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Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam is one of the largest arch dams in Japan along the “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route” that connects Toyama and Nagano prefectures. The construction of the dam started in 1956 and was completed in 1963. This is the highest dam in Japan with the height of 186 meters. It generates about a billion kilowatts of electricity a year, and it covers the electricity of 330 thousand homes. The embankment of Kurobe Dam is also a pathway between Kurobe Dam Station to Kurobe-ko Station on the Alpine Route. This is well known as a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of nature created by the dam and surrounding forests.

(Source: セローなブログ&NINJAなブログ)

The history of building Kurobe Dam

The construction of Kurobe Dam was planned to resolve the lack of electricity in Kansai, the western area in Japan. Although they had many problems during construction such as inaccessible locations for transportation in the mountain and excess of groundwater and gravel, they finally completed the dam by using cutting edge technology. The construction took seven years, 1,000 million people and 51.3 billion yen at that time. Therefore, people talk about “The largest legendary construction after World War II” from generation to generation. Since 171 people died during construction, there is a cenotaph on the embankment.

(Source: remon)

Dynamic discharging water for tourists

Discharging water for tourists is held from the end of June to mid-October every year. 10 to 15 tons of water falls every second and it looks so spectacular! If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow created by the discharged water. The schedule of discharging may change depending on weather, please check the website prior to your visit .

(Source: まちゃー / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Dam Observation deck where you can see Tateyama mountain range

The Dam Observation deck is located 1508 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the area. From the observation deck, you can see not only Kurobe Dam, but also the Tateyama mountain range which is the representative mountain range of Japan. In the resting space surrounded by grass you can enjoy the scenic beauty and have some light meals.

(Source: matsuno / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

New Observation Area under the dam

The New Observation Area is located at the bottom of thrilling stairs along the dam. It is said this is the spot where you can see the discharging water in front of your eyes since the distance is closer than from the Dam Observation Deck. Please note: they might close the area due to the remaining snow in spring.

(Source: やつば池散歩道のブログ)

Garube: Kurobe Lake Pleasure Boat

Kurobe lake pleasure boat Garube voyages at a height of 1448 meters above sea level which makes it the highest boat ride in Japan. Pleasant breeze can be felt on the observation deck in the rear part of the boat. The cruise is 30 minutes and runs from June 1st to November 10th. Operation stops in the stormy weather.

(Source: にののファンネル)

Kurobe Dam Rest House

Kurobe Dam Rest House is the starting point for sightseeing in Kurobe Dam. The 1st floor is a restaurant with light meals and shops, the 2nd floor is a restaurant and the 3rd floor is Kuroyon Memorial Room. Their significant dish is Kurobe Dam Curry, with the shape of Kurobe Dam.

(Source: ワカシャチ漫遊記)

(Source: にののファンネル)

Kuroyon Memorial Room

In Kuroyon Memorial Room, you can learn about Kurobe valley and Kurobe Dam. The video of Kurobe Dam construction is especially a valuable article that shows you the intensity of the “Legendary construction”.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route where the Kurobe Dam is located is the climbing route that runs between Tateyama in Toyama prefecture and Ogisawa in Nagano prefecture. Along this route connected by 7 various vehicles, you can visit Murodo Daira where you can enjoy hiking and Kurobe Daira filled with alpine plants.

(Source: JIRI / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Address
Tateyama-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama
Contact No.
+81-261-22-0804
+81-261-22-0804
Access
2 and half hours from Toyama Chihou Tetsudo Tateyama Station by Tateyama cable car, Tateyama Kogen Bus, Tateyama Tunnel Trolly Bus, Tateyama Ropeway and Kurobe cable car, get off at Kurobe-Ko Station 16-min bus ride from Ogisawa by Kanden Tunnel Trolly Bus, 40-min bus ride from Shinano-omachi Station on JR by Arupiko Kotsu bus Kita Arupusu Kotsu bus bound for Ogisawa, get off at Kurobe Dam Bus Stop
Opening Hours / Holidays
Operating days of Alpine Route : The beginning of April to the end of November
Official Website
Time Required
Admission fee

(Source: セローなブログ&NINJAなブログ)

The history of building Kurobe Dam

The construction of Kurobe Dam was planned to resolve the lack of electricity in Kansai, the western area in Japan. Although they had many problems during construction such as inaccessible locations for transportation in the mountain and excess of groundwater and gravel, they finally completed the dam by using cutting edge technology. The construction took seven years, 1,000 million people and 51.3 billion yen at that time. Therefore, people talk about “The largest legendary construction after World War II” from generation to generation. Since 171 people died during construction, there is a cenotaph on the embankment.

(Source: remon)

Dynamic discharging water for tourists

Discharging water for tourists is held from the end of June to mid-October every year. 10 to 15 tons of water falls every second and it looks so spectacular! If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow created by the discharged water. The schedule of discharging may change depending on weather, please check the website prior to your visit .

(Source: まちゃー / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Dam Observation deck where you can see Tateyama mountain range

The Dam Observation deck is located 1508 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the area. From the observation deck, you can see not only Kurobe Dam, but also the Tateyama mountain range which is the representative mountain range of Japan. In the resting space surrounded by grass you can enjoy the scenic beauty and have some light meals.

(Source: matsuno / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

New Observation Area under the dam

The New Observation Area is located at the bottom of thrilling stairs along the dam. It is said this is the spot where you can see the discharging water in front of your eyes since the distance is closer than from the Dam Observation Deck. Please note: they might close the area due to the remaining snow in spring.

(Source: やつば池散歩道のブログ)

Garube: Kurobe Lake Pleasure Boat

Kurobe lake pleasure boat Garube voyages at a height of 1448 meters above sea level which makes it the highest boat ride in Japan. Pleasant breeze can be felt on the observation deck in the rear part of the boat. The cruise is 30 minutes and runs from June 1st to November 10th. Operation stops in the stormy weather.

(Source: にののファンネル)

Kurobe Dam Rest House

Kurobe Dam Rest House is the starting point for sightseeing in Kurobe Dam. The 1st floor is a restaurant with light meals and shops, the 2nd floor is a restaurant and the 3rd floor is Kuroyon Memorial Room. Their significant dish is Kurobe Dam Curry, with the shape of Kurobe Dam.

(Source: ワカシャチ漫遊記)

(Source: にののファンネル)

Kuroyon Memorial Room

In Kuroyon Memorial Room, you can learn about Kurobe valley and Kurobe Dam. The video of Kurobe Dam construction is especially a valuable article that shows you the intensity of the “Legendary construction”.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route where the Kurobe Dam is located is the climbing route that runs between Tateyama in Toyama prefecture and Ogisawa in Nagano prefecture. Along this route connected by 7 various vehicles, you can visit Murodo Daira where you can enjoy hiking and Kurobe Daira filled with alpine plants.

(Source: JIRI / PIXTA(ピクスタ))