8 Lakes in Saitama worth your time

A restored wetland sanctuary featuring ancient lotus flowers and diverse wild bird populations managed by a local conservation group.

What it is

• A wetland area located on the border of Ageo and Ina cities.
• A conservation site managed by the Haraichi Swamp Lovers Association.
• A habitat for wild birds featuring ancient lotus flowers reintroduced from Gyoda City.
• A natural space situated near the ruins of the Ina Clan Residence.

What to see

• Ancient lotus flowers blooming across the restored swamp area.
• Various species of wild birds that inhabit the wetlands.
• The Haraichi Swamp River which serves as the primary water source.
• Three flood control basins currently under development at the site.
• Shinkansen trains passing along the northern end of the marsh.

When to go

• Visit from mid-July to mid-August to see the lotus flowers in bloom.
• Arrive in the morning for the best views of the opening flowers.

Getting there

• The site is a five-minute walk from Shonam Station.

Read more about Haraichi Swamp

An artificial lake in Saitama featuring a Moomin-themed park, Nordic village, and hot spring facilities within a natural park.

What it is

• An artificial lake in Hanno created by an earth dam completed in 1941
• Located within the scenic borders of Okumusashi Prefectural Natural Park
• Home to the Nordic-themed Metsä Village and Moominvalley Park since 2018 and 2019
• Serves as the primary water source for the Koaze River

What to see

• An earth dam standing 18.5 meters high and 240 meters long
• The Moominvalley Park theme park located directly on the lakeshore
• Metsä Village which offers a Nordic-style atmosphere and shopping
• Kirari Bettei, a hot spring facility situated at the site

Getting there

• Buses run regularly from Hanno and Higashi-Hanno stations to the lake
• The site is located 15 minutes from the Sayama-Hidaka Interchange by car

Read more about Lake Miyazawa

A scenic reservoir in Saitama offering seasonal nature views, fishing, and boating within the Prefectural Kuroyama Nature Park.

What it is

• A public works reservoir completed in 1935 officially named Yamane Reservoir.
• A center core type earth dam managed by the Iruma Daiichi Land Improvement District.
• A recreational site also known as Otome Lake located in Moroyama Town.
• A destination for outdoor activities situated within Prefectural Kuroyama Nature Park.

What to see

• Yoshino cherry trees that bloom along the water in spring.
• Maple trees that provide colorful foliage during the autumn season.
• Crucian carp fishing spots and rental boats for use on the lake.
• Local restaurants serving specialty dishes made from wild boar-pig hybrids.

Getting there

• The lake is five kilometers away from Higashi-Moro and Moro Stations.

Read more about Lake Kamakita

An artificial lake known as Sayama Lake, offering historic civil engineering and scenic views within a prefectural natural park.

What it is

• An artificial lake commonly known as Sayama Lake completed in 1934
• A water supply facility for Tokyo managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks
• A designated Civil Engineering Heritage site located within Sayama Prefectural Natural Park
• A reinforced structure that underwent upgrades for air raid protection and earthquake resistance

What to see

• The ruins of Negoya Castle situated on the northern shore of the reservoir
• The expansive artificial lake and surrounding natural park scenery
• Historic civil engineering features recognized for their heritage value

Getting there

• A seventeen minute walk from Seibu-Kyujo-mae Station

Read more about Yamaguchi Reservoir

A massive flood control basin and reservoir featuring Lake Saiko, sports facilities, and a major expressway bridge.

What it is

• A flood control facility spanning from Sakura Ward to Toda City.
• A retention basin with a storage capacity of thirty-nine million cubic meters.
• A project completed in 2003 to manage water from the Arakawa and Kamogawa rivers.
• The site contains a reservoir known as Lake Saiko.

What to see

• Lake Saiko, a reservoir completed in 1997 located within the basin.
• The Yakult Toda Baseball Stadium situated on the grounds.
• The Tokyo Gaikan Expressway crossing the area via Sakitama Bridge.
• An eight kilometer stretch of engineered basin landscape.

When to go

• Water levels are lowered by over two meters from July to September.

Official site

www.ktr.mlit.go.jp

Read more about Arakawa No. 1 Retention Basin

A massive 40-hectare flood control reservoir and recreational lake that protects the surrounding Koshigaya Lake Town from heavy rains.

What it is

• A 40-hectare reservoir built by the Urban Renaissance Agency for flood protection.
• The facility diverts water from the Moto-Arakawa River into a storage basin.
• Completed in 2014, the project cost approximately 34.7 billion yen.
• The lake is nicknamed Sakura Lake and holds naming rights held by Aeon Mall.

What to see

• A large body of water with a storage capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters.
• Portions of the pond area designated for public use and recreation.
• The surrounding town built on elevated ground for flood safety.
• Connections to the Moto-Arakawa and Naka rivers.

Read more about Ōsagami Reservoir

An artificial lake created by the Arima Dam in 1986, offering outdoor recreation and nearby hot springs in Saitama.

What it is

• An artificial lake in Hanno City created by the Arima Dam.
• The first dam managed by Saitama Prefecture, completed in 1986.
• A multi-purpose dam facility located on the Arima River.

What to see

• The Arima Dam structure and the surrounding lake scenery.
• The Naguri Canoe Workshop situated near the water.
• The Arima Valley Fishing Ground located within the area.
• Sawarabi no Yu hot spring located in the immediate vicinity.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Hanno Station to the lake area.
• The site is accessible from the Sawarabi no Yu bus stop.

Read more about Naguri Lake

A five-kilometer regulating reservoir and park featuring a massive fountain, canoe courses, and a high-speed railway bridge overhead.

What it is

• A first-class river reservoir officially named the Gongendo Regulating Reservoir.
• Completed in 1992 for flood control and water supply management.
• A public facility managed by Saitama Prefecture spanning 5.18 kilometers.
• Site of the 2004 National Sports Festival canoe competitions.

What to see

• The Gongendo Great Fountain which shoots water 36.6 meters into the air.
• A dedicated canoe racing course and functional boathouse facility.
• The Tohoku Shinkansen railway bridge crossing directly over the water.
• Gongendo Park which was completed at the site in 2007.

Read more about Lake Miyuki