5 Lakes in Kanagawa worth your time

An artificial lake in a quasi-national park offering mountain views, historical exhibits, and a restored Edo-period residence.

What it is

• An artificial lake created in 1978 by the construction of the Miho Dam.
• A vital water source providing thirty percent of the tap water for Kanagawa Prefecture.
• A scenic area located within the Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park.
• A site where three rivers meet, covering former residential areas and Jomon period ruins.

What to see

• The Miho Dam, a multi-purpose structure used for flood control and power generation.
• Eisai Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge spanning two hundred and thirty-five meters.
• Tanzawa Lake Memorial Hall featuring local history and archaeological artifacts.
• Miho House, a restored Edo-period residence relocated from the submerged valley.

When to go

• The Tanzawa Lake Marathon takes place annually during the autumn season.

Getting there

• Buses run to the lake from Shin-Matsuda and Yaga stations.

Read more about Lake Tanzawa

A scenic artificial reservoir in Kanagawa offering boat tours, an incline lift, and one of Japan's largest illuminated Christmas trees.

What it is

• An artificial lake created by the Miyagase Dam on the Nakatsu River
• Formed in 1998 to supply water to ninety percent of Kanagawa Prefecture
• Designated as one of the Top 100 Dam Lakes in Japan
• Spans across Aikawa Town, Kiyokawa Village, and Midori Ward

What to see

• Sightseeing boats connecting the dam site, Toriibara, and Mizunosato areas
• An incline lift operating for tourists at the dam site
• A large fir tree decorated as a Christmas tree every December
• The North Shore Forest Road which closes nightly from 7 PM

When to go

• December to see the decorated Christmas tree
• Weekends and holidays to utilize the free shuttle bus service

Getting there

• Buses run to the lake from Hon-Atsugi Station and Hashimoto Station
• A free shuttle bus operates on weekends and holidays

Read more about Lake Miyagase

An artificial lake created in 1947 that hosted Olympic canoeing and offers fishing, boating, and a major summer festival.

What it is

• An artificial lake created by damming the Sagami River in 1947
• A source of drinking water for Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara
• The site of canoeing events during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
• A well-known destination for black bass fishing

What to see

• The Sagami Dam which was completed in 1947
• The Kanagawa Prefectural Sagami Lake Rowing Course
• The Swan Maru, which was Japan's first swan-shaped sightseeing boat
• Eight aeration systems operating to improve the water quality

When to go

• August 1st for the annual lake festival and fireworks display

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from JR Sagamiko Station
• Accessible by car via the Chuo Expressway

Read more about Lake Sagami

A scenic lake formed by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, featuring a shrine and a historic drum bridge.

What it is

• A 13,000 square meter lake formed by a landslide during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
• A National Registered Monument located between Hadano City and Nakai Town.
• A unique body of water with no rivers flowing in or out of it.
• The Fukuju Benzaiten shrine was established on the site in 1961.

What to see

• A drum bridge that crosses over the narrowest part of the water.
• The Fukuju Benzaiten shrine buildings located at the lakeside.
• A stone monument inscribed with a haiku by physicist Torahiko Terada.
• Local fish species including carp, crucian carp, and black bass.

Getting there

• The lake is a 50-minute walk from Hadano Station.

Read more about Lake Shinsei

A large caldera lake in Hakone offering iconic views of Mount Fuji and unique sightseeing boat cruises.

What it is

• A scenic caldera lake formed approximately 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption.
• The largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture and a popular destination for recreational fishing.
• The starting and ending point for the famous Hakone Ekiden long-distance relay race.
• The site where black bass were first introduced to Japan in 1925.

What to see

• Clear views of Mount Fuji visible from the lake shores on bright days.
• Sightseeing boats operated by two different companies that cruise across the water.
• The Fukara Yusui irrigation tunnel which was completed in 1670.
• Local specialty fish including wakasagi and rainbow trout served in nearby restaurants.

Read more about Lake Ashi