Lake Sagami
Lake Sagami, within an hour’s reach from Tokyo, is one of the five Great Lakes in Kanagawa of Japan. It is an artificial lake which was built between 1940-1947 and has now become a drinking water reservoir, a power station and a top destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.Every spring, about 2,500 cherry trees bloom in clusters along the lakeside and the mountains are covered with pink and white, making Lake Sagami the largest cherry blossom viewing spot in the Kanto region. In summer, the forest around is lush and green and it’s cool by the lake, making it a great place to escape the heat and play in the water. In autumn, the mountains are dyed colorful by the leaves. The red maple leaves and the golden autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the lake, creating a strong sense of autumn atmosphere. In winter, although it’s cold, the entire area is illuminated by brilliant lights at night, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
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The canoeing events of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics were held here. Along the shore of Lake Sagami are Kenritsu Sagamiko Park and Sagamiko MoriMori. Whether you prefer to enjoy the natural scenery or experience recreational activities, Lake Sagami is a perfect choice.
What to Do
Enjoy Natural Scenery and Experience Lakeside Leisure
If you prefer to quietly enjoy the lake view and take a leisurely walk, you can go to Kenritsu Sagamiko Park to hike up the 857-meter-high (2,812-feet-high) Jinba Mountain, walk along the forest path, and overlook the entire Lake Sagami. The path is full of lush greenery, and the melodious chirping of orioles can be heard. On fine days, you can even see the magnificent snow-capped Mount Fuji in distance.
Lush Lawn around Lake Sagami
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Experience Recreational Activities and Enjoy Night Lighting
If you want to experience thrilling and fun recreational activities and enjoy the splendid night light show, then Sagamiko MoriMori is a place you can’t miss. The park is equipped with thrilling facilities suitable for adults, such as suspension bridges and giant rock climbing, as well as a three-dimensional maze and a small train for kids. You can take a ride on the ferris wheel and have a panoramic view of Lake Sagami and the distant cityscape of Tokyo when reaching the top; in the evening, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the light show at Lake Sagami.From November to May of the following year, Sagamiko MoriMori will hold Sagamiko illumination, which is one of the three major light shows in the Kanto region. Six million colorful LED lights create splendid dynamic lighting scenes. Every year, different popular IP collaboration themes are launched and you can also enjoy a drone light show.
Enjoy the Fireworks Display
Around August 1st every year, a fireworks display is held at Lake Sagami, which is an iconic event in summer of Japan. Fireworks will be set off above the surface of Lake Sagami, creating an immersive viewing perspective. The nearby Sagamiko MoriMori will be open for free after 18:00, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display on the lake up close. The local snack stalls will be open simultaneously, so you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while watching the fireworks, getting a more complete summer fireworks experience.
Fireworks Display
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Useful Tips
1. There are very few convenience stores and restaurants around Lake Sagami. If you want to have a picnic or barbecue, it is recommended to purchase ingredients and beverages in advance.2. The opening hours of seasonal projects such as the light show and water park in Sagamiko MoriMori are adjusted according to the seasons. Please confirm it before going.
3. The temperature difference between day and night on the mountain is large and the wind is strong. It is recommended to bring an extra coat.
4. Before fishing at Lake Sagami, please purchase a one-day fishing permit in advance on official platforms or at local fishing tackle stores and convenience stores.
5. Traffic congestion is very common around Lake Sagami on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to visit during weekdays to experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
6. The cable cars in Sagamiko MoriMori can be taken freely after 16:00, with no limit on the number of rides.
Serene Lake Sagami
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Opening Time
The regular opening hours of Kenritsu Sagamiko Park are 8:30-18:00. From April to mid-July, it is extended to 19:00. In summer, it can be opened until 20:00.The opening hours of Sagamiko MoriMori on weekdays are 10:00 - 17:00/ 18:00. During the cherry blossom festival in spring, the opening hours are 10:00 - 20:00, and on holidays during the cherry blossom festival, are from 9:30 to 20:30. The opening hours for the winter light show are usually from 16:00 to 21:00, and the last entry time is 20:30. The park may be closed on specific dates such as Wednesday.
Admission Fee
Kenritsu Sagamiko Park is open to the public for free. Only specific areas for camping and barbecues require separate venue usage fees.The entrance ticket to Sagamiko MoriMori is 2,000 yen (12 USD); The pass, which includes the entrance fee as well as most of the amusement rides and the cable cars for the round trip to the mountain, is 4,500 yen (28 USD); And the night pass, for those entering the park after 14:00, is 3,000 yen (19 USD).
How to Get There
1. Take the JR Chuo Express or Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo directly to Sagamiko Station and it takes about 50 minutes to an hour. After exiting the station, it takes a 10-minute walk to reach Kenritsu Sagamiko Park or you can transfer to the shuttle bus and get to Sagamiko MoriMori.2. There is a direct express bus from “Busta Shinjuku Terminal” in Shinjuku of Tokyo, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes one way. The departure times for the outbound trips are mostly between 9:00 and 10:30, while the return trips are usually between 14:00 and 15:30. Generally, there are 2 to 4 round-trip services each day.
3. If you come from Yokohama, you can take the local bus at Hashimoto Station heading to Sagamiko Station, which takes about 50 minutes.
