Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will introduce touring to Kusaki Dam in Gunma Prefecture. Kusaki Dam is a multipurpose dam built on the Watarase River in the Tone River system, and plays the role of water supply and flood control in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In addition, the dam lake is also called Kusaki Lake, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery and rich nature. I rode a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) from central Tokyo to Kusaki Dam. I’ll let you know how it goes.
The route from central Tokyo to Kusaki Dam is as follows.
Take the Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line and enter the Tohoku Expressway at Kawaguchi JCT.
Go north on the Tohoku Expressway and enter the Kanetsu Expressway at Kuki JCT.
Go west on the Kanetsu Expressway and exit at Tatebayashi IC.
Enter National Route 354 and pass through Kiryu City.
Enter National Route 122 and pass through Midori City.
Enter Route 50 and turn left following the Kusaki Dam sign.
Pass in front of the Kusaki Dam Management Office, turn right, and arrive at the shore of Lake Kusaki.
This route covers approximately 150km and takes approximately two and a half hours. You can drive on expressways easily, but you need to be careful on public roads as there are many traffic jams and traffic lights. In addition, the line runs along the Watarase River in Kiryu City and Midori City, so you can enjoy the murmuring of the river and the green scenery.
Highlights of Kusaki Dam
When you arrive at Kusaki Dam, the first thing that catches your eye is the 140m high gravity concrete dam. This dam was completed in 1977. It is said that the construction of this dam has improved water quality and flood control. Additionally, this dam is one of the group of dams upstream of the Tone River, and supplies water to the metropolitan area and also generates electricity.
The Kusaki Lake that spreads upstream of the dam has an area of 170 ha. The surface of the lake is quiet and beautiful, and there are mountains and forests surrounding it. There are promenades and observation decks along the lakeside where you can enjoy walking and taking photos. You can also enjoy leisure activities such as boating and canoeing on the lake. The lake is also rich in fish, including black bass and smelt. If you wish to go fishing, you must purchase a fishing ticket at the management office in advance.
A little away from the shore of Lake Kusaki is a photo gallery that introduces the history of the construction of Kusaki Dam. Here, the people and machinery involved in the construction of the dam, as well as the construction process, are displayed in photos and panels. We can see that there were many difficulties and hardships involved in the construction of the dam. It also introduces areas that were flooded due to dam construction and the relocation of residents. You can learn that the construction of the dam involved many sacrifices and impacts.
There is a motorcycle parking lot at Kusaki Dam. There is a dedicated parking space in the parking lot in front of the administration office. Approximately 10 bikes can be parked here. This parking lot is free of charge. However, please note that it is closed at night.
There is also a parking lot on the shore of Lake Kusagi. Approximately 100 cars, including motorcycles, can be parked here. This parking lot is also free of charge. However, please note that it may be closed in winter due to snow or ice.
summary
This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Kusaki Dam on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Kusaki Dam is a multi-purpose dam built on the Watarase River in the Tone River system, supplying water to the Tokyo metropolitan area and controlling floods. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich nature of Kusaki Lake. There are also promenades, observation decks, and photo studios around Kusaki Dam. Motorcycle parking is also available free of charge.
Kusaki Dam is a touring spot that is close to Tokyo and easy to access. By riding a bike, you can enjoy the scenery along the Watarase River and the mountains. At Kusaki Dam, you can enjoy views of the dam and lake, leisure activities, and fishing. Kusaki Dam is a place where you can feel nature and history.
I enjoyed a motorcycle trip to Kusaki Dam on my Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). I enjoyed the feeling of speed on the expressway, and enjoyed the natural forest roads and pleasant riding on the local roads.
I think touring to Kusagi Dam is a perfect course for both sports and American types of bikes.
