Sayama Lake — Attraction in Tokorozawa

Sayama Lake, originally called Yamaguchi Lake, is a man-made reservoir that was built using an earthen dam, which was completed in 1929. Due to a lack of heavy earth-moving equipment in Japan at that time, the dam was constructed mostly by farmers who used picks and shovels. The majority of the workers were farmers hired to do the work after the growing season had come to a close. A total of 1,720 villagers were forced to leave their homes to make way for the dam as demand for fresh water increased with a population explosion in Tokyo. During WWII, the embankment of the dam was reinforced with ballistic-resistant concrete and the towers were reinforced with a bullet-proof exterior as measures against the Tokyo air raids. The design of the intake towers was heavily influenced by the trends of western architecture that were poplar in Japan in the early 20th century, as can be seen by the use of red bricks on the exterior, copper roofing, and artistic design elements above the doorway to the tower's interior. Although the bridge is currently painted white, early color photos from many decades ago show a bridge painted in a copper-red coat of paint, which makes it look like a miniature version of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. On the occasion that the reservoir is partially drained for maintenance work on the water intake towers, remnants of the villages that were submerged can still be seen. Since the reservoir is used to provide fresh water to the residents of Tokyo, the lake itself is off limits to any human activity in the water: no swimming, no boating, no fishing, etc. The hills surrounding the lake are also off limits. Except for the promenade running across the top of the dam, high fencing with several bands of barbwire encircle the rest of the hills that feed water into the lake. The lack of human access has created a small oasis of natural habitat where various species of insects, birds, mammals and flora can flourish. ★★Check out the Pix4Japan YouTube channel for a short video highlighting the vibe of...

A good nature experience on the outskirts of Tokyo. Avoid going when there's a baseball game on at the stadium if possible. Sayama Lake, and it's neighbor Tama, Lake - are reservoirs on the edge of Tokyo proper. It takes you about an hour to get there from the city centre. There is a great viewpoint on the lake's eastern side where you can enjoy the view of the lake, the surrounding forest areas and the mountains in the background. It's possible (and in my view recommended) to walk around the entire lake. The walk takes about three to four hours, depending on your speed. My recommendation would be to walk clockwise. That way, you start off with the busier, paved segments that you will share with cyclists and then move onto gravel paths. Here, you only have to share with the many bird and photography enthusiasts whose camera and lenses probably cost more than my flat. Close to the lake, there is Belluna Dome, home to the Saitama Seibu Lions baseball team. Word of warning: the area can get extremely busy...

This was a nice park to take a stroll through or ride a bike. Its nice and quiet so its great place for a picnic or to allow your children play. There's not a whole lot of playground equipment but there is some. Also there's a beautiful view of Sayama lake. It doesn't cost anything to enter so its a nice free trip. And just in case your wondering, you can't access that bridge with the pointy building. It seems to belong to the water company. I recommend this park if you're...