The waters of Lake Okutama are as deep blue as the eye can perceive. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and is lovely throughout the seasons, is a well-liked and simple day excursion from Tokyo.
Photo by Lutomotto.com
Okutama Lake, also known as the Ogouchi Reservoir, is a significant freshwater source for Tokyo and one of the town's main attractions. The Ogouchi Dam blocks the natural flow of the Tama River, a historically significant source of water for Tokyo, resulting in a sizable lake that divides into numerous valleys farther upstream.
The Kosuge River, which originates in Yamanashi Prefecture, supplies water to the lake from the southwest while the Tama River supplies water from the west. Yamanashi Prefecture is responsible for the branches of the lake and the mouth of the Kosuge river that empties into it.
Tokyo's needs are met by an underground pipe system that draws water from the lake. Hydroelectricity is generated in a power plant at the foot of the Ogouchi Dam using the water power of the Tama River, which empties the lake.
GETTING THERE
By train & Bus
Take a JR Chuo Line or Ome Line train into Ome Station from central Tokyo and switch to the Ome Line there. The line that travels to Okutama Station is that one.
Take a Nishi Tokyo Bus to Okutama Lake from Bus Stop 2 in front of Okutama Station. Numerous buses go around Okutama Lake's shoreline along Highway 411, stopping frequently at the most attractive locations such the Nonkia Restaurant and Ogouchi Shrine.
SUICA/PASMO cards are accepted on Nishi Tokyo buses.
By Car
When coming from Tokyo, take Ome Town's Highway 411, pass through Okutama Town, and then continue on to the lake. The Onouchi Dam, which designates the eastern end of the reservoir, is where you first arrive. The road to the dam ascends the mountains in a series of twists while following the Tama River Valley. The spectacular dam is visible from some of the road's curves in the distance.
There is a sizable parking lot next to the dam.
SIGHTSEEING
Walking over the dam, which is available to the public, provides fantastic views of the lake and the mountains that surround it. A power plant that converts the Tama River's water power into electricity can be seen when looking down the steep concrete wall of the dam's "backside," which controls the river's onward flow towards Tokyo.
THE MUSEUM
It is a part of the Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan (Okutama Water and Green Museum), a small museum located immediately next to the dam entrance and devoted to the local contribution to the provision of water for Tokyo. The open-to-the-public museum has exhibits on local history, the history of the dam, the sources of the lake's water, and general knowledge on the value of clean, fresh water supplies to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
Opening times: daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Closed on Wednesday. If Wednesday is a public holiday, the museum closes the following day.
Admission is free.
The Katakuri no Hana Restaurant is located on the museum's top floor, where its windows provide stunning views over the reservoir.
More museum photos by Lutomotto.com
A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Beginning in 1932, work on the Ogouchi Dam was initiated. Work on new development had to come to a halt during World War II and the years that followed. Finally finished in 1957, the dam has been in use ever since.
OUR TRIP
We have had several trips to Okutama Lake which made this place one of our favorites. We usually go there just as family trip, but sometimes we go there to entertain our local guests and overseas visitors. Perhaps one of the reasons is the accessibility of the place and that it’s near from where we live.
The photos and video shows our most recent family trip in January of 2020 which is still winter, although it’s best to go there during seasons when the color of trees change: pink Sakura flowers in Spring and orange Maple leaves in Fall. Summer is also a good choice; nevertheless, our winter trip was fun because it was our first time to go there in the middle of a cold season. The trees are quite bald which exposed the snow from beneath creating an alpine view of the mountains.
We just had a small walk around the lake and a quick picnic on one of the shades around the place. The best part is the bonding time with people closest to your heart. There is nothing that can replace such warm moments in a cold season.
Watch this video from our Youtube channel...
Thank you for joining us in this journey. . .
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