Lake Chichibu, Futase Dam and the Suspension Bridge (Chichibu City)

What Is Said About It

Lake Chichibu, formed by Futase Dam, and the suspension bridge spanning it make a scenic spot that is sometimes introduced as a haunted spot.

In 2020, KARASU CHANNEL conducted an on-site investigation at the suspension bridge over Lake Chichibu at Futase Dam. During a solo investigation, a scene that appeared to show a person jumping was reportedly witnessed, and a mysterious luminous object (an orb) was said to have been captured on camera (you can watch it in the related video at the end of this article). It is an entertainment video that includes staging and we do not guarantee its content, but we introduce it as a record conveying the atmosphere of the place.

What the Records and History Show

Villages around the dam are said to have been submerged by its construction, and that memory is thought to lie behind the rumors. Being featured as a filming location of a well-known ghost-story program also appears to be one factor in the rumors’ spread. No primary source supporting details such as the number of submerged households has been confirmed.

Our Reflections: The Memory of Submerged Villages and Dam-Lake Tourism

Behind the rumors of Lake Chichibu lies an event said to have actually happened: the submersion of villages with the construction of the dam. As long as no primary source supporting specifics such as the number of submerged households has been confirmed, we want to avoid turning it into a definitive story.

This is only our inference, but we believe the memory of land sunk by the dam came to be talked about more widely after it was featured in a well-known ghost-story program.

The Everyday Face: Autumn Leaves and Dam-Lake Sightseeing at Lake Chichibu

Lake Chichibu, created by the damming of Futase Dam, is known as a scenic spot where the surrounding mountains turn red in autumn. From the suspension bridge over the dam lake you can take in the lake surface and autumn colors in one view, and it is popular with photography enthusiasts. It also lies along the approach to Mitsumine Shrine and forms part of Chichibu’s mountain sightseeing.

Reporting Notes

The dam and the suspension bridge are maintained as a sightseeing site open to visitors. The suspension bridge can sway, so please hold the handrail when crossing.

This article touches on the topic of suicide but does not describe methods or other specifics. If you are struggling right now, please do not carry it alone; consider contacting a support line such as the Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338, free, 24 hours; in Japanese).

This article is published not “to go” but “to record.”

Note: KARASU CHANNEL does not recommend entering haunted spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Has KARASU CHANNEL researched or filmed at the suspension bridge over Lake Chichibu at Futase Dam?

A. Yes. In 2020 we conducted an on-site investigation and filmed there. It is an entertainment video that includes staging, so please treat it as a record conveying the atmosphere of the place.

Q. Can I visit the suspension bridge at Lake Chichibu?

A. It is maintained as a sightseeing site open to visitors. The suspension bridge can sway, so please hold the handrail when crossing.

Q. Is it true that villages were submerged by the dam’s construction?

A. Villages around the dam are said to have been submerged, and that memory is thought to lie behind the rumors. However, no primary source supporting details such as the number of households has been confirmed.

Q. Is Lake Chichibu a famous autumn-leaf spot?

A. Yes. It is known as a scenic spot where the surrounding mountains turn red in autumn, and from the suspension bridge you can take in the lake surface and autumn colors together. It also lies along the approach to Mitsumine Shrine.