An oasis just a few km from the heart of the city, Ezu Lake (江津湖 Ezuko) is a natural lake fed by the underground springs Kumamoto is famous for. The springs bubble up from Suizenji Gardens and feed the lake with crystal clear, refreshingly cool water. The gourd shaped lake has two main parts, the upper lake, within easy walking distance of Suizenji Gardens, is a popular spot for families, nature lovers and picnickers. The upper lake is shallow and a haven for water birds, in the summer months it’s a popular swimming spot. Fishing equipment can be rented, as can rowing boats and an interesting selection of pedalos, ranging in design from cute Kitty chans to Doraemon helicopter shaped and of course the ubiquitous Kumamon.
The entire lake is around 2.5 km in length and covers around 50 hectares, the lower lake, further South East is wider and on its shores you will find the city’s zoo and botanical gardens. If you go to the South gate of the zoo there are cycles available to borrow for free which you can use to cycle around the edge of the lake.
Getting there
To get to the upper lake from the city center, take the street car to Suizenji Koen (Koen means Park) and walk down Route 103 to your right for around 10 minutes, after a few minutes you will glimpse the narrow end of the lake on your left, keep following the road until you come to the boat house entrance and carpark, or look for the footpath on your left and walk along the edge of the lake then back up to the road and enter the boathouse entrance that way. The boathouse has a cafe and there are public toilets in the car park. Parking is free. Another, more scenic option, is to get off the tram at Shiritsu Taikukan Mae (the stop after Suizenji Koen) then backtrack a little to the river, then just follow the road along the river which will lead you along the other side of the lake. Click here for a link to the Streetcar map.
To get to the Zoo and Botanical gardens on the lower lake continue on the tram and get off at Doshokubutsueniriguchi (a mouthful but it simply means the Entrance to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens), then follow the signs, it’s around a 15 minute walk to the zoo entrance. If you are driving from the upper lake, leave the Boathouse carpark, turn left and you will soon come to the busy 4 lane route 57, cross over 57 and follow the road along the lake shore for several minutes until you come to the carpark at the end of the lower lake.
[codepeople-post-map]