Oku-Yazaji Lake (Gifu Prefecture) Complete Guide | Seasonal Charm and Access & How to Enjoy
Oku-Yazaji Lake, located in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful artificial lake formed by the Yazaji Dam. Surrounded by deep mountains and filled with abundant water, this lake serves as a symbol shaping the landscape of the Kushihara district and is beloved by the local community. While particularly famous as a autumn foliage spot, it is one of the leading tourist destinations representing the Tokai region as a nature resort area with diverse attractions throughout the seasons, including cherry blossoms and wisteria in spring, fishing, and scenic drives.
Basic Information About Oku-Yazaji Lake
What is Oku-Yazaji Lake
Oku-Yazaji Lake is an artificial lake created by the Yazaji Dam, constructed in the upper reaches of the Yazaji River. The Yazaji Dam is located straddling Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture and Ena City in Gifu Prefecture, and is known as a massive arch-type concrete dam. Born from the completion of this dam, Oku-Yazaji Lake is designated as the Aichi Kogen Quasi-National Park, where a rich natural environment is preserved.
The area surrounding the lake sits at high elevation, positioned deep within mountains, and is characterized by silence and fresh air different from urban areas. Prefectural roads 20 (Gifu side) and 356 (Aichi side) run along the lake shore, making it popular as a driving course.
Location and Area Information
Oku-Yazaji Lake is located in the Kushihara district of Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. The Kushihara district is positioned in the southeastern part of Ena City, in a mountainous area bordering Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. This region is rich in nature, with Oku-Yazaji Lake as its center being a regional tourism resource.
The area around the lake is also part of the Ena Course of the Tokai Nature Trail, positioned as the terminus on the Aichi side. It is developed as a nature resort area where various outdoor activities such as day camping, fishing, and trekking can be enjoyed.
Seasonal Attractions of Oku-Yazaji Lake
Spring Highlights: Cherry Blossoms and Wisteria
In spring, Oku-Yazaji Lake is colored by cherry blossoms and wisteria flowers along the lake shore. The cherry blossom trees planted along the lake shore typically reach their peak from late March to mid-April. Due to its location in a mountainous area, the bloom comes slightly later than in flat areas, allowing cherry blossoms to be enjoyed over a longer period.
After the cherry blossoms fall, wisteria flowers begin to bloom. The sight of purple wisteria flowers reflected in the lake surface is extremely beautiful, creating a landscape unique to spring at Oku-Yazaji Lake. You can enjoy the view from your car while driving along the shore, or park and slowly take a walk around the lake, both highly recommended.
Summer Activities
In summer, Oku-Yazaji Lake is bustling with tourists seeking cool air. Due to its mountainous location, temperatures are lower compared to urban areas, making it ideal as a summer retreat. Day camping can be enjoyed along the lake shore, with many families and groups using the facilities.
Fishing is also a popular summer activity. At Oku-Yazaji Lake, you can enjoy fishing for black bass, smelt, and other species. Casting your line on the quiet lake surface offers a luxurious moment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Autumn Foliage Season
Oku-Yazaji Lake attracts the most tourists during the autumn foliage season. Typically from mid-November to mid-December, the trees along the lake shore take on vivid colors. Maple, Japanese maple, oak, and other species turn red and yellow, and the foliage reflected in the lake is praised as “like viewing a brocade picture,” such is its beauty.
During peak foliage season, you can enjoy beautiful scenery while driving along the lake shore. Compared to other famous foliage spots, there is less crowding, allowing you to enjoy autumn leaves leisurely. There are adequate parking spaces along the prefectural road, allowing you to stop at a location you like and enjoy photography and walking.
The sight of trees burning brilliantly red in a variety of hues, reflected in the lake, is spectacular, and it is known as one of the Tokai region’s representative autumn foliage spots. On clear days especially, the contrast between the blue sky, foliage, and lake surface is beautiful and popular as a photography spot.
Winter’s Serene Landscape
In winter, Oku-Yazaji Lake is few in visitors and wrapped in silence. Snow sometimes accumulates, and the contrast between the white world and the lake surface creates a dreamlike beauty. Taking a quiet walk along the lake shore in winter’s crisp air becomes a special experience that calms the soul.
