Ono Dam Park (Kyoto Prefecture) Complete Guide | Comprehensive Explanation of Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves, and Seasonal Attractions
Ono Dam Park, located in Miyama Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a nature-rich park centered around Ono Dam with a height of 61.4 meters. The seasonal landscapes woven by approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees and approximately 500 autumn leaf trees make it one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Kyoto Prefecture, captivating many visitors. This article provides comprehensive information about Ono Dam Park’s history, highlights, access methods, and surrounding areas—everything you should know before visiting.
History and Role of Ono Dam
Born as Kyoto’s First Multi-Purpose Dam
Ono Dam is located at the lower reaches of Miyama River in the Yura River system, which flows east-west through Miyama Town, at the western end of the town. Following the devastating damage caused by Typhoon No. 13 in 1953 (Showa 28), the dam was planned to protect the lives of people in the downstream areas. It was completed on March 1961 (Showa 36) as Kyoto Prefecture’s first multi-purpose dam.
This gravity concrete dam, with a height of 61.4 meters and a crest length of 305 meters, serves the dual purposes of flood control and power generation. More than 60 years after its completion, it continues to contribute to flood prevention in the Yura River downstream area and stable power supply.
Origin of the Dam Lake Name “Niji no Mizuumi” (Rainbow Lake)
The dam lake created by Ono Dam is called “Niji no Mizuumi” (Rainbow Lake). This beautiful name comes from the scenic landscape surrounded by mountains around the dam lake, which changes in color like a rainbow. Particularly during cherry blossom season and autumn leaf season, you can enjoy scenery worthy of this name.
Management and Operation of Ono Dam
Ono Dam is managed by the Kyoto Ono Dam Comprehensive Management Office. Located in Kashihara, Miyama Town, Nantan City, the office took over management responsibilities from the former Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) in April 1962. In addition to Ono Dam, it has also managed Hatakawa Dam in Shimoyama, Kyotamba Town, since April 2013.
Four Seasons of Charm at Ono Dam Park
Spring: A Spectacular View of Approximately 1,000 Blooming Cherry Blossoms
The greatest attraction of Ono Dam Park is undoubtedly the spring cherry blossoms. Planted together with the region when the dam was completed in Showa 36, these cherry trees have grown beautifully, and now approximately 1,000 cherry blossoms adorn the park.
Cherry blossom season is typically from early to mid-April, and during this period, the “Ono Dam Cherry Blossom Festival” is held. This event, organized by local residents, features numerous food stalls and shops selling regional specialty products, attracting many flower-viewing enthusiasts.
From the observation deck on the dam’s high ground, you can get a panoramic view of the magnificent natural beauty created by fully blooming cherry blossoms, the dam lake, and the surrounding mountains. The harmony of the cherry blossoms’ pink, the dam lake’s blue, and the mountains’ green creates a truly spectacular sight.
Summer: Season of Fresh Greenery and Outdoor Activities
In summer, Ono Dam Park transforms into a refreshing space enveloped in fresh green foliage. On weekends, you can see families and groups of friends enjoying picnics on the natural grass-covered plaza.
Within the park, there is a children’s play area equipped with large wooden play structures, featuring Tarzan ropes and net climbing equipment that children can freely enjoy. This is a popular hidden gem spot where you can play free of charge in a comfortable natural setting.
You can also enjoy fishing around the dam lake and participate in nature experiences such as insect collecting. It is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend leisurely time with your family.
Autumn: Brocade of Autumn Leaves Painted by Approximately 500 Trees
In autumn, Ono Dam Park welcomes many tourists as a famous autumn leaf viewing spot. Approximately 500 maple trees change color, painting the area around the dam lake in vivid reds and yellows.
In 1985 (Showa 60), tree planting of both cherry blossoms and maples was carried out to commemorate the town’s 30th anniversary of merger. These trees have grown and now become one of the most prominent autumn leaf-viewing sites in Kyoto Prefecture.
The “Autumn Leaf Festival” is typically held in November, featuring regional specialty product sales and various events similar to the cherry blossom festival. Taking a leisurely walk around the dam lake colored with autumn leaves in the clear autumn air is an exceptional experience.
Winter: Snowy Landscape Enveloped in Silence
In winter, Ono Dam Park offers a quiet snowy landscape to enjoy. When it snows, the area becomes a field for snow play, providing a valuable nature experience for children.
