Gosho Lake, south of Morioka Handi-Works Square, is a top spot in Morioka to adore Mt. Iwate’s magnificence. It is a huge dam lake created by damming the Shizukuishi River (雫石川). When the weather conditions are right, Mt. Iwate is reflected on the surface of the vast lake, creating a breathtaking view.
Around the vast lake, there are various recreation facilities and botanical gardens. Bicycle tracks (for unusual bikes), an amusement park filled with different rides, and trekking trails can also be found at the lakeshore. Together, the area is known as Lake Gosho Park (御所湖広域公園), a perfect spot for a family trip outside of Morioka’s city center. Of course, you can enjoy watersports such as canoeing at the lake. Even windsurfing is possible!
If you visit Lake Gosho Park with children, they will love the super long slider. While it costs a little to board various vehicle rides, the slider is free of charge! In summer, the small splash waterpark will surely chill you down.
The Flower Fields Around Gosho Lake
In early spring, from mid to late April, the northwest shore of Gosho Lake is another cherry blossom spot in Morioka. The Sakura-en (さくら園) close to the Gosho Dam also has a traditional L-shaped Nambu Magariya residence. If you missed the one at Morioka Handi-Works Square, you can explore the one here. While it is relatively newer, as it was completed in 1941, it is a typical Nambu Magariya.
On the south end of Gosho Lake, the cosmos at Machiba District Park (町場地区園地) usually bloom from early August to early October. The pink, white, and bright orange flowers paint the otherwise monotonous lawn. With Lake Gosho and Mt. Iwate at the back, you will surely get a stunning photo of the park.
Oirinoshissei Botanical Gardens (尾入野湿生植物園) is where you will find hygrophytes plants on the north shore of Gosho Lake. It is where skunk cabbages and water lilies bloom from spring to summer.
From late May to early June, the flowers of around 25,000 irises colors a part of the promenade in the garden. In early July, you can even see fireflies dancing in the garden!
Apart from Takamatsu Park, Gosho Lake is another spot in Morioka where swans linger from December to March. They usually gather at the north end of Gosho Bridge.
While in Japanese, HERE is Lake Gosho Park’s map. The spots where you can adore cherry blossoms, cosmos, and irises are marked with icons. You can cross-reference the map with Google Maps.
Lake Gosho Park’s Flower Calendar
- Cherry blossom: Mid to late April
- Skunk cabbage: Early April to early May
- Rape blossoms: Early to mid-May
- Iris: Late May to mid-June
- Lavender: Late June to early July
- Water lily: Mid-June to mid-August
- Sunflowers: Mid-August to early September
- Cosmos: Mid-August to mid-September
Lake Gosho Park’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- The amusement park is open from 9 am to 5 pm from April to November.
- From Morioka Station, take a bus and get off at Tsunagi Onsen (つなぎ温泉バス). Gosho Lake is just a 1-minute walk.
- To get to Lake Gosho Park, get off at Morioka Tsunagi Onsen (盛岡つなぎ温泉).
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, Wanko Soba and Morioka cold noodles are probably the two first things that come to mind. But the city isn’t just about food. It also has many cultural attractions, hot springs, nature and more!
So refer to our Morioka article for ideas about where to stop by when visiting Iwate Prefecture’s capital city!
