Entrance doesn't seem to be marked / demarcated well, at least when I visited in April. Nobody around. Area does not seem super maintained, but it's not in disrepair / ruin. Had a really nice view though and there weren't any animals.

Visited in June 2023. Dam is about 20 min drive from Minami-Furano town centre. Observation area is relatively small. The interesting thing was wild animals crossing the road or at the sides. Saw foxes, deers and birds.

【A mirrored world and mystical breath. Lakeside scenery rich in variety that never fails to captivate creators】 Though it's an artificial lake created by damming the Sorachi River, "Kanayama-ko" blends beautifully with the surrounding mountains. The greatest appeal of this place lies in the diverse natural phenomena brought about by its unique terrain. Perfect mirror reflections that appear the moment the wind stops, and dreamy mist covering the lake surface on chilly mornings. Each visit reveals a different drama of light and shadow, so as a photographer I never tire of it even with my camera ready all day. A spacious campground is set up on the lakeshore, and it's a nice perk to be able to stay while feeling nature's pulse directly. At night a sky full of stars pours down, and in the early morning birdsong echoes through the silence. It's also said that the Ito, known as the "phantom fish," lives here, and the sight of anglers quietly casting their rods is another scene that symbolizes the depth of this lake. A place made by human hands has, over many years, nurtured a one-of-a-kind ecosystem and beauty. It was one of the finest photography and leisure spots in Hokkaido, where I could feel that resilience of life through my lens.

An observation deck at a dam lake in Minami-Furano Town. The lake is called Kanayama-ko, written in hiragana for some reason. It's on the opposite side from the campground and lavender garden, and the entrance is a bit hard to find, so it doesn't seem to get many visitors. There is a parking lot that fits a few cars. From the parking lot, the dam is visible within a 1-minute walk, which is convenient. The view is quite good. The lake and mountain scenery looks stunning. If the weather is good, I think it's worth coming. I visited in late September and there were an unbelievable number of ladybugs 🐞

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Visited 2025.8 On the road from Furano to Shimukappu, turn near the former Kanayama Station and climb for a while to get here. Before it there's a small road to the dam, and past that is a path to the observation deck. The parking area is fairly large, and after a short walk you get a panoramic view of the dam surrounded by mountains!