Miyagase Dam
A massive gravity dam offering stunning lake views, thrilling water releases, and family-friendly parks. A perfect day trip from Tokyo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the dam water release!
Miyagase Dam
Best Time
Witness the dam water release!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A massive gravity dam offering stunning lake views, thrilling water releases, and family-friendly parks. A perfect day trip from Tokyo.
"A great experience to see that everyone watching was also having fun. Miyagase Lake was also a great sight to see."
🎯 Catch the Water Release!
Check the schedule for the Wednesday water release (April-Nov) for a thrilling experience. :water_wave:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the dam, lake, and park areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miyagase Dam Water Release
Dam base
Experience the awe-inspiring power of water as it's released from the massive dam. A truly unforgettable natural spectacle.
+1
Miyagase Lake Views
Dam overlook
Admire the serene, expansive Miyagase Lake, surrounded by lush nature. Its impressive blue hues are a photographer's delight.
Aikawa Park
Base of the dam
A spacious park offering recreational activities and a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for families and picnics.
Dam Visitor Center & Observatory
Top of the dam
Learn about the dam's history and construction, and enjoy panoramic views of the dam and surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dam Release Spectacle
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Water Release!
Check the schedule for the Wednesday water release (April-Nov) for a thrilling experience. +1 :water_wave:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the dam, lake, and park areas. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of free parking, making it easier to access the dam and park. :car:
🚠 Cable Car Ride
Take the cable car for scenic views and easy access between the top and bottom sections of the dam. :mountain_cableway:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Water Release!
Check the schedule for the Wednesday water release (April-Nov) for a thrilling experience. +1 :water_wave:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the dam, lake, and park areas. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of free parking, making it easier to access the dam and park. :car:
🚠 Cable Car Ride
Take the cable car for scenic views and easy access between the top and bottom sections of the dam. :mountain_cableway:
📸 Capture the Lake's Blue
The lake's impressive blue color is a highlight; bring your camera for stunning shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Miyagase Dam as a beautiful and free day trip destination, highlighting the impressive water release and scenic lake views. Many appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and the convenience of amenities like free parking and the cable car. Some note that the dam's completion was in 2001, not 1970 as initially stated.
"Such a nice area to visit. Its for free and there were a lot of areas to see not just the dam. It was said that Miyagase Dam is the largest dam in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. It was completed in 2001 on Nakatsu River which is a branch of Sagamigawa River, with the aim of protecting the livelihoods and safety of the citizens. We were lucky that we caught the timing for the release of dam water. (I think it is available from April to November). It was really fun. There were a lot of students who were on a field trip to see it too. Didn't expect how strong it was. We got wet a little but it was so much fun. It was a great experience to see that everyone watching was also having fun. Miyagase Lake was also a great sight to see. Such a beautiful area surrounded by nature."
Aibi Y.
"Visited in March. Pleasant view from top. Observatory available. Can read the history of dam construction."
Sneha Kumar
"Miyagase Dam has two different areas to visit. The top area along route 64 has a visitor center and views of the dam/lake from the top. You can also walk the many walking trails in that area. This is also the area where they have the Christmas tree lights.
On the bottom section of the damn which you get to off of route 412, you can walk up to the base of the damn itself and actually take an elevator to the top of the dam. There is also a cable tram car that you can ride up the side of the mountain from the top to the bottom of the dam. The views from the dam are awesome. There is also a little "train" that you can take from the base of the dam back to the visitor center if you don't want to walk back."
Shyam Akhade
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line to Hon-Atsugi Station (approx. 1 hour). From Hon-Atsugi, take a bus to Miyagase Lake or Aikawa Park (approx. 50 minutes).
Yes, buses run from Hon-Atsugi Station to the Miyagase Dam area. The nearest train station is Hon-Atsugi on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
The journey from Tokyo typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, including train and bus travel.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is free parking available at the dam and park areas.
You can walk, use the cable car between the top and bottom sections, or take a small train from the dam base back to the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Miyagase Dam and surrounding areas like Aikawa Park are free to enter and explore.
The dam itself is accessible, but specific facilities like the visitor center may have their own hours. The water release is scheduled.
No advance booking is required for the water release; it's a public event. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.
The cable car costs approximately 500 yen for a round trip.
Aikawa Park is generally free to enter, offering a pleasant space for recreation. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the scenic Miyagase Lake, explore Aikawa Park, visit the visitor center, and take a cable car ride for panoramic views. +1
The sightseeing water release typically occurs on Wednesdays from April to November. It's advisable to check the exact schedule beforehand. +1
Yes, it's a great place for families. Kids often enjoy the water release, the park, and the cable car ride. +1
The views from the top are awesome, offering expansive vistas of Miyagase Lake and the surrounding natural landscape. +1
Yes, there are walking trails around Miyagase Lake, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself during the water release, the panoramic views from the observatory, and the vibrant blue of Miyagase Lake are prime photo opportunities. +1
Yes, you can view the water release from the base of the dam. Be prepared to get a little wet from the spray!
Absolutely! Autumn brings beautiful foliage, making the dam and lake area a stunning backdrop for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the dam and the landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
Photography rules may vary inside the visitor center, but generally, the exterior and surrounding areas are excellent for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring comfortable shoes for exploring, and be prepared for the possibility of getting a little wet if you're close to the water release. The visitor center can also offer educational insights into the dam's function, making it a fun and informative trip for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Beyond the immediate dam area, the broader region offers opportunities to connect with nature. The impressive scale of the dam against the natural landscape is a sight to behold. Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience amidst the natural beauty.
📸 Photographers
+1 The expansive Miyagase Lake with its striking blue color provides stunning landscape shots, especially with the surrounding mountains. From the observatory, you can capture sweeping panoramic views of the dam and the lake, ideal for wide-angle shots.
The cable car also offers unique vantage points for capturing the scale of the dam and its surroundings. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Miyagase Dam
Beyond its functional importance, Miyagase Dam offers a unique tourist experience. The Miyagase Lake it creates is a stunning reservoir with vibrant blue waters, surrounded by natural beauty. The dam's location makes it a popular destination for day trips, offering a blend of natural scenery and impressive infrastructure.
One of the most anticipated events is the sightseeing water release, which typically occurs on Wednesdays from April to November. This powerful display allows visitors to witness the immense force of the water firsthand, often accompanied by a refreshing cool breeze. It's a thrilling experience that draws crowds and provides fantastic photo opportunities.
Exploring the Miyagase Area
For a different perspective, visitors can utilize the cable car that ascends the mountainside, connecting the top and bottom sections of the dam. This offers not only convenience but also spectacular panoramic views of the dam, the lake, and the valley below.
During autumn, the area transforms with beautiful foliage, making it a prime spot for enjoying the season's colors.
The visitor center at the top of the dam provides historical context and information about the dam's construction, enriching the overall experience. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit