Amagase Dam

Possibly the best picnic spot in Uji!

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Hanging bridge above beautiful reflections

A small waterfall flows down the side of the gorge

Closer view of the ivy covered brick building

The dam provides flood control, water supply and electricity

Ivy covered red bricks of the building to the left of the dam

Many people visit Uji to see Byodo-in, cormorant fishing in summer, and to sample the excellent green tea products. However not many people follow the Uji River upstream to Amagase Dam. That's a shame, because you can hike, cycle or even drive up one side of the river, and return down the other (both are beautiful and interesting) After enjoying the extremely scenic path beside the river you arrive at a wonderful picnic location. There is a bridge just below the dam with great views, and you can climb stone steps down to the river and sunbathe on the rocks. There are also places to fish and even some pretty waterfalls, and you can hike up through the forest above the dam for 10 minutes to a lookout with a view of the whole area.