Winter temperatures are low, and there is a possibility of icy roads, so winter tires and warm clothing are necessary when visiting. However, precisely because fewer people visit, you can enjoy the luxury of having a private, intimate landscape all to yourself.
How to Access Oku-Yazaji Lake
Access by Car
Access to Oku-Yazaji Lake is most convenient by car. Since public transportation is limited, visiting by personal vehicle or rental car is recommended.
From Nagoya area:
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Ena IC” on the Chuo Expressway
- Head toward Oku-Yazaji Lake via National Route 19 and Prefectural Road 20
From Toyota area:
- Approximately 60 minutes via National Route 153 and Prefectural Road 356
- The route via the Asuke district is the most common
From Tokyo area:
- Use “Ena IC” or “Mizunan IC” on the Chuo Expressway
- Travel time is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
Parking spaces are scattered along the lake shore, allowing you to park at scenic locations. However, during busy seasons such as foliage season, parking spaces may be limited, so visiting early in the day is recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
When using public transportation, the nearest station is “Ena Station” on the JR Chuo Main Line. However, there is no direct bus from the station to Oku-Yazaji Lake, and you will need to use a taxi or rent a car. Taxi fare from Ena Station to Oku-Yazaji Lake is approximately 8,000-10,000 yen one way.
Access by public transportation is inconvenient, so access by car is strongly recommended.
Access Using the Tokai Nature Trail
For those wishing to enjoy hiking or mountain climbing, there is also the option of using the Ena Course of the Tokai Nature Trail. The Yazaji Dam is the terminus on the Aichi side of the Tokai Nature Trail, and you can immerse yourself in nature while walking the trail. However, since it involves long-distance hiking, adequate preparation and physical fitness are necessary.
How to Enjoy the Area Around Oku-Yazaji Lake
Appeal as a Driving Course
The area around Oku-Yazaji Lake is known as one of the finest driving courses in the Tokai region. Prefectural Roads 20 (Gifu side) and 356 (Aichi side) running along the lake shore are excellent routes where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Especially during foliage season, you can experience driving through a tunnel of vividly colored foliage. While roads are relatively well-maintained, winding mountain roads continue, so safe driving is important.
If you find a place you like during your drive, you can stop and enjoy trekking or photography. The landscape reflected in the lake and the views of the mountains are beautiful in every season, presenting a different face with each visit.
Oku-Yazaji Lake as a Fishing Spot
Oku-Yazaji Lake is also popular as a fishing spot. The lake offers fishing for black bass, smelt, crucian carp, and other species, attracting fishing enthusiasts. The time spent fishing on the quiet lake surface is a luxurious moment that soothes the heart.
When fishing, it is necessary to purchase fishing licenses in advance and confirm the areas where fishing is permitted. Always take trash with you and cooperate in preserving the natural environment.
Day Camping and Picnicking
There are areas along the lake shore where day camping can be enjoyed. Families and groups can enjoy barbecue and picnicking, and dining in the great outdoors is an exceptional experience.
Camping equipment and food must be prepared in advance. Since there are few shops in the surrounding area, it is recommended to do your shopping in Ena city or Toyata city before visiting.
Photography Spots
Oku-Yazaji Lake is extremely popular as a photography spot. Especially during foliage season, the foliage reflected in the lake and the color of the mountains are beautiful, and many photographers visit.
Recommended times for photography are early morning and evening. The lake surface with morning mist or foliage lit by the sunset creates a particularly dreamlike atmosphere. On clear days, the contrast between the blue sky and foliage is beautiful, and you can photograph scenery like a painting.
About Yazaji Dam
Overview and History of the Dam
Yazaji Dam is a multipurpose dam constructed for flood control and water utilization of the Yazaji River. Completed in 1970, it is a 100-meter-high arch-type concrete dam and has become one of the important infrastructure projects in the Tokai region.
The construction of the dam created Oku-Yazaji Lake, significantly changing the landscape of the surrounding area. Today, the dam and lake together serve as a tourism resource contributing to regional development.
Dam Viewing
Yazaji Dam is open for viewing, where you can learn about the structure and function of the dam. The view of the lake seen from above the dam is spectacular, allowing you to feel both the power of the dam and the beauty of nature simultaneously.
