A Perfect Day in Tokyo 6/2022

_{A great spot to enjoy a walk in the fresh greenery}
Lake Tama and the Surrounding Area (Higashiyamato City)

The First and Second (left) Intake Towers of Lower Murayama Reservoir
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Lake Tama, also known as the Murayama Reservoir, is an artificial lake built over a period of more than 10 years from 1916 to serve as a water source for Tokyo. Located in the lush Sayama Hills, and surrounded by parks and roads designated for use by cyclists and pedestrians, the area offers various views that change with the seasons.
Upon exiting Musashi-Yamato Station, follow the dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path in the direction of Lake Tama for about 10 minutes. You will see the First Intake Tower of the Lower Murayama Reservoir, which looks as if it is floating on the surface of the lake. With its beautiful domed roof and arched windows, this First Intake Tower has been designated an architectural structure of historical value by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The Intake Tower is still used today as a facility to send water from Lake Tama to Tokyo’s water purification plants. Walk a little further along the dam, and you will spot the Second Intake Tower of the reservoir. From this area, you can have a sweeping view of the Okutama mountains. You can also enjoy Japan’s abundant nature through cherry blossoms in spring, beautiful colored leaves in autumn, and Mt. Fuji on clear winter days. Go back on the Lake Tama cycling/pedestrian trail and continue on into an area covered in fresh greenery. Not only is it fun strolling along this route, but you can also feel like you are on a mini-vacation. Along the way, you will also come across an outdoor adventure park with ziplines and various other play equipment using logs in the Sayama Ryokuchi park, which is especially recommended for children who enjoy outdoor physical activities.
And just south from the adventure playground is the Higashiyamato City Museum. While you are in the area, why not also try to learn something about the nature, history, and folklore of Higashiyamato City at this municipal folk museum? Its permanent exhibition, themed on “Sayama Hills and Daily Life of the Local People,” displays topographical models and shows short films depicting the background of the Sayama Hills. You can visit the planetarium in the museum as well. When you have fully explored the area, you can either return to Musashi-Yamato Station on foot or take a bus to Higashi-Yamatoshi Station and travel back home.

Higashiyamato City Museum

Alight at Musashi-Yamato Station on the Seibu Tamako Line. (The total distance from Musashi-Yamato Station to the First Intake Tower of the Lower Murayama Reservoir and Higashiyamato City Museum is about 3.2km.)
(For inquiries about sightseeing in Higashiyamato City)
Industrial Promotion Section, Higashiyamato City
Phone: 042-563-2111
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays)

[Higashiyamato City Museum]
Phone: 042-567-4800
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Monday (the following day if Monday falls on a national holiday), the day after public holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays.
Website (external link)

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