Complete Guide to Urayama Dam Area | Sightseeing, Tourism, Gourmet & Accommodation Information [Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture]
Located in Arakawa Kuna, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, Urayama Dam is a gravity concrete dam surrounded by the majestic nature of the inner Chichibu region. With its overwhelming scale of 156 meters in height and the beautiful scenery of Lake Chichibu Sakura, it attracts many visitors as a popular tourist destination. This article comprehensively introduces information about Urayama Dam sightseeing, nearby tourist attractions, gourmet dining, and accommodations to help you fully enjoy the area around Urayama Dam.
About Urayama Dam | Japan’s Leading Gravity Concrete Dam
Urayama Dam was completed in 1998 (Heisei 10) and is a multi-purpose dam constructed on the Urayama River in the Arakawa River system. As a gravity concrete dam, it boasts the second-highest height in Japan after Kurobe Dam, with a dam height of 156 meters. The dam lake, “Lake Chichibu Sakura,” creates a beautiful landscape that harmonizes with the surrounding mountains, and you can enjoy its changing appearance throughout the seasons.
The Role and Functions of Urayama Dam
Urayama Dam serves three important roles: flood control, water supply for domestic use, and power generation. It enhances flood safety in the Arakawa River basin while realizing stable water supply to Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture. The dam’s total storage capacity is 58 million cubic meters, making it a key facility in water resource management for the Chichibu region.
The Distinctive Design of the Dam
Near the crown of Urayama Dam, there is a distinctive arch-like design reminiscent of railroad bridges. This design combines functionality with aesthetic appeal and is highly regarded among dam enthusiasts. The contrast between the white concrete of the dam body and the surrounding greenery creates a photogenic landscape.
Basic Information and Access to Urayama Dam
Location and Contact Information
Arakawa Dam Comprehensive Management Office (Urayama Dam and Takizawa Dam)
- Address: 369-1801 Arakawa Kuna 4041, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Phone: 0494-23-1431 (Main)
- Management: Water Resources Organization (Independent Administrative Agency)
Operating Hours and Admission
Urayama Dam is open for viewing year-round. Access to the dam body and touring the surrounding paths can be enjoyed for free. However, the opening hours of Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia” are from 9 AM to 5 PM, and admission is also free.
Access by Car
From Chichibu city center, head toward the Otaki direction on National Route 140, and an information sign for Urayama Dam will appear in about 10 minutes. Following the sign and turning left will bring you to the dam. It is approximately 1 hour from Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway and approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Katsunuma IC on the Chuo Expressway.
Parking Information
Urayama Dam has multiple parking facilities. There are parking spaces at the base of the dam body and on the right and left wings above the dam body, all available for free. However, these areas may become congested on weekends and during autumn foliage season, so early arrival is recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
From Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway or Seibu Chichibu Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus heading to “Chichibu Lake,” get off at “Urayama Dam Entrance” bus stop, and walk for approximately 20 minutes. Since bus service is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
How to Enjoy Visiting Urayama Dam
Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia”
At the Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia,” you can learn in detail about the role of Urayama Dam and the relationship between the Arakawa River’s water and people through videos and exhibits. The displays about dam construction history, technology, and the natural environment of the surrounding area are also extensive, making it enjoyable for both adults and children.
Viewing the Dam Body
There are two ways to access the Urayama Dam body. One is to climb approximately 500 steps, and the other is to use an elevator. When using the elevator, you will need to register your information at the reception desk. If you are confident in your physical fitness, choosing the stairs allows you to experience the dam’s height while climbing.
Spectacular Views from the Dam Crown
When you reach the crown of the dam (tenba), you can view Lake Chichibu Sakura and the mountains of inner Chichibu from a height of 156 meters. Particularly from early to mid-November during the autumn foliage season, a spectacular view unfolds with mountains dyed red and yellow reflected in the lake’s surface. There is also a stone on the crown that is said to bring good fortune for safe childbirth when touched or rubbed, and it is known as a power spot.
Photography Spot at the Arch Bridge
The arch-shaped bridge encountered on the way from the parking lot to the dam is an excellent photography spot with a full view of Urayama Dam. The overall landscape of the dam as seen from the center of the bridge is spectacular, and many photography enthusiasts visit. Morning light is particularly suitable for photography.
Strolling the Dam Perimeter Road
A perimeter road is established around Urayama Dam, allowing you to circle the dam. However, some sections have the possibility of falling rocks, so caution is necessary. From the perimeter road, you can view the dam from various angles and enjoy the nature of Lake Chichibu Sakura. The walk takes approximately 1 hour.
