【Hidden Spot】On a forest road drive to Kamabukko Lake in Saitama Prefecture, I discovered "Yasaka Shrine," where spring water flows

In a somewhat casual mood, I drove to Kamabukko Lake located in Moroyama Town, Iruma District, Saitama Prefecture. What caught my attention was the existence of a forest road I had never traveled before. Following my curiosity, I got out of the car and went for a walk, and I found a beautiful shrine with flowing spring water.

To Lake Kamakita in Moroyama, Saitama Prefecture! A drive with no destination in mind

In between work, I drove to Lake Kamakita in Moroyama Town. It is popular as a freshwater fishing spot, and there were many anglers on this day as well. The temperature has dropped significantly, and the trees are changing color, giving a sense of autumn's arrival. Since there are only mountains around, it is a very quiet place.

What is beyond the forest road that is different from the direction of the Okumusashi Green Line?

The roads near Lake Kamakita are only forest roads, one of which connects to the Okumusashi Green Line and is called the Gongen-dō Line. I had used the left route before, so I decided to take the right diverging forest road, the Asuwa Line, to see what lies ahead.

The Asuwa Line is a steep route where the trees along the roadside extend out, making it a very rugged road. However, perhaps due to its popularity, I saw several groups of people jogging. It must be frequented by many. The Asuwa Line is only about 1 km long, so the exit should be visible soon.

The spring water of Yasaka Shrine located beside the forest road.

As we crossed over the pass and began descending, the atmospheric Yasaka Shrine appeared. The torii gate, gazebo, and main shrine building are perfectly situated at the Y-intersection, with a spring flowing from the most protruding spot, adding to its charm.

The spring water flows gently into a moss-covered basin, creating a very refreshing atmosphere. At the bottom of the water, maple leaves have sunk, and when I look up, large branches of maple trees stretch overhead like a roof. There is a cup placed on the edge, but is the water drinkable?

Inside the gazebo, there was a display of the water quality test results, and upon checking, I found a note at the bottom stating "Not for drinking." The water looks very clear, but it seems better to avoid drinking it directly.

I am healed for a while by the charming presence.

The lush green leaves of the maple trees above the torii gate are certainly beautiful, but the atmosphere is sure to be even better when the autumn leaves season arrives. I also decided to visit the shrine hall, which exists modestly as if being protected in the background.

The shrine hall, surrounded by large broadleaf trees, has no decorations, and its modesty deepens the charm of this place. Was it built because of the emergence of spring water? It looks old but shows no signs of damage, indicating that it is being well cared for.

Next to the shrine flows the Asuwagawa River, changing the air around it.

There is a cool breeze flowing around the shrine, generated by the Asuwagawa River that runs beside it. It flows from the Shishidaki Falls upstream, nourishing this area. It's also nice that stepping stones have been laid to reach the cemetery ahead.

While I was pointing my camera, a cute little bird accidentally flew into the frame. It seems like a comfortable environment for animals, and while watching the river, I even spotted some fish. I get excited thinking about the possibility of stream fish being here, but it seems that this area is a Yamame catch-and-release zone.

Let's try to find a relaxing hidden spot beyond the forest road

Driving aimlessly allowed me to encounter a charming shrine and refresh myself. Since the main season for autumn leaves is just starting, more beautiful photography spots should be appearing. Beyond the rugged forest road, there are still views I have never seen, so I would like to continue exploring the area out of curiosity.

Reporting/Text by Kazuma Tanaka

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