Guida
Miyagase Dam is a massive gravity-type concrete dam standing 156 meters high, located on the Nakatsu River within the Sagami River system in Kanagawa Prefecture. Completed in 2000, it serves as a vital water source for the region and functions as a major natural park for the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. The dam creates the beautiful Miyagase Lake, which boasts stunning landscapes surrounded by lush greenery. Thanks to its excellent accessibility—approximately 50km from central Tokyo and 40km from Yokohama and Kawasaki—it has become a popular destination for weekend excursions and family outings.
The plan for the dam was first announced in 1971. Originally conceived as the "Nakatsu River Dam," the project was renamed "Miyagase Dam" as the scale of the construction expanded. The construction process involved long-term negotiations regarding compensation to prevent flooding of residential areas, ensuring the successful resettlement of local communities and the development of public facilities. With a total project cost of approximately 397 billion yen, it stands as one of Japan's most significant large-scale dam projects. In 2005, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Dam Lakes" in Japan, highlighting its role in preserving local history and the natural environment while securing essential water resources.
One of the most spectacular features of Miyagase Dam is the periodic "Sightseeing Water Discharge." Water pours through two gates located near the 100-meter mark at a rate of 30 cubic meters per second. Watching the volume of water increase and the massive spray rising into the air is a truly powerful experience. Another popular attraction is the "Incline," a cable car that connects the top and bottom of the dam, offering a thrilling ride with a maximum gradient of 35 degrees. Additionally, you can enjoy the scenery from the water by taking the "Miya-maru" sightseeing boat, which offers a unique perspective of the surrounding nature and the lake.
Miyagase Dam offers a different charm in every season. From spring to autumn, it is a perfect spot for picnics and outdoor leisure. To catch the most exciting events, plan your visit around the sightseeing water discharge, which typically occurs on Wednesdays, the 2nd and 4th Fridays, and the 2nd Sundays of the month. The discharge happens twice a day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, lasting about 4 to 6 minutes each time. In December, the lakeside is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, adding a festive touch to your visit.
A variety of transport methods allow you to experience the area uniquely. The Incline cable car provides a panoramic view during its short 4-minute journey between the dam's upper and lower sections. You can also ride the "Ai-chan Go," an Italian-style road train that operates as a shuttle between the Aikawa Park Center and the base of the dam, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from your seat. For those who want to be closer to the water, the sightseeing boat offers a relaxing way to observe the landscape from the center of the lake.
Directly below the dam lies the "Kanagawa Prefectural Aikawa Park," which is well-equipped for picnics and outdoor recreation. The area also features the "Miyagase Mizu-no-Sato" and a visitor center, perfect for nature study and resting. The surrounding area is rich in leisure facilities, including various campsites and international trout fishing spots, making it a complete destination for nature lovers.
As the area is surrounded by nature, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring. If you plan to use the incline or the sightseeing boat, please consider the weather and bring warm clothing or rain gear if necessary.