a tourism facility offering local products and souvenirs.
The facility was established as a sister shop to Michi-no-Eki Tsuruta Tsurunosato Aruja, a roadside station in Tsuruta Town.
Visitors can browse a selection of local agricultural products, processed foods, sweets, and other specialties from the region.
The facility also has an eat-in area where visitors can sit down and enjoy light meals and cold desserts.
It is a convenient place to take a break while sightseeing around the lake and bridge. Families and groups of friends can relax here while sampling local flavors and shopping for souvenirs.
For travelers, the facility provides an easy introduction to the food culture and hospitality of Tsuruta Town.
Fujimi Lake Park is located around Tsugaru Fujimi Lake and is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic.
The park provides different viewpoints of the lake and Tsuru no Mai Bridge. Walking along the lakeside allows visitors to appreciate the scenery from several angles, with Mount Iwaki forming a dramatic backdrop.
It is particularly enjoyable for photography, as the appearance of the lake changes according to the season, weather, and time of day.
Spring brings fresh greenery and the return of migratory birds. The clear atmosphere often provides excellent views toward Mount Iwaki.
Summer is an especially lively season around the lake, with green landscapes, outdoor activities, and the Tsuruta Festival. The long days also provide plenty of time for sightseeing and photography.
Autumn brings colorful foliage to the surrounding landscape. The warm colors of the trees contrast beautifully with the blue water and wooden bridge.
Winter gives Tsugaru Fujimi Lake a quiet and serene character. Migratory birds gather around the water, while the snow-covered landscape creates a distinctly northern Japanese scene.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is located along Aomori Prefectural Route 200, Yoneyama-Shobukawa Line.
A local Konan Bus service that once operated between Goshogawara and Tsuruta via Mawarizeki was discontinued in September 2018. As a result, visitors relying on public transportation may find it convenient to take a taxi from Mutsu-Tsuruda Station or Goshogawara Station.
The area is also easily accessible by car and is often included as part of sightseeing routes through the Tsugaru region.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is a remarkable destination where agriculture, history, architecture, and nature come together.
The lake was originally created to support agriculture, and it continues to serve that important purpose today. At the same time, centuries of history and thoughtful development have transformed the area into a beautiful sightseeing destination.
The view of Mount Iwaki reflected on the water, the elegant wooden curves of Tsuru no Mai Bridge, migratory birds, seasonal scenery, hot springs, local food, and community events all offer different reasons to visit.
Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is one of Aomori’s most distinctive artificial lakes and a beautiful place to experience the landscape of the Tsugaru region.
Its long history as an agricultural reservoir, combined with the spectacular scenery of Mount Iwaki and the famous Tsuru no Mai Bridge, gives the area a character that is both practical and poetic.
Whether you come to photograph the mountain reflected on the lake, walk across the 300-meter wooden bridge, watch migratory birds, relax at a hot spring, or enjoy local events and specialties, Tsugaru Fujimi Lake offers a peaceful way to discover northern Japan.
For travelers exploring Aomori, a visit to Tsugaru Fujimi Lake and Tsuru no Mai Bridge is an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty, history, and rural landscape of the Tsugaru region in every season.