Kameyama Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture, beside the scenic Kameyama Lake. Surrounded by lush forests and streams, it is known as a peaceful retreat in the inner Boso Peninsula.
The spring has an unusual mineral composition known as an iodine- and bromine-containing sodium bicarbonate and chloride spring. The natural spring water is tea-brown, often described as kuroyu, or “black water”, and has a mildly alkaline pH of 8.2.
The source temperature is 29.4°C, and approximately 600 liters of water per minute naturally gushes from the spring. The water is considered gentle on the skin and is well known for its moisturizing properties.
Kameyama Onsen lies along the shores of Kameyama Lake and is surrounded by abundant greenery. Often described as the “inner retreat of the Boso Peninsula,” the area provides a relaxing atmosphere away from the urban centers of Chiba.
Accommodation options in the area include:
Kameyama Onsen Hotel
Kosuitei Sagawa
Pension Kameyama-en
Kohan-no-Yado Tsubakimoto
Day-use bathing is available at facilities such as Kameyama Onsen Hotel and Kosuitei Sagawa.
The area is also known for cuisine prepared with local ingredients. One of the specialties is shishi-nabe, a hearty hot pot made with wild boar meat.
The area around the hot spring resort offers a variety of outdoor activities amid the forests and lakes of the Boso Peninsula.
Cycling around Kameyama Lake: Explore the scenic area while making a circuit of the lake’s 25 bridges.
Hiking: Enjoy walking trails through the surrounding forests and hills.
Boating: Take a boat out onto the calm waters of Kameyama Lake and enjoy the natural scenery.
Fishing: Kameyama Lake is particularly popular for black bass and crucian carp fishing.
Every August, Kameyama Lake hosts the Kameyama Lake Festival and Kimitsu Citizens’ Fireworks Display, which attracts many visitors.
In autumn, the Kameyama Autumn Festival features seasonal activities such as sightseeing among the colorful foliage and tours to see water being released from Kameyama Dam.
Kameyama Dam is a gravity-type concrete dam built across the Obitsu River. Construction began in 1969 and took approximately ten years to complete.
The dam is 34.5 meters high and has a reservoir capacity of approximately 14.75 million cubic meters, equivalent to around 12 Tokyo Domes. The reservoir plays an important role in flood control and the supply of drinking water.
The reservoir created by Kameyama Dam is known as Kameyama Lake. Today, it is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy nature and a variety of outdoor activities.
Walking paths and parks have been developed around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Spring: Cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage create colorful lakeside scenery.
Summer: The lake is ideal for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Autumn: The surrounding mountains become covered in vivid autumn foliage, making it an especially attractive season for sightseeing.
Winter: The quiet lakeside landscape offers a peaceful atmosphere and a different side of Kameyama’s natural beauty.
Kameyama Lake is also well known as a fishing destination, particularly for black bass and crucian carp. The lake has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and books.
By Train: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kazusa-Kameyama Station on the JR Kururi Line.
By Bus: The Kapina highway bus connects Chiba Station with the Kameyama Lake Entrance and Awa-Kamogawa Station, stopping at various locations along the route.
The history of accommodation facilities serving visitors to Kameyama Onsen dates back to 1975.
Kameyama Dam was named after the former Kameyama Village, preserving the area’s historical name. Today, the dam and lake continue to play an important role in the region while providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the area’s natural environment.
Kameyama Onsen and Kameyama Lake offer an appealing combination of hot springs, beautiful nature, outdoor activities, and local cuisine.
Visitors can relax in the mineral-rich hot spring water, enjoy cycling or hiking around the lake, go boating or fishing, and sample local dishes such as shishi-nabe.
The scenery changes with every season, from cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring to colorful autumn foliage and tranquil winter landscapes. The area is suitable for families, couples, nature lovers, and fishing enthusiasts alike.
For travelers looking to experience the peaceful natural side of the Boso Peninsula, Kameyama Onsen and Kameyama Lake offer a memorable escape surrounded by forests, mountains, and water.