Lake Megami, Artificial lake in Tateshina, Japan

Lake Megami is an artificial mountain reservoir in Tateshina situated at approximately 1,540 meters elevation, surrounded by white birch and larch forest. The water surface mirrors the surrounding woodland and forms a coherent body with gentle shorelines throughout.

Construction of the reservoir began in 1942 as an irrigation project for local agriculture and was completed in 1966 to supply water to the surrounding mountain region. This development reflects Japan's broader investment in water management for farming communities during the mid-20th century.

The name Megami-ko comes from Mount Tateshina's alias Menokami-yama, not from a mythological figure. Near the lake stands Kagihikiishi, a large stone where travellers once prayed for safe journeys; it is a designated cultural asset of Tateshina. Legend says the kappa Kawatarō sat on this stone, disguised as a child, inviting passersby to a finger-pulling game called kagihiki before dragging them into the pond.

Buses from Sakudaira Station take about 59 minutes to the Megami-ko stop, a two-minute walk from the water; from Chino Station the trip is about 45 minutes plus a 10-minute connection. By car it is 37 km and roughly 50 minutes from the Saku Interchange, or 30 km and 40 minutes from the Suwa Interchange. The car park holds 250 cars and 80 large buses.

The lake's name comes from Mount Tateshina's alias Menokami-yama, not from a mythological figure. Near the water is Kagihikiishi, a large stone where travellers once prayed for safe journeys; it is designated a cultural asset of Tateshina and appears in the kappa legend of Kawatarō.