Ichifusa Dam

Located in Mizukami Village, Kuma County, Kumamoto Prefecture, the Ichifusa Dam holds back the flow of the Kuma River, and has created a lake behind the dam. The area behind the lake has been planted with “Ichimanbon-sakura (Ten Thousand Cherry Trees),” including trees of the Yoshino and Kanzan varieties; it has become one of the best places in Kumamoto Prefecture for viewing the cherry blossom, and large numbers of tourists visit the area every spring. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the roads around the lake are transformed into “cherry blossom tunnels,” allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful sight of the cherry blossom contrasting perfectly with the verdant green of the mountains. From mid-March through into early April, when the cherry blossom is at its best, several special events are held, including the “Yuyama Onsen Sakura Festival.” During the Festival, a large fountain is installed in the middle of the lake, which sends a big spray of water up into the air, and can be set going for a charge of 500 yen per use; this is very popular with visitors. Toilets, shops and parking available.