Lake Miyagase is a man-made lake created by the construction of Miyagase Dam. There is a road station on the hills overlooking the lake named Toriibara Fureai-no-ie where you can buy locally grown produce and handmade food and crafts. The building complex includes a restaurant with magnificent views from the window, a meeting room which I assume can be hired, and plenty of space inside and out to relax and take a break from driving or cycling.
One thing I found interesting was an antique machine that braided threads into a cord when you cranked the handle. Anyone can make and clip off a short length of cord to take away as a souvenir. If you have children with you, they are sure to think it is interesting
A park extends down the hillside to the lake's edge, and it was very pretty when we stopped there in spring. Pink azaleas contrasted with fresh greens, and the soft pinks of wild cherry blossom trees mixed with other trees on the surrounding hills. It was a beautiful place to stop and eat our packed lunch.
