Hanging bridge above beautiful reflections (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Amagase Dam

Possibly the best picnic spot in Uji!

Cathy Cawood   - 1 min read

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.

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...