A row of swan-shaped pedal boats lined up on a sandy shore, with a vibrant blue lake and lush green mountains in the background. A tree with broad leaves partially frames the left side of the image. The sky is clear with some scattered clouds.
Gail Schulz

Dakigaeri Gorge and Lake Tazawa

We had planned to ride a loop up to Tazawako (Lake Tawaza), around the northern edge of the lake and back down.  I wasn't feeling 100% and with the forecast for 16℃ with wind gusts of 30km/hr, a rethink of that plan was in order.  We opted to hire a car for the day and have a bit more of a touristy day.

Eat

Given we were expecting another big evening meal from Mrs Hiroshi, a light lunch was in order.  Not far from the lake there is a collection of honey themed businesses Yama no Hachimitsuya.  The grilled pork and honey pizza we shared was tasty - not the best pizza I've had in Japan, not the worst pizza I've ever had. The honey soft serve in the honey products next door didn't have a noticeable honey character.

Sakuramaru coffee was a good afternoon stop. The cappuccino,  dusted with cinnamon rather than chocolate powder, went down a treat.  I can also recommend the chocolate cake and the 'rare' (unbaked) cheesecake.

See and Do

First stop today was Dakigaeri Gorge.  On a Wednesday it was a peaceful walk shared with just a few other walkers.  Out of the car park you pass a shrine tucked into the trees and then follow the path up to the first suspension bridge crossing the Tama River.  The path winds up the southern bank of the river giving you glimpses of the azure blue water tumbling over rocks below you down in the valley. There's a few bridges and tunnels to navigate before you hear the sound of the falls.

Next stop was a loop of Lake Tawaza. Mostly it is a forest road with occasional lake front stretches.  As forecast, the wind was howling onto the swimming beach at the Eastern edge of the lake.  We stopped to take the obligatory photo of the 'famous' statue of Tatsuko and use the fabulously equipped nearby public amenities.

The history of Lake Tawaza is interesting and a little sad. It is the deepest lake in Japan with its bottom below sea level. That are no natural inflows or outflows and is thought to be of volcanic origin.  In 1931, visibility was measured at over 350m, but unlike other really clear fresh water bodies, it had a vibrant ecosystem. Visibility is now about 4m and the acidification of the lake means that only a single fish species survives.

After lunch we checked out Ando soy sauce and miso brewery on the way back to dropping off the rental car.  It's an outlier in the cluster of tourist points of interest and we figured we could save ourselves some walking tomorrow.  The building is interesting as an unusual example of a brick clad storehouse. The products are all priced at a premium.  

A narrow paved path winds through a lush, green forest with tall trees on either side. The trees have dense foliage, and ferns and other vegetation line the path. The area appears serene and untouched, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
A serene scene of a turquoise river flowing through a lush, green forest. Tall, leafy trees frame the river, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. The sunlight filters through the foliage, casting a gentle glow on the vibrant greenery and clear water.
A serene river with clear turquoise water winds through a lush green forest. Rocky outcrops and cliffs border the river, and dense trees cover the landscape. The scene appears tranquil and untouched, with vibrant greenery and natural beauty.
A small wooden structure with a red roof stands on a stone foundation over clear blue water, against a backdrop of green hills and a partly cloudy sky. The scene is serene, with vibrant colours of nature under bright daylight.
A close-up of a dome shaped unbaked cheesecake garnished with whipped cream and berries on a plate. In the background, there is a slice of chocolate cake and a cup of coffee on the table.
A scenic rural landscape featuring a dirt path lined with green grass and dense foliage on both sides, leading towards distant mountains under a blue sky. A small farmhouse and a few trees are visible to the left of the path.

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