by Urayama Dam has been built on 1998 and started to operate next year 1999. Because of big typhoon in 1947 and flood crisis in 1967, Arakawa river had to need a dam for the flood adjustment function. Now the Urayama Dam is also called “Lake of Chichibu Sakura” and one of the sightseeing spots in Chichibu.
1. History of Urayama Dam
49 houses needed to move out for building the dam so the negotiation took longer. Local government set new laws to compensated for them to be able to set up their lives in new places.
Because of the special law, the negotiation was concluded in 1987 since starting in 1978, almost 9 years. Then Urayama Dam was completed to be built up in 1998, which took around 28 years. Urayama Dam is for flood adjustment, water supply to Saitama prefecture and Tokyo, and generate electricity for Saitama.
2. How to Enjoy Urayama Dam Sightseeing
This dam is also called “Lake Chichibu Sakura”. So in spring season, you can see cherry blossoms along the dam walking path. Parts of dam inside can be accessed since 1994. Since then, a lot of visitors are coming to see Urayama Dam. As a huge dam, you can see this dam from some points of main road. If you go up to the dam, you can see whole Chichibu city. There is also resource room for the Urayama dam history.
Fishing may be available.
3. Access to Urayama Dam
If you are thinking about public transport, there is only bus to be able to go to Urayama dam. However, there are just a few buses every day so you have to check the time table.
You can get the bus going to Urayama dam from Seibu Chichibu station (Seibu Chichibu Line) or Chichibu station (Chichibu railway line).
It takes around 15 – 20 minutes.
Easiest way is definitely taxi. Taxi is available at the both station. (Seibu Chichibu station & Chichibu station)
If you want to do hiking by going to Urayama dam, it may be possible. You get off at Urayamaguchi station on Chichibu railway line and it takes approximately 30 minutes to Urayama dam.