Recommended Tourist Attractions Around Urayama Dam
Takizawa Dam
Located about 15 minutes by car from Urayama Dam, Takizawa Dam is another gravity concrete dam managed by the Arakawa Dam Comprehensive Management Office. With a dam height of 132 meters, many tourists enjoy a “Chichibu Dam Tour” visiting both Urayama and Takizawa dams. Takizawa Dam has an observation platform and distributes dam cards, making it a must-visit spot for dam fans.
Seoun-ji Temple’s Weeping Cherry Blossoms
Seoun-ji Temple in Arakawa, Chichibu, is an ancient temple famous for its weeping cherry blossoms over 600 years old. In spring, approximately 30 weeping cherry trees color the temple grounds, attracting many flower-viewing visitors. It is about 10 minutes by car from Urayama Dam, with excellent accessibility. It is a must-see spot during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
Fishing at Lake Chichibu Sakura
Lake Chichibu Sakura, formed by Urayama Dam, is known as a fishing spot for smelt and crucian carp. Especially during smelt fishing season, many fishing enthusiasts visit. However, a fishing license is required, and there are prohibited fishing areas, so it is important to confirm information in advance.
JAちちぶ Arakawa Agricultural Products Direct Sales Center
A direct sales center where you can purchase fresh local agricultural products and specialty items. Vegetables and fruits cultivated in the Chichibu region, as well as handmade processed products, line the shelves, allowing you to experience the local food culture. It is an ideal place to stop by on your return from Urayama Dam.
Kinoko-no-sato Suzuka Garden
An agritourism facility in the nature of Chichibu where you can enjoy mushroom picking and barbecue. You can experience harvesting shiitake mushrooms and nameko mushrooms, and taste freshly picked mushrooms on the spot. It is a popular spot with families and is recommended for those seeking nature experiences.
Recommended Gourmet Around Urayama Dam
Soba Dojo Arakawa-tei
A renowned hand-rolled soba restaurant in the Arakawa district of Chichibu. It is famous for its fragrant soba made with locally produced flour, and also offers soba-making experiences. It is ideal for lunch after dam viewing, and seasonal limited menus are also popular. You can enjoy your meal while viewing the Chichibu mountains from the windows.
Chichibu Specialty “Waraji Katsudon”
Several restaurants in Chichibu City serve “Waraji Katsudon,” a large cutlet served like a straw sandal with two pieces. As a representative of Chichibu gourmet food, it is popular with tourists. With generous portions, it is perfect for replenishing energy after walking around the dam.
Local Roadside Station Gourmet
Along National Route 140, there are “Michi-no-Eki Arakawa” and “Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen,” where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and local specialties. You can taste Chichibu specialties such as miso potatoes and wild game dishes using locally sourced venison.
Hotel and Accommodation Information Around Urayama Dam
Yatsu-kawa-kan
A hot spring inn known as the inner sanctuary of Chichibu, located about 20 minutes by car from Urayama Dam. It boasts natural hot spring water and kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients. You can spend a leisurely time in a quiet, mountainous environment.
Hotels in Chichibu City Center
Around Seibu Chichibu Station, there are various types of accommodations ranging from business hotels to hot spring inns. The nearby “Matsuri-no-Yu” is a day-use hot spring facility, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. It is about 20 minutes by car to Urayama Dam with good accessibility.
Accommodations in the Otaki Hot Spring Area
Proceeding further into the inner Chichibu region from Urayama Dam, you will find the Otaki Hot Spring area. Various accommodations are scattered throughout this quiet, nature-surrounded environment, where you can enjoy authentic hot springs. It is recommended for those wishing to immerse themselves in Chichibu’s nature.
The Charm of Urayama Dam Through the Seasons
Spring’s Fresh Greenery and Cherry Blossoms
The area around Urayama Dam in spring is a season of beautiful fresh greenery and cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms along the shore of Lake Chichibu Sakura, from which the lake’s name derives, come into bloom from early to mid-April. It is recommended to visit together with the weeping cherry blossoms at Seoun-ji Temple.
Summer as a Refuge from Heat
The Urayama Dam area, which has high elevation and cool breezes from the lake’s surface, is also popular as a summer cool retreat. The temperature is lower than the city center, providing a comfortable environment. Forest bathing in the surrounding forests of the dam area is also a pleasant experience.
