Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Watarase Reservoir in Tochigi Prefecture. Watarase Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs in Japan, and is a spot where you can see rich nature and a variety of birds. In this article, we will introduce the route to Watarase Reservoir, highlights, motorcycle parking, etc.
Watarase Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs in Japan, spanning Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture and Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. A retarding basin is a facility that temporarily stores water during floods, and is usually empty. However, the Watarase Reservoir always retains a certain amount of water, and is surrounded by nature such as wetlands and grasslands. Therefore, it is home to many wild animals and plants, and is especially known as a treasure trove of birds. Approximately 200 types of birds can be observed at Watarase Reservoir throughout the year. In particular, migratory birds such as swans and whooper swans fly in during the winter, creating a spectacular sight.
Route to Watarase Reservoir
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Watarase Reservoir. My favorite car is a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide. This bike has a powerful engine and a comfortable ride, making it ideal for long distance riding. The starting point was Kamei Bridge in Chuo Ward. From here, I took the Shuto Expressway’s Inner Loop Line, then entered the Tohoku Expressway via the Mukojima Line, Kawaguchi Line, and Chuo Loop Line. On the Tohoku Expressway, we drove on a highway called Kaishoro. This road has a wide width of at least three lanes on each side and a high design speed, making it easy to overtake and overtake. There are also many service areas and parking areas along the Tohoku Expressway. I didn’t use it this time because I didn’t need to take a break, but it’s useful if you’re driving for a long time.
After driving about 77 kilometers on the Tohoku Expressway, I got off at the Tatebayashi Interchange. From here, we headed north on National Route 354. National Route 354 is a high-standard highway called Itakura Bypass. This road is characterized by its width of at least two lanes on each side and the lack of traffic lights, making it easy to travel on. After driving about 5.5 kilometers on National Route 354, I turned left onto Prefectural Route 367. Prefectural Route 367 is a road that runs along the south side of Watarase Reservoir. This road is narrow with one lane on each side, and has many curves and slopes. However, it is rich in nature, and you can enjoy the scenery of the swimming pool. After driving about 2.7 kilometers on Prefectural Route 367, we turned right and arrived at Watarase Reservoir. It took about an hour and a half.
There are several attractions at Watarase Yusuichi. First of all, you can enjoy a view of the entire basin from the observation deck in the center of the basin. The observation deck is equipped with a bird explanation panel and a telescope, making it convenient for bird watching. From the observation deck, you can see migratory birds such as swans and whooper swans, as well as waterside birds such as little egrets and kingfishers. Also, depending on the season, flowers such as lotuses and water lilies bloom.
Next, at the nature observation center on the north side of the reservoir, you can learn about the nature and history of the reservoir. At the Nature Observation Center, models, specimens, and photographs of the retarding basin are displayed, allowing you to learn about the formation and ecosystem of the retarding basin. In addition, guided tours and events are held regularly at the Nature Observation Center, allowing you to enjoy the pool even more deeply.
Finally, there are also spots around the water park where you can enjoy local specialties and gourmet food. For example, at Fujioka Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office in Fujioka-cho, Tochigi City, you can purchase fresh locally grown vegetables and fruits. Additionally, at the Fujioka Restaurant attached to the Fujioka Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office, you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Fujioka Restaurant’s popular menu is Fujioka Curry. Fujioka Curry'' is a curry made withFujioka Rice” and “Fujioka Beef,” a specialty of Fujioka Town, and has an exquisite spiciness and richness.
Motorcycle parking lot at Watarase Reservoir
There is no motorcycle parking lot at Watarase Reservoir. However, there is a free parking lot at a nearby park called Watarase Yusui Pond (formerly Yanaka Village). It is also close to the entrance to the swimming pool. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 100 vehicles, and motorcycles can be parked in the same space as cars. From the parking lot, you can directly access the walking path of the water play area. The walking path is approximately 8 kilometers long, going around the water basin, and you can enjoy not only walking, but also cycling and roller skating. There are also benches, restrooms, and other facilities along the walking path. A walking path is recommended to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the water fountain.
You can also park your bike at “Roadside Station Kazowatarase.”
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Watarase Reservoir. Watarase Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs in Japan, and is a spot where you can see rich nature and a variety of birds. At the Watarase Reservoir, you can enjoy the charm of the Reservoir by using facilities such as the observation deck and nature observation center, or walking along the walking path. There are also spots around the water park where you can enjoy local specialties and gourmet food. The motorcycle parking lot is located in a park called Watarase Yusui Pond (formerly Yanaka Village). This park is also conveniently located near the entrance to the water play area. The distance from central Tokyo to Watarase Reservoir is approximately 90 kilometers, and the journey time is approximately one and a half hours. Expressways and high-standard highways ensure a smooth ride. Watarase Yusuichi is a perfect destination for motorcycle touring.
The above was a touring report from central Tokyo to Watarase Yusuichi. If you are interested in Watarase Reservoir, please come and visit it by bike. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful experience.
*The English translation of “Watarase Retarding Basin” is “Watarase Retarding Basin.”
