柴山沼, Natural lake in Shiraoka, Japan.
Shibayama Pond is a natural water body in Shiraoka covering about 12.5 hectares with a depth of about 8 meters. It ranks as the second largest natural pond in Saitama Prefecture and features walking paths that provide access to various points along the shoreline.
The pond was partially drained in 1728 by Izawa Yasoube, though its central area remained unaltered. This intervention was part of early land management practices in the region and shaped the water body as it exists today.
Residents in the Shibayama area call this place Ushironuma, while those in Arai-Shinden use the name Maenuma, reflecting how different communities claim connections to the water. These local names show how the pond fits into the daily life and identity of neighboring villages.
The site is easily reached via Route 122, located just a few minutes from the Shiraoka-Shobu interchange. Parking and restroom facilities are available at the location.
The water serves as an irrigation source for surrounding rice fields while sustaining a biotope created through water conservation initiatives. This dual role shows how the location both feeds people and protects the natural environment.
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