Hitokura Dam (一庫ダム)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Hitokura Dam (一庫ダム) was built in the northern part of Kawanishi City on the upper reaches of the Ina River (猪名川), and its reservoir is called Lake Chimyo (知明湖). From the top of the dam wall you can take in both the broad lake surface enclosed by mountains and the deep green of the woodland hills around it in a single view. Seeing this great body of water right beside Hitokura Park before you play gives you a way to talk with your children about where the afternoon's stream water comes from. The morning air is still cool, and the breeze off the lake feels wonderful at this hour. Hitokura Park is only a short drive away, making this an ideal first stop of the day.

Tips

Viewing is free; please follow the on-site signage regarding which areas around the dam wall are open. There are not many shops, so preparing drinks and a packed lunch before you leave is reassuring. The mountain roads go on for some way, so take an early break if anyone in the car is prone to motion sickness. There is little to block the sun, so have children wear hats from the start.

Best time to visit

About 45 minutes. The cool early-morning hours are the most pleasant for walking

Access & map

4-1 Hitokura Karamatsu, Kawanishi City, Hyogo 666-0153