The powerful water release
From late June to mid-October, you can see the immense water release up close.
Kurobe Dam
AI Summary
What kind of place is Kurobe Dam?
This is an AI-generated summary. Please check the official information for opening hours, fees, and closed days.
Japan’s tallest dam is a spectacular spot for viewing its powerful water release and dramatic mountain scenery.
Kurobe Dam is a mountain destination known for its immense scale and tourist water release. From late June to mid-October, you may see the dramatic release, and enjoy views of Lake Kurobe, sightseeing boat rides, and local specialties. There are stairs and a fair amount of walking, so plan for comfortable movement around the site.
Recommended for
Top 3 Highlights
Lake Kurobe and mountain views
The emerald-green lake and surrounding mountain scenery are highlights in their own right.
A remarkable engineering feat
Known as one of Japan’s most challenging construction projects, the dam offers a sense of the scale of the work involved.
Before You Go
- The water release can look different depending on the weather, so check official information before your visit.
- There are stairs and walking sections, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
- If you have time, stop for the local Kurobe Dam Curry.
Suggested Route
Take the bus from Ogizawa Station, visit the water release and observation deck, then explore the area around Lake Kurobe.
The Kurobe Dam is one of Japan's largest dams and is often referred to as "the great undertaking of the century" due to its scale and the difficulty of its construction. Located in the magnificent natural environment of Kurobe, this dam is famous for being the tallest dam in Japan at a height of 186 meters. Its construction took seven years, with a total cost of 51.3 billion yen and a workforce of about 10 million people.
The biggest attraction of the Kurobe Dam is its "tourist water discharge." From June 26 to October 15 each year, visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of 10 to 15 tons of water gushing from a height of 186 meters every second from viewing platforms and the new observation area "Rainbow Terrace." However, the water discharge may be suspended due to weather conditions.
Visitors can also enjoy exclusive souvenirs and local specialties such as "Kurobe Dam Curry" and the "phantom buried treasure soft serve ice cream" at the Kurobe Dam Rest House. Additionally, a 30-minute cruise on the "Kurobe Lake Pleasure Boat Garube" allows guests to admire the emerald green lake and the beautiful mountains of the Northern Alps.
From the observation deck, which requires climbing about 200 stairs, one can overlook the grandeur of Kurobe Dam and the dedication of the people involved, profoundly moving all who visit. These elements combine to make the Kurobe Dam a tourist destination that holds more value than just being a dam.
The biggest attraction of the Kurobe Dam is its "tourist water discharge." From June 26 to October 15 each year, visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of 10 to 15 tons of water gushing from a height of 186 meters every second from viewing platforms and the new observation area "Rainbow Terrace." However, the water discharge may be suspended due to weather conditions.
Visitors can also enjoy exclusive souvenirs and local specialties such as "Kurobe Dam Curry" and the "phantom buried treasure soft serve ice cream" at the Kurobe Dam Rest House. Additionally, a 30-minute cruise on the "Kurobe Lake Pleasure Boat Garube" allows guests to admire the emerald green lake and the beautiful mountains of the Northern Alps.
From the observation deck, which requires climbing about 200 stairs, one can overlook the grandeur of Kurobe Dam and the dedication of the people involved, profoundly moving all who visit. These elements combine to make the Kurobe Dam a tourist destination that holds more value than just being a dam.
Kurobe Dam Movies
![【立山 黒部アルペンルートの旅・秋】02 #黒部ダム - 2024年10月 [ 富山の４K動画 ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3P_V9iLXdkI/mqdefault.jpg)
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Kurobe Dam
- Location
- Asukuri, Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture
- Access
- Approximately 16 minutes by electric bus from Ogizawa Station, and about a 5-minute walk from Kurobe Dam Station. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Tateyama Station via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
- Parking
- None (No vehicle access)
[Tateyama Station Parking Lot] Approximately 900 spaces (temporary approximately 600 spaces) Parking fee: Free
[Ogisawa Station Parking Lot] Paid 350 spaces, Free 210 spaces - Business Hours
- 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (depending on the operation hours of the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus to Kurobe Dam)
- Regular Holiday
- December 1 to April 14
- Fees
- Kurobe Dam visit is free. However, transportation costs to Kurobe Dam are required (Ogizawa - Kurobe Dam).
Adults: One way 1,570 yen, Round trip 2,610 yen
Children: One way 790 yen, Round trip 1,310 yen - Contact Information
- Phone Number：0261-22-0804（くろよん総合予約センター）
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
From late June to mid-October, you can see the water being released from Kurobe Dam. The torrents of water cascade down like a waterfall, sending up powerful sprays, making this the dam’s greatest highlight. When sunlight catches the spray, you may even see a rainbow in the discharge.
At full capacity, the lake surface stands at an elevation of 1,448 meters, making it the highest-altitude sightseeing boat course in Japan. With part of the ceiling made of glass, you can get close-up views of hidden scenic spots visible only from the lake, as well as mountains that cannot be accessed on foot. It is a cruise that lets you feel the magnificent nature and changing seasons of Kurobe Lake up close.
Along Kurobe Lake, a comfortable lakeside walking course has been developed. This lush strolling route through beech and Erman's birch forests has very little elevation change, so even families with small children can safely enjoy a forest bath. From the fresh green season to the autumn foliage season, you can fully enjoy the grandeur of Kurobe Dam and the spectacular natural surroundings.
This historic major construction project was carried out in the remote, inaccessible wilderness of Kurobe. Completed after seven years and a total labor force of 10 million people, this monumental dam construction project is still remembered today as a great undertaking of the century. The stone monument “Six Figures” (by Naoyuki Matsuda), which commemorates those who lost their lives during the project, bears the names of 171 workers who died in the line of duty, and visitors continue to come to pay their respects.
The specialty of the Kurobe Dam Rest House, “Kurobe Dam Curry,” features a green roux inspired by the emerald-green waters of Kurobe Lake. Spinach paste is used to create its color, and for children who are not fond of spicy food, the mildly sweet “Kids’ Dam Curry” is recommended.
At Rainbow Terrace, you can use the powerful commemorative photo system “Photo Dam” to take photos from angles that are normally impossible to capture.
#Waterfalls, valleys, limestone caves #Sightseeing