Autumn Foliage Season
The autumn foliage around Urayama Dam typically peaks from early to mid-November. The spectacular red and yellow autumn colors created by the rich nature of Chichibu and Nagatoro are incomparable, and the views from the dam crown or perimeter roads are exceptional. This period particularly attracts many tourists.
Winter’s Silence and Snowy Landscape
Winter at Urayama Dam creates a fantastical atmosphere with snow-covered mountains and a quiet lake surface. With fewer tourists, you can leisurely view the dam at this hidden gem season. However, there is a possibility of road freezing, so preparation with winter tires or chains is necessary.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting Urayama Dam
Safety Management
While Urayama Dam does not conduct regular continuous water releases, releases may occur during heavy rainfall. When engaging in activities downstream of the dam, pay attention to sirens and warning lights, and evacuate to a safe location promptly during releases.
Photography Etiquette
Photography at the dam facility is generally permitted, but photography inside management facilities or in restricted areas is prohibited. Additionally, drone use requires prior permission. Be considerate not to inconvenience other visitors.
Trash Disposal
To protect the natural environment, some areas around Urayama Dam do not have trash bins. When you visit, always take your trash with you and cooperate in maintaining the beautiful natural environment.
How to Obtain Urayama Dam Card
Urayama Dam distributes dam cards. They are distributed at the management sub-office of the Arakawa Dam Comprehensive Management Office (inside the Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia”) from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. The distribution location may differ on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to confirm in advance. Dam cards are only obtained by those who actually visit the dam and are popular as commemorative items among collectors.
Model Courses Combining Sightseeing in the Area
Day Trip Dam Tour Course
Morning: Urayama Dam viewing (Disaster Prevention Museum, dam body viewing) → Takizawa Dam viewing
Lunch: Hand-rolled soba at Soba Dojo Arakawa-tei
Afternoon: Seoun-ji Temple (cherry blossom season) or souvenir shopping at JAちちぶ Arakawa Agricultural Products Direct Sales Center
Evening: Hot spring at Matsuri-no-Yu in Chichibu city center
1 Night, 2 Day Chichibu Experience Course
Day 1: Urayama Dam and Takizawa Dam viewing → Chichibu city center sightseeing (Chichibu Shrine, Banba Street exploration) → Hot spring inn accommodation in Chichibu
Day 2: Nagatoro Line boat ride → Hodosan Ropeway → Nagatoro rocky shore exploration → Return
Editorial Recommendations
The greatest charm of the Urayama Dam area is the landscape created by the imposing dam and the nature of inner Chichibu. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the beauty is exceptional, and bringing a camera is strongly recommended. Additionally, the learning experience at the Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia” is enjoyable for both children and adults alike, making it perfect for families.
The Chichibu area has many attractive tourist attractions besides Urayama Dam. Combining dam viewing with surrounding sightseeing will make for a more fulfilling trip. Visiting both Urayama Dam and Takizawa Dam as a set is a must for dam enthusiasts.
Local gourmet cuisine is also not to be missed. Chichibu specialties such as hand-rolled soba and waraji katsudon further enhance the enjoyment of tourism. Facilities where you can experience regional specialties, such as the JAちちぶ Arakawa Agricultural Products Direct Sales Center and Kinoko-no-sato Suzuka Garden, are also worth visiting.
Summary
Located in Arakawa Kuna, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, Urayama Dam is a popular tourist destination known for its impressive scale as the second-highest gravity concrete dam in Japan and the beautiful scenery of Lake Chichibu Sakura. The free-to-view Urayama Dam Disaster Prevention Museum “Uralapia” allows you to learn about the dam’s role and history, and the views from the dam body reveal different faces through the seasons.
The surrounding area is enriched with tourist attractions and gourmet spots such as Takizawa Dam, Seoun-ji Temple’s weeping cherry blossoms, and Soba Dojo Arakawa-tei, making it an area enjoyable for 1 to 2 days. Particularly from early to mid-November during the autumn foliage season, you can experience the spectacular scenery created by the rich nature of Chichibu and Nagatoro.
The excellent accessibility, being approximately 10 minutes by car from Chichibu Station and about 1 hour from Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, is also appealing. With free parking available, the Urayama Dam area is a hidden gem tourist destination in Saitama Prefecture that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and dam enthusiasts alike. Be sure to visit Urayama Dam to experience the majestic nature of inner Chichibu and the impressive presence of one of Japan’s leading dams.