If you wish to visit the dam, it is recommended to confirm in advance with the management office. You can obtain detailed information about viewing hours and precautions.
Tourist Spots Around Oku-Yazaji Lake
Highlights of Kushihara District
In the Kushihara district where Oku-Yazaji Lake is located, there are other points of interest. Facilities where you can experience local history and culture and nature spots are scattered throughout the area.
Kushihara Onsen Sasayuri-no-yu is a day-use hot spring facility located about 15 minutes by car from Oku-Yazaji Lake. You can relieve fatigue from driving or trekking in the hot spring, and it is enjoyed by local people and tourists alike.
Tourist Spots in Ena City
Ena City has many tourist spots besides Oku-Yazaji Lake. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy history and nature, such as Nippon Taisho Village, Iwamura Castle ruins, and Enakyo Gorge. By visiting alongside Oku-Yazaji Lake, you can experience the charm of Ena City more deeply.
Asuke District of Toyata City
When accessing from the Aichi side, you often go via the Asuke district of Toyata City. The Asuke district is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, and it is a beautiful area with old streets remaining. In autumn, Korankei’s autumn foliage is famous, and you can enjoy foliage viewing combining it with Oku-Yazaji Lake.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Advance Confirmation is Important
Before visiting Oku-Yazaji Lake, advance information confirmation is important. Especially in winter, there is a possibility of icy roads and snow accumulation, so confirm weather and road conditions before departing. During foliage season, there may be crowds, so visiting early in the day is recommended.
Preservation of Natural Environment
The area around Oku-Yazaji Lake is designated as the Aichi Kogen Quasi-National Park, where a rich natural environment is preserved. When visiting, be sure to take trash with you, avoid collecting plants, and do not feed wild animals.
Practice Safe Driving
The roads along the lake shore consist of winding mountain roads. Especially during foliage season, it is easy to become distracted by the scenery, but always practice safe driving. Photography and rest should be done after parking safely.
Consideration for the Community
Kushihara district is a quiet mountain village. Avoid making noise or trespassing on private property without permission, always showing consideration for local residents. Enjoy tourism while respecting the lives of the local people.
Nearby Accommodation and Dining Information
Accommodation Facilities
There are few accommodation facilities around Oku-Yazaji Lake, so staying in Ena city or the Asuke district of Toyata City is recommended. Ena City has hot spring inns and business hotels where you can stay comfortably.
Dining Information
Ena City is rich in local cuisine such as gohei mochi and chestnut kinton. In particular, chestnut kinton is known nationwide as a specialty of Ena City, and many Japanese confectionery shops sell it during the autumn season. When visiting Oku-Yazaji Lake, be sure to also enjoy local cuisine.
Annual Events Around Oku-Yazaji Lake
Various events may be held throughout the year around Oku-Yazaji Lake. During foliage season, photography contests and trekking events are sometimes held, promoting the area’s attractions.
Event information can be found on the websites of the Ena City Tourism Association and Kushihara branch. Check before visiting and plan your visit to coincide with events, which is one way to enjoy the area.
Summary: Oku-Yazaji Lake with Charms Through All Seasons
Oku-Yazaji Lake in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a beautiful artificial lake born from the Yazaji Dam, and is a tourist spot with different charms throughout the seasons. From spring cherry blossoms and wisteria, to summer day camping and fishing, autumn foliage, and winter’s serene landscape, it presents a completely different face depending on the season you visit.
Especially during foliage season, the vividly colored foliage reflected in the lake is spectacular, captivating many tourists as one of the Tokai region’s representative autumn foliage spots. With less crowding and the ability to enjoy scenery leisurely while driving, these are major attractions.
Oku-Yazaji Lake, filled with abundant water deep within mountains, is a symbol shaping the landscape of Kushihara district and is loved by the community as a nature resort area. For those wishing to escape urban hustle and bustle and spend time healing their hearts in beautiful nature, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.
Access is convenient by car, and you can visit as a day trip from Nagoya or Toyata. Confirm weather and road conditions in advance and prepare to enjoy safely. The beautiful scenery and rich nature of Oku-Yazaji Lake will surely provide visitors with special memories.
