Kameyama Dam is a multipurpose dam built on the Obitsu River, a Class B river flowing through Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It was the first multipurpose dam constructed by Chiba Prefecture and has the largest total reservoir capacity in the prefecture.
The dam and the reservoir it created, known as Lake Kameyama, are now popular destinations for enjoying the natural scenery of the Boso Peninsula. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, as well as hot springs and seasonal events.
Kameyama Dam is a 34.5-meter-high gravity concrete dam operated by Chiba Prefecture. Its main purposes are flood control, drinking water supply, and securing water for agriculture.
The reservoir is called Lake Kameyama and has a total storage capacity of approximately 14.75 million cubic meters, equivalent to about 12 Tokyo Domes. It is the largest dam reservoir in Chiba Prefecture in terms of total storage capacity.
Construction of Kameyama Dam began in 1969 and took approximately 10 years to complete. The name “Kameyama” was chosen to preserve the name of the former Kameyama Village, where the dam was located. The area is now part of Kimitsu City.
The dam has played an important role in the development of the surrounding region. In addition to providing a stable supply of water for daily life and agriculture, it helps reduce the risk of flooding and contributes to the protection of local communities.
Lake Kameyama was formed by the construction of the dam and is surrounded by lush natural landscapes. Parks and walking paths have been developed around the lakeshore, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery throughout the year.
The appearance of the lake changes with the seasons. Fresh greenery in spring, lush summer landscapes, colorful autumn foliage, and the quiet atmosphere of winter each provide a different reason to visit.
Lake Kameyama is also well known as a fishing destination. Crucian carp and largemouth bass are among the fish commonly targeted by anglers.
The lake has attracted considerable attention from fishing enthusiasts and has been featured in specialist fishing magazines and books. For visitors who enjoy spending time outdoors, fishing provides a relaxing way to experience the lake and its surrounding nature.
Natural hot springs can be found around the lake, providing an ideal way to relax after hiking, fishing, or other outdoor activities. The hot spring area combines the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeside with traditional Japanese bathing culture.
A variety of accommodations and campgrounds are located around the lake. Visitors can choose between staying in a hotel or enjoying a more outdoor-oriented experience at a campsite.
Mitsuishiyama Kannonji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located near Lake Kameyama. Combining a visit to the temple with sightseeing around the lake offers an opportunity to experience both the area’s natural beauty and its cultural heritage.
Kameyama Hot Spring is located in a scenic natural setting beside Lake Kameyama. Its spring is classified as an iodine- and bromine-containing bicarbonate saline spring and is known for its distinctive tea-brown, or “black water,” appearance.
The source temperature is approximately 29.4°C, and the spring naturally flows from the ground at a rate of around 600 liters per minute. With a pH of approximately 8.2, the water is mildly alkaline.
Accommodation around Kameyama Hot Spring includes Kameyama Onsen Hotel and Kosuitei Sagawa, both of which offer opportunities to enjoy the area’s hot spring culture. Day-use bathing is also available at some facilities.
Other lodging options include Pension Kameyama-en and Kohan-no-Yado Tsubakimoto, giving travelers a range of choices depending on their preferred style of stay.
The area is also known for cuisine that makes use of locally available ingredients. One specialty is shishi-nabe, a traditional wild boar hot pot.
Visitors can also enjoy different local flavors depending on the season, including wild mountain vegetables in spring, ayu sweetfish and eel in summer, and mushrooms in autumn.
The Kameyama Hot Spring area and Lake Kameyama offer numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, boating, and fishing.
One popular way to explore the lake is the “25 Bridges Tour,” which takes visitors around the numerous bridges crossing or spanning different parts of the lake. The area is also particularly attractive during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding hills are covered in vivid colors.
In August, the Kameyama Lake Festival and Kimitsu Citizens’ Fireworks Display is held, filling the night sky with fireworks above the lake.
In autumn, the Kameyama Autumn Festival offers seasonal activities such as sightseeing boat cruises through the colorful foliage. Special events may also include a one-day opportunity to observe water being released from the dam.
The history of accommodation facilities using Kameyama’s hot springs dates back to 1975. Since then, the area has developed into an important base for tourism around Lake Kameyama.
The nearest railway station is Kazusa-Kameyama Station on the JR Kururi Line. From the station, the lake and surrounding attractions can be reached on foot or by taxi, depending on the destination.
For visitors traveling by car, there are two convenient routes:
From the Tateyama Expressway: Take the route via National Route 465 from the Kimitsu Interchange.
From the Ken-O Expressway: From the Kisarazu-Higashi Interchange, travel via National Routes 410 and 465.
Because Kameyama Dam and Lake Kameyama are surrounded by a natural environment, visitors are encouraged to help preserve the area’s scenery and ecosystems.
Take all garbage with you and avoid leaving waste in the natural environment. Anglers should follow any required permits, fishing regulations, and local rules.
Some lakeside walking paths can become slippery depending on the season and weather conditions. Comfortable, non-slip footwear is recommended, particularly when walking around the lakeshore or exploring during wet weather.
Kameyama Dam and Lake Kameyama offer an appealing combination of natural scenery and human engineering. The dam serves important roles in flood control and water management, while the reservoir has become a scenic destination where visitors can enjoy the outdoors.
Fishing, hiking, cycling, boating, camping, hot springs, local cuisine, and seasonal festivals provide many different ways to experience the area. The surrounding temples and historic sites also add a cultural dimension to a visit.
For travelers exploring the Boso Peninsula, Kameyama Dam and Lake Kameyama are an excellent place to slow down, enjoy the changing scenery, and experience the natural and cultural attractions of inland Chiba.