Lake Tanuki, Artificial reservoir in Fujinomiya, Japan
Lake Tanuki is an artificial reservoir at 660 meters elevation in Shizuoka Prefecture, offering direct views of Mount Fuji across its waters that stretch about one kilometer. The shore is lined with paths, camping areas, and small boat docks that spread around the entire basin.
Engineers built the reservoir in 1935 by redirecting the Shiba River, turning a marshy area into a water source for regional agricultural irrigation. The project took several years and required cooperation from village communities that relied on the water for rice cultivation.
The name Tanuki comes from a Japanese raccoon dog common in folklore, often portrayed as a symbol of luck and transformation. Visitors see small statues of this creature around the shore, referencing stories and legends from the region.
Visitors reach the site by bus from Fujinomiya station, with the journey taking about 45 minutes. Facilities on site include camping areas, boat rental services, and fishing permits available to book directly at the shore.
Photographers gather twice a year, on April 20 and August 20, to capture the Double Diamond Fuji effect when the sun aligns perfectly with the peak. The moment lasts only a few minutes and draws people from across Japan who wait for hours to catch the right instant.
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