Beautiful Scenery in Every Season
The greatest attraction of Lake Usui is its changing seasonal scenery.
In spring, fresh green foliage is reflected on the surface of the lake, while the early summer landscape brings cool breezes along the lakeshore. During summer, the shade of the surrounding trees provides a pleasant place to relax and escape the heat.
A Beautiful Autumn Foliage Destination
Autumn is particularly popular at Lake Usui. The surrounding mountains turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the colorful foliage is reflected beautifully on the calm surface of the lake.
During the peak autumn foliage season, the lakeside attracts many visitors and photography enthusiasts who come to enjoy the combination of colorful forests, still water, and mountain scenery.
Walking and Outdoor Activities
A 1.2-Kilometer Lakeside Walking Trail
A walking trail of approximately 1.2 kilometers runs around Lake Usui. The entire circuit takes about 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it an easy way to enjoy the surrounding nature without committing to a long hike.
The trail is relatively easy to walk, and on holidays it is common to see families and visitors enjoying a relaxed stroll around the lake.
Fishing and Nature Observation
Fishing is also possible at Lake Usui, offering visitors an opportunity to spend a quiet few hours beside the water.
The surrounding national forest is home to a variety of plants and animals, making the area suitable for birdwatching and nature observation as well. The peaceful environment allows visitors to appreciate the natural character of the Usui Pass area.
The History and Role of Sakamoto Dam
A Dam Originally Built for Erosion Control
Lake Usui was created by Sakamoto Dam, which was originally constructed as an erosion-control structure as part of a project undertaken by the former Ministry of Construction, now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
The dam is approximately 28.5 meters high and has a crest length of about 74 meters. In 1978, the top of the dam was raised by approximately three meters.
Management was transferred to Gunma Prefecture in 1981. Subsequent redevelopment included reinforcement work, improvements to management facilities, and the construction of a road around the reservoir.
The current form of the dam and surrounding area was completed in 1994. Today, Sakamoto Dam continues to serve an important flood-control role while also contributing to the area’s tourism appeal.
A Landscape Designed to Respect Local History
The development of the Lake Usui area took into consideration the nearby group of historic railway structures associated with the Usui Pass Railway Heritage.
In particular, the design of bridges crossing the lake and bridges on top of the dam incorporates a Meiji-era-inspired appearance, creating visual harmony with historic structures such as the important cultural property known as Meganebashi, or the Usui Third Bridge.
This thoughtful approach creates an attractive landscape where modern civil engineering, historic railway heritage, and natural scenery coexist.
Nearby Attractions
Yokokawa and the Usui Pass Area
Lake Usui is conveniently located near several popular attractions in the Usui Pass area.
Yokokawa Station is famous for 峠の釜めし (Toge no Kamameshi), a traditional railway meal served in a distinctive ceramic pot. Nearby, visitors can also explore Kirizumi Onsen and Lake Kirizumi, as well as the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park.
Apt no Michi Trail
The historic Apt no Michi Trail follows the former route of the Shin’etsu Main Line and offers a unique opportunity to combine hiking with railway heritage.
Visitors can walk through former railway tunnels and across historic bridges while learning about the engineering challenges involved in crossing the steep Usui Pass.
Mount Myogi and Karuizawa
Lake Usui can also be included in a wider sightseeing trip around western Gunma.
Mount Myogi, one of Japan’s most distinctive rocky mountain landscapes, is within reach, while the popular resort destination of Karuizawa lies beyond Usui Pass. This makes Lake Usui a convenient stop for travelers exploring the mountains and historic sites between Gunma and Nagano.
Sakamoto Dam Management Office
Near the lake stands the Sakamoto Dam Management Office, whose log-house-style exterior blends naturally into the surrounding landscape.
A side road near the area leads down toward the foot of the dam, where visitors can get a closer look at the impressive concrete structure. For those interested in civil engineering and dam architecture, it provides an additional point of interest.
Access to Lake Usui
By Public Transportation
From JR Yokokawa Station, take the JR Bus Kanto Megane Bus for approximately 11 minutes and get off at the Lake Usui bus stop, located immediately by the lake.
The bus service operates seasonally, so visitors should check the operating dates before traveling.
By Car
Lake Usui is approximately 10 minutes by car from Yokokawa Station, and parking is available.
Its convenient location also makes it a pleasant stop during a driving trip through the Usui Pass area.
A Quiet Lakeside Escape in Western Gunma
Lake Usui is a scenic artificial lake where nature, history, and civil engineering come together.
The lakeside walking trail makes it easy to enjoy the landscape, while the colorful autumn foliage provides a particularly memorable seasonal experience. At the same time, the surrounding railway heritage and Sakamoto Dam offer insight into the history of transportation and infrastructure in the Usui Pass region.
Whether you visit for a short lakeside walk, combine it with the Apt no Michi Trail, or include it in a wider journey through Mount Myogi and Karuizawa, Lake Usui offers a peaceful opportunity to experience the natural and cultural character of western Gunma.