“Is there a hidden, relaxing spot that’s easily accessible from the city center?”
Kanagawa Prefecture is the place that can make that wish come true.Miyagase DamMiyagase Dam is easily accessible, about an hour and a half by car from central Tokyo, and offers spectacular views of the magnificent dam and lush nature. The surrounding area is also packed with a variety of activity facilities where you can spend the whole day with family and friends. Why not take a trip to Miyagase Dam, perfect for a short weekend trip, to refresh your mind and body? In this article, we’ll provide detailed information to help you enjoy your weekend trip, from basic information about Miyagase Dam to nearby tourist spots and recommended gourmet food.
What is Miyagase Dam? Basic information explained‼︎
Miyagase Dam is a dam that spans three municipalities in Kanagawa Prefecture: Hanbara, Aikawa-cho, Aiko-gun, Aoyama, Midori-ku, Sagamihara City, and Miyagase, Kiyokawa-mura, Aiko-gun. Miyagase Dam is pronounced “Miyagase Dam.”
It was completed in 2000 (Heisei 12).
The specific location is about 50km from central Tokyo and about 40km from Yokohama and Kawasaki. Therefore, it is easy to get to from the city center. It was created on the Nakatsugawa River, a tributary of the Sagami River that flows through the center of Kanagawa, and the artificial lake, Lake Miyagase, was created by the construction of the Miyagase Dam.
This is what’s amazing! Miyagase Dam’s amazing specs
Miyagase Dam is not just big. It plays an important role in supporting our lives and boasts an impressive scale that is unique to one of the largest dams in Japan.Here we will introduce the specifications of Miyagase Dam in detail.
“Multipurpose dams” that protect our lives
Miyagase Dam is one of the largest multipurpose dams in Japan, built to prevent a major flood that may occur once every 100 years. A multipurpose dam is a dam with the following purposes. It has three main roles:
①Water use: The water stored in a dam lake is used for domestic use or agricultural purposes.
② Flood control: When heavy rain falls and rivers overflow, water is stored in dam lakes to prevent flooding, and then released little by little after the flood subsides.
③Power generation: Power generation involves releasing water from a dam lake little by little to generate hydroelectric power.
Everything is out of the ordinary! Amazing size
Miyagase Dam is one of the largest dams in Japan, and as such, various sizes are built to meet the specifications of an extra-large dam.
① Height
It is 156m high, which is about half the height of Tokyo Tower.
If you see it up close, it’s quite impressive.
②Volume of concrete
The volume of concrete is approximately 2 million cubic meters.
③Total water storage capacity
The total storage capacity is approximately 200 million cubic meters.
This has almost the same water storage capacity as Lake Ashi.
④Size of the dam
The dam covers an area of 4.6 square kilometers.
It is approximately the size of 98 Tokyo Domes.
It is also popular as a tourist spot that functions as a park.
⑤Number of tourists per year
It has been ranked number one in the national tourist dam rankings, and is said to attract around 1.35 million tourists per year.
▲Miyagase Dam’s water supply covers two-thirds of Kanagawa Prefecture.
The fish are released into 15 cities and five towns, including Yokohama and Kawasaki.
Up to 1.3 million cubic meters are released per day.
▲Miyagase Dam generates electricity for 25,300 households.
The first power plant has a maximum output of 24,200 kilowatts, while the second power plant generates 1,200 kilowatts.
[Must-see] A highlight of Miyagase Dam sightseeing! The spectacular tourist release
If you visit Miyagase Dam, you definitely can’t miss the spectacularTourist releaseThe sight of 30 cubic meters of water gushing down every second from the 156-meter-high dam wall, accompanied by a roaring sound, is truly breathtaking. The water sprays up like a living thing, and in the summer, the cool mist feels pleasant.
- Release time:Approximately 6 minutes
- Date:Every Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Friday, 2nd Sunday, etc. from April to November
- Start time:11:00 AM – 2:00 PM –
*The above is a basic schedule. It may change depending on events or weather, so please be sure to check before going out.Miyagase Dam Official WebsitePlease check the latest information.
Have fun all day! Recommended sightseeing spots around Miyagase Dam
Around Miyagase Dam, there are many parks where you can enjoy nature and facilities where you can experience the local attractions.
Introducing tourist spots around Miyagase Dam!!
Prefectural Aikawa Park
Prefectural Aikawa Park is a park located in Hanbara, Aikawa-cho, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, and covers an area of 51 hectares.
This vast park spreads out directly below Miyagase Dam, making use of the natural terrain. If you want to see the dam’s tourist discharge from directly in front of you, this is the perfect viewing spot. The park has the Fluffy Dome, which children will love, a large grassy area, and the Aikawa Town Local History Museum, where you can learn about local history, so you can have fun all day long.
- location:5423 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Features:A wide range of play equipment for children, where you can see the dam release up close
Miyagase Dam’s tourist releases last for about six minutes each time.
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from this park to the dam’s discharge point.
If you take the road train “Ai-chan-go”, you will arrive in 5 to 6 minutes.
▲This is a park where families can enjoy bathing in the fountains and ponds, and picnics in the sunlight filtering through the trees.
【Miyagase Lakeside Park】 Christmas illuminations are popular!!
This is a recreational area of water and greenery that spreads out along the shores of Lake Miyagase. The vast “Keyaki Square” and the 315m-long “Mizu no Sato Suspension Bridge” that crosses the lake are perfect for a stroll. There is also a waterside pond where you can try canoeing, and a picnic area where you can enjoy barbecues, so it is recommended for those who want to spend an active time. In addition, in winter,Native fir trees over 30m tallThe area is decorated with illuminations and attracts many visitors for the Miyagase Jumbo Christmas Tree Festival.
- location:940-4 Miyagase, Kiyokawa Village, Aiko District, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Features:Lakeside walks, suspension bridges, and winter illuminations
- Notice:Parking is charged on weekends and holidays.
The vast grounds include the following facilities:
①Keyaki Square
Keyaki Square is a vast lawn area covering over 25,000 square meters.
In the center of the square you can see a 30m tall fir tree. This tree is said to have originally grown in this area. During the Christmas season it becomes a giant Christmas tree.
②Water Village Suspension Bridge
Mizunosato Suspension Bridge is a 315-meter-long suspension bridge for pedestrians only.
The view of the dam lake is spectacular.
③ Hydrophilic pool
You can paddle a canoe on the water pond.
④Picnic area
You can hold a barbecue party in the picnic area.
⑤Splash pool
Small children can splash around in the splash pool.
【Miyagase Lakeside Street】The atmospheric shopping street near the entrance‼︎
Miyagase Mizuno Sato Shopping Street is the gateway to Lake Miyagase. Located in front of the parking lotThis shopping street is located in front of Miyagase Lakeside Park.
There are many restaurants serving dishes such as curry and noodles, as well as gourmet food made with Kiyokawa Village’s specialty, Megumi pork. For those who want to eat while walking around, there is a wide selection of takeout menu items that can be enjoyed easily, such as fragrant grilled dumplings, hot takoyaki, and juicy hamburgers. There are also souvenirs available, making it a great spot to stop by during your stroll.
▲A shopping street where you can experience a nostalgic and atmospheric atmosphere.
Toriibara Community Center – A popular rest stop for touring riders!!
Toriibara Community Center is a comprehensive community facility located in Toriya, Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Toriibara Fureai no Ie is pronounced “Toriibara Fureai no Ie.”
Inside, locally grown agricultural products are on display and for sale. The facility includes a farm restaurant, a direct sales store for agricultural products, various exhibition halls, and training rooms.
There is also an outdoor event space outside. It’s a very popular touring spot. There’s also a large parking space for motorcycles, and on weekends it’s so popular that it feels like a motorcycle event is being held there. Parking is free to use.
▲The location is on the north shore of Lake Miyagase, so you can look down on the lake from the high ground.
▲The building’s distinctive feature is the 47cm diameter Dutch-made carillon bell hanging on the roof, which is the symbol of Toriibara Community Center.
▲It is said to be a mecca for riders and is a very popular touring spot.
Recommended gourmet spots and places to visit in the area!!
Here we will introduce the spots around Miyagase Dam.
①Yamamotoya Vending Machine (Egg Sandwich Laboratory)
We’d like to say that it’s “only known by those in the know,” but it has become a popular spot, having been featured in various media outlets. Depending on the time of day, egg sandwiches may not be available, but this is an unmanned vending machine where you can buy excellent egg sandwiches. The sandwiches, which are filled with thick fried eggs and have a nostalgic taste, are the perfect accompaniment to a drive. In addition to egg sandwiches, there are about 20 other types of sandwiches on display, so you can have fun choosing.
- location:Near 5567 Hanbara, Aikawa-cho, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Features:A retro vending machine-style unmanned shop serving delicious egg sandwiches
②Hattori Farm
This tourist ranch is surrounded by a traditional, idyllic landscape. Holsteins, sheep, horses, and other animals live freely here, and visitors can enjoy interacting with the animals through activities such as milking, horseback riding, and butter making. The rich gelato, made from fresh milk straight from the farm, is exquisite.
- location:6087 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Features:Animal encounters and fresh dairy products
Access information for Miyagase Dam
Here we will provide detailed information on how to access Miyagase Dam.
The address of Miyagase Dam is “Hanabara, Aikawa-cho, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture.”
❶ Route by car
- **Approx. 30 minutes from the Ken-O Expressway “Sagamihara IC” or “Sagamihara Aikawa IC”**
- **Approx. 40 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Atsugi IC”**
*The nearest interchange will vary depending on your destination (Aikawa Park, Miyagase Lakeside Park, etc.). Please check the parking information for each facility in advance.
Access by public transport
- Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus bound for Miyagase from Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line (approximately 50 minutes) and get off at the last stop, Miyagase Lakeside Park.
- To get to the dam and Aikawa Park, you can either take a bus from the Miyagase bus stop heading towards Aikawa Ohashi Bridge, or take the Aichan-go road train (fee required).
Summary
This time, we introduced a weekend trip to enjoy nature at Miyagase Dam, a hidden gem of a place just a short distance from the city center.
Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and visit this secret, relaxing spot just a stone’s throw from the city center?
There you will be greeted by a magnificent view of the dam and a mirror-like lake.
You can enjoy the experience of crossing the suspension bridge while feeling the breeze, playing in the water, and savoring the local cuisine. Access is surprisingly easy, so you can easily go and enjoy yourself. Next weekend, why not casually drop by Miyagase Dam and spend a wonderful, unforgettable holiday?
▲Official website
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