With fewer visitors during winter, you can enjoy a fantastical atmosphere surrounded by silence. The snow-covered dam and surrounding mountains display a different kind of beauty compared to other seasons.
Facilities and Activities at Ono Dam Park
Views from the Observation Deck
The observation deck installed on the dam’s high ground is a must-visit spot when visiting Ono Dam Park. You can see the entire Ono Dam with its 61.4-meter height and enjoy the magnificent natural beauty surrounded by mountains.
The dam lake landscape shows different expressions with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter—revealing new discoveries with each visit. It is also a popular photography spot, with many tourists bringing cameras.
Note: As of April 2026, the dam crest gate auxiliary equipment renewal project is underway, and the dam site passage is closed to traffic. We recommend confirming the latest information before your visit.
Natural Grass Plaza and Athletic Facilities
The natural grass plaza surrounding Ono Dam is the central outdoor space of the park. On the spacious lawn, you can enjoy ball games, napping, and other activities of your choice.
The children’s play area is equipped with large wooden play structures, including Tarzan ropes, net climbing, and slides that are popular with children. The environment where children can play while moving their bodies in nature is a valuable experience rarely available in urban areas.
Walking Trails and Fishing Spots
Walking trails are maintained around the dam lake, allowing you to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace. Strolling around Ono Dam in spring with cherry blossoms, summer with fresh greenery, and autumn with autumn leaves allows you to feel the beauty of each season firsthand.
Additionally, you can enjoy fishing on the dam lake. Spending a leisurely time casting your fishing line on the calm lake surface is another way to enjoy Ono Dam Park.
Access Information and Surrounding Tourism
How to Access Ono Dam Park
By Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Sonobe IC” on Kyoto縦貫 Expressway via National Route 162
- Approximately 50 minutes from “Ayabe IC” on Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway via National Route 27 and Prefectural Road 12
- Free parking available (congestion expected during cherry blossom festival and autumn leaf festival periods)
By Public Transportation
- Approximately 40 minutes by Nantan City Bus “Miyama Town Nature and Culture Village Line” from JR Sanin Main Line “Hiyoshi Station,” get off at “Ono” and walk approximately 5 minutes
- Schedule confirmation in advance is recommended as service is limited
Attractions of Miyama Town Ono District
Miyama Town Ono District, where Ono Dam Park is located, is positioned at the western end of Miyama Town, where Japan’s traditional landscape remains. Various spots where you can experience Miyama Town’s rich nature and traditional culture are scattered throughout the surrounding area.
In Ono District, you can purchase fresh vegetables and specialty products harvested locally at a direct sales shop, allowing you to experience the region’s food culture. When visiting Ono Dam Park, be sure to enjoy the local flavors as well.
Tourist Attractions Around Nantan City and Miyama Town, Kyoto Prefecture
When visiting Ono Dam Park, we recommend also visiting other tourist attractions in Miyama Town.
Kayabuki-no-Sato (Thatch-Roofed Village): A representative tourist destination of Miyama Town, this settlement with traditional thatched-roof houses creates a landscape as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Miyama Town Nature and Culture Village: A comprehensive leisure facility featuring camping grounds and hot spring facilities where you can enjoy Miyama’s nature while staying overnight.
Yura River: Known as a clear stream, the Yura River offers ayu fishing and other activities during summer months.
Ono Dam Event Information
Ono Dam Cherry Blossom Festival
The “Ono Dam Cherry Blossom Festival” held every April is the park’s largest event. This festival organized by local residents features the following activities:
- Sales of regional specialty products (Miyama milk, local vegetables, processed goods, etc.)
- Food stalls (okonomiyaki, takoyaki, local dishes, etc.)
- Stage events (performances and dances by local groups, etc.)
- Night illumination (cherry blossom lighting for limited periods)
During the festival period, the area becomes crowded with many flower-viewing visitors, so visiting early in the day or using public transportation is recommended.
Autumn Leaf Festival
The “Autumn Leaf Festival” held in November is also a popular event comparable to the cherry blossom festival. Held when autumn leaves are at their most beautiful, it is celebrated with the following activities:
- Sales of regional specialty products
- Gourmet food stalls featuring autumn flavors
- Autumn leaf viewing tours
- Photo contest (photos of beautiful autumn leaves are accepted)
Enjoying local flavors while viewing colorfully dyed autumn leaves in the clear autumn air is an exceptional experience.
Precautions When Visiting Ono Dam Park
Seasonal Clothing and Items to Bring
Spring and Autumn: Since temperatures can drop in the morning and evening, bringing a light jacket is recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Summer: With strong sunlight, bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinks. Insect repellent spray is also convenient.
Winter: Due to possible snow and icy road surfaces, cold weather protection and non-slip shoes are essential.
Facility Usage Notes
- The park is generally free to use, but please take your trash with you.
- Pets can enter the park but must be kept on a leash, and proper etiquette must be observed.
- Fires are prohibited except in designated areas.
- Access to dam facilities is restricted in certain areas. Follow signage instructions.
Construction Information and Latest Status
As mentioned earlier, parts of the dam site are inaccessible due to the crest gate auxiliary equipment renewal project. We recommend checking the official website of the Kyoto Ono Dam Comprehensive Management Office or information from the Miyama Town Ono Promotion Association before your visit.
Tips to Maximize Enjoyment of Ono Dam Park
Best Seasons and Visit Times
Ono Dam Park can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons, but the most recommended times are as follows:
Cherry Blossom Peak Season: Early to mid-April (dates vary by year)
Autumn Leaf Peak Season: Early to mid-November
Morning visits are recommended. Particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf festival periods, arrive early as afternoon parking becomes congested.
Photography Tips
Ono Dam Park is an excellent photography spot. Particularly, the following locations are recommended for photography:
- Observation Deck: A classic spot with a panoramic view of the dam and surrounding mountains
- Dam Lake Shore: Beautiful reflections of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves on the water surface
- Natural Grass Plaza: Open landscape photography possible
- Walking Trails: Can photograph cherry blossom or autumn leaf tunnels
Early morning or evening photography in soft light captures especially beautiful photos.
How Families Can Enjoy the Park
For family visits, the following activities are recommended:
- Picnicking on the natural grass plaza (bringing your own bento box is recommended)
- Playing on the athletic structures in the children’s play area
- Nature observation while walking around the dam lake
- Enjoying seasonal flowers and autumn leaves
- Try fishing (bring your own equipment as rentals are not available)
Since this is a facility with all-day entertainment, visit with plenty of time.
History of Ono Dam Park and Its Relationship with the Community
Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves Nurtured Together with the Community
The cherry blossoms and autumn leaves of Ono Dam Park are not merely tourism resources but valuable assets imbued with the thoughts of local residents. The cherry trees planted at the time of the dam’s completion in Showa 36 were planted through the cooperation of local residents at that time and have been carefully nurtured for over 60 years.
During the 30th anniversary memorial tree planting of the town merger in Showa 60, additional cherry blossoms and maples were planted, establishing the foundation for today’s beautiful landscape. These trees have become symbols representing the region’s history and the bonds of its people.
Significance of Locally-Organized Events
The cherry blossom festival and autumn leaf festival are homemade events organized by local residents. Through these events, community revitalization and exchange are promoted.
The sale of locally grown vegetables and specialty products is an important opportunity for supporting Miyama Town’s agriculture and regional industries. For visiting tourists, it is also a valuable opportunity to directly experience the region’s culture and food.
Future of Miyama Town Ono District
Ono Dam Park is an important tourist resource in Miyama Town Ono District and plays a central role in community development. Community organizations such as the Miyama Town Ono Promotion Association continue to promote the park’s charm through maintenance and event management.
It is hoped that Ono Dam Park will continue to be cherished by many people as a representative tourist destination of Nantan City and Miyama Town, Kyoto.
Conclusion: Savor the Seasonal Natural Beauty of Ono Dam Park
Ono Dam Park in Miyama Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, is one of the prefecture’s most prominent scenic spots, centered on Ono Dam with a height of 61.4 meters and colored by approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees and approximately 500 autumn leaf trees. From the spring cherry blossom festival and autumn autumn leaf festival to summer picnics and winter snow play, there are various ways to enjoy it throughout the year.
With facilities perfect for families including a natural grass plaza, wooden athletic equipment, and an observation deck, it is ideal as a weekend outing destination. The walking trails around the dam lake allow you to leisurely savor the natural beauty of each season.
The accessibility—approximately one hour by car from Kyoto City—is also an attractive feature. In the nature of Miyama Town where Japan’s traditional landscape remains, visit Ono Dam Park to refresh both body and mind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The warm hospitality of local residents and magnificent natural beauty await you.
