Sakura Orochi Lake is a beautiful reservoir created by Obara Dam, which was built on the upper reaches of the Hii River in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountains and peaceful waters, the lake has been developed as a destination for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, and sports.
The lakeside is also home to Roadside Station Orochi no Sato, making the area a convenient place to take a break, enjoy local food, and discover the natural and cultural attractions of the region.
The name Sakura Orochi Lake combines two symbols closely connected with the Hii River region: the legendary Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed serpent of Japanese mythology, and the cherry blossoms that are beloved throughout the area.
The name reflects a wish to calm the legendary Orochi with the dam, while the image of cherry blossoms adds a warm and welcoming feeling to the lake’s identity.
Obara Dam was completed in 2012 as part of a major project designed to control flooding and secure water resources. The project was developed following the severe flooding caused by the heavy rains of 1972 and has played an important role in protecting and supporting communities along the Hii River.
During the construction of the dam, local residents and government authorities worked together to develop the area not only as infrastructure but also as a place open to the community. As a result, the lake and its surroundings have become an attractive recreational destination.
Sakura Orochi Lake is a wonderful place to experience the changing beauty of the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the lake, and their reflections on the water create an especially enchanting landscape.
Summer brings mountains covered in deep green foliage, while autumn transforms the surrounding hills with brilliant colors. In winter, the area becomes quiet and peaceful, with crisp air and snow-covered scenery.
Surrounded by mountains, the lake provides a peaceful setting where visitors can slow down and enjoy nature. The views from the viewpoints and lakeshore are particularly impressive, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year.
One of the major attractions of Sakura Orochi Lake is its excellent facilities for sports and outdoor activities. The lake is used for rowing competitions, kayaking, and triathlon training, providing a professional environment for both recreational users and athletes.
A rowing course officially recognized by the Japan Rowing Association has also been developed, and the lake hosts sporting competitions.
The calm waters of the lake are used for rowing, kayaking, and triathlon training. With facilities suitable for official competitions, Sakura Orochi Lake offers a distinctive opportunity to enjoy water sports surrounded by the mountains of Shimane.
A cycling course of approximately 12 kilometers runs around the lake. Riders can enjoy beautiful lakeside scenery while experiencing the refreshing atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.
The course includes a variety of uphill and downhill sections, making it enjoyable for cyclists with different levels of experience, from beginners to more advanced riders.
The surrounding area also features trail-running routes that make use of Tonosama Kaido, an old road traditionally associated with the lords of the Matsue domain.
The course passes through mountain paths and traditional satoyama landscapes. Its changing terrain makes trail running here a rewarding way to experience the area’s natural environment at close range.
Various sporting and community events are held around Sakura Orochi Lake throughout the year. Trail-running competitions are held in spring, followed by rowing races and walking events in early summer. In autumn, the area becomes a venue for triathlon competitions.
The Sakura Orochi Lake Festival is another highlight. Visitors can enjoy stalls offering local specialties, stage performances, and hands-on activities that showcase the character of the surrounding communities.
These events attract not only local residents but also visitors and participants from outside the region, creating opportunities for people to connect through sports, food, and local culture.
Obara Dam itself is one of the area’s most impressive sights. The gravity-type concrete dam is approximately 90 meters high, and its enormous structure offers a striking contrast with the surrounding natural landscape.
Visitors may also have opportunities to tour the interior of the dam. These tours provide a rare chance to see parts of the facility that are normally hidden from view and learn more about how the dam operates.
One of the most spectacular events at Obara Dam is the annual crest gate water release. A huge volume of water rushes down from the dam with tremendous force, creating an unforgettable sight.
Dam cards are also distributed, making the site an appealing destination for visitors who enjoy collecting these popular souvenirs from dams throughout Japan.
Located beside Sakura Orochi Lake, Roadside Station Orochi no Sato is a convenient place to experience the local character of the region. Its direct-sales shop offers fresh vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers, allowing visitors to discover seasonal produce from Unnan.
One of the attractions is the opportunity to find unusual vegetables such as ice plant and kohlrabi, alongside more familiar seasonal produce.
The adjoining Farm Restaurant Furusato-tei serves simple, comforting dishes prepared with local ingredients. Current menu offerings include rice bowls and curry, making it an easy place to enjoy local flavors during a sightseeing trip.
Surrounded by nature, Saishiro Onsen Chojanoyu is a relaxing hot spring facility where visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery from the open-air bath.
The baths incorporate stones from the Hii River, creating a traditional atmosphere that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape. It is an ideal place to rest and refresh after cycling, hiking, or sightseeing around the lake.
A farm near the lake keeps dairy cows in open pasture and offers opportunities to interact with the animals. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences such as making butter.
The farm is particularly appealing to families looking for an outdoor activity where children can experience rural life and get closer to farm animals.
The area around Sakura Orochi Lake is more than a sightseeing destination. It is a place where local communities and the natural environment have developed together.
Environmental considerations were incorporated into the development of Obara Dam, and activities such as tree planting and nature conservation have been carried out to help protect and restore the surrounding environment.
Visitors can therefore enjoy not only the scenery and outdoor activities but also gain a deeper appreciation of the area’s history, culture, and the efforts of the people who live here.
Obara Dam is also involved in environmental conservation activities such as the Donguri no Mori-zukuri, or “Acorn Forest Project.” The project aims to restore natural areas affected by dam construction by planting trees such as konara oak and mizunara oak.
Local children also take part in the planting activities, helping create opportunities for younger generations to learn about the importance of forests and the relationship between people and nature.
These efforts reflect the area’s goal of creating a community where tourism, local life, and the natural environment can coexist.
Sakura Orochi Lake can be reached from the Mitoya-Kisuki Interchange on the Matsue Expressway. From the interchange, travelers can continue toward the lake using National Route 314.
The drive itself is part of the experience, with beautiful mountain and countryside scenery along the way. A road trip through the Unnan area is a convenient way to combine Sakura Orochi Lake with other attractions in the upper Hii River region.
Sakura Orochi Lake is a fascinating destination where beautiful nature, outdoor activities, local culture, and Japanese mythology come together.
Visitors can admire the changing scenery around the lake, cycle along its approximately 12-kilometer course, enjoy water sports, participate in outdoor events, relax at a hot spring, and discover local food and produce at Roadside Station Orochi no Sato.
The area’s connection to the Yamata-no-Orochi legend adds a distinctive cultural dimension to the journey. The combination of ancient mythology and a modern dam surrounded by mountains creates a landscape that is both peaceful and intriguing.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape into nature, an active outdoor adventure, or a journey connected to the myths and traditions of Izumo, Sakura Orochi Lake offers a memorable experience in the mountains of Shimane.