Top 5 Attractions Around Lake Tsukui in Sagamihara City – A Suburban Oasis with a View of the City!

Lake Tsukui, located at the border between the plateau and mountainous areas of Sagamihara City, is a popular man-made lake known for its accessibility as a leisure and sightseeing destination close to the city. Officially named Shiroyama Dam, it can be reached in less than an hour by bus from Hashimoto Station on the JR Yokohama Line or the Keio Sagamihara Line.
Being closer to the Tokyo metropolitan area than nearby dam lakes like Miyagase Lake or Sagami Lake, Lake Tsukui is bustling with anglers and tourists, especially on weekends.
From this suburban tourist hotspot near the capital, we’ve selected five recommended spots for you to explore.

1. Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park

Kanagawa Prefectural Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park is an expansive natural park stretching across both sides of the Tsukuiko Dam site and the adjacent Shiroyama.

The park is divided into three main areas, plus the Tsukui Castle Ruins located at the summit of Shiroyama, forming four distinct sections, each offering unique themes and atmospheres.
Whether you’re an adult or a child, Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park provides a variety of seasonal attractions for visitors. Let’s explore its four sections in detail:

◆ Tsukuiko Visitor Center

If you’re visiting Tsukuiko, your first stop should be the Tsukuiko Visitor Center, located on the right bank of the dam site. For those coming by bus from Hashimoto Station, this will serve as your starting point.

Here, you can find information about Tsukuiko and its surroundings, as well as local souvenirs from the Tsukuiko area.
The Tourist Center is part of the "Garden Area" of Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park. The grounds feature the "Garden Terrace," a space filled with seasonal flowers, and the lakeside "Cherry Blossom Path." These attractions will surely heighten your anticipation for the rest of your Tsukuiko adventure!

◆ Tsukui Castle Ruins

The Shiroyama area of Tsukuiko resembles the humps of a camel, with four peaks lined up in a row. Atop this rugged terrain once stood Tsukui Castle Ruins, a fortress that cleverly made use of the steep geography. While no structures remain, visitors can see stone walls, moats, and well sites, as excavation efforts continue to this day.

During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, Tsukui Castle played a pivotal role in the region, and the view from the ruins is remarkable. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tsukuiko below and even spot the skyscrapers of central Tokyo in the distance.

To reach the Tsukui Castle Ruins, you can start from the Tsukuiko Tourist Center or the southwestern foothill area known as Nekoya. The Nekoya route offers two paths: the steep but direct "Men’s Path" (Otoko-zaka) or the more gradual but longer "Women’s Path" (Onna-zaka). Choose the one that suits you best!

◆ Negoya District

Located at the southwestern foothills of Tsukui Castle Mountain, the Negoya District (Negoya-chiku) was historically the residential area where the castle lord and retainers lived during peacetime. Excavations have uncovered remains believed to be the residences of the castle’s lord and key retainers, and these findings are displayed at the Park Center in the Negoya District.

The area also features family-friendly attractions such as the "Shiki no Hiroba" (Four Seasons Plaza) with large playground equipment and the "Tenbō Hiroba" (Observation Plaza), which offers stunning views of the Tanzawa mountain range. If you’re visiting Tsukuiko Shiroyama Park by car, it’s recommended to use the parking lot in the Negoya District for convenience.

◆ Mizu-no-Mori Water Botanical Garden

Located across from the Tsukui Lake Tourism Center, the Mizu-no-Mori Water Botanical Garden is a breathtaking spot where you can simultaneously enjoy views of Tsukui Lake and Shiroyama. In spring, the cherry blossom trees along the lakeshore beautifully reflect on the water, offering an even more spectacular sight.

True to its name, Mizu-no-Mori Water Botanical Garden also features refreshing fountain sculptures. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a warm day. If you have time, consider visiting the adjacent Tsukui Lake Memorial Museum, where you can delve deeper into the history of Tsukui Lake and Shiroyama Dam.

2. Nade Bridge

Nade Bridge (Nadebashi), located near the western edge of Lake Tsukui, is a steel truss suspension bridge selected as one of the "100 Best Bridges of Kanagawa." With a length of 180 meters, it is one of the largest bridges in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The bridge is in the narrowest and steepest area of Lake Tsukui, offering exceptional views from the top. The deep color of the lake blends beautifully with the fresh green foliage and autumn-colored mountains.

Although vehicles can pass through, traffic is minimal, so it is also suitable for sightseeing on foot. However, as it is also famous as a haunted spot, it is better to avoid crossing it after sunset.

3. Ozaki Gakudo Memorial Hall

Yukio Ozaki, a politician known as the “God of Constitutional Government,” was born in the former Matano Village near Lake Tsukui. The Ozaki Gakudo Memorial Hall was built on the site of the Ozaki family residence where he was born. Gakudo was Ozaki’s pen name. On the premises, there is also a monument inscribed with “The Standard of Good and Evil,” believed to be written by Ozaki himself.

Inside the hall, you can find various items such as his personal belongings and photographs, which provide insights into his life. Ozaki, who served as the mayor of Tokyo and led the constitutional protection movement, left a significant legacy.
If you visit the Ozaki Gakudo Memorial Hall, be sure to see the "Gakudo Sakura." During his tenure as mayor of Tokyo, Ozaki famously donated 3,000 cherry blossom saplings to Washington, D.C. In recent years, saplings of the “Fugenzo” variety, re-imported from the United States, have been cultivated here.

4. Tsukui Spring Tour

The area around Tsukui Lake has many spring water spots scattered throughout. Among them are the "Nakano Shrine Spring," still loved by the residents of the Tsukui area, the "Kannonji Pure Spring," which is said to have been used by the lord of Tsukui Castle for tea ceremonies, and the "Unkyoji Spring" at Seiun-an. You can experience the clear water of Tsukui at various locations! When touring by car, it’s useful to bring a water tank.

The fact that the spring water tastes great also means that the local sake is delicious! In the Tsukui area, two sake breweries—Shimizu Brewery (founded in 1751) and Kubota Brewery (founded in 1844)—are still producing sake today. Both breweries’ brands are available at the Tsukui Lake Tourist Center.

5. Shiroyama Lake

North of Tsukui Lake and Shirayama Dam lies Shiroyama Lake, officially known as Honzawa Dam. Though slightly confusing, Shiroyama Lake, located further in than Tsukui Lake, is another hidden gem for scenic sightseeing.

A walking trail surrounds the small lake, which is less than 2 kilometers in circumference, making it perfect for a quiet escape from the city noise. You can enjoy an uninterrupted moment of peace and reflection.

In addition, the area is gaining popularity as a hidden gem for autumn leaves. From the grounds of the aviation shrine near the lake, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Tokyo cityscape. If you’re visiting Tsukui Lake for a relaxed sightseeing experience, this is a spot you’ll want to add to your itinerary!

◎ Summary

Located near the bustling area of Hashimoto Station, Tsukui Lake is gaining attention as a future stop for the planned Linear Motor Car project. With the opening of the Sagamihara Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway in 2015, access to this scenic destination has become even more convenient.
Why not seize this chance to explore Tsukui Lake, an urban oasis perfect for visitors of all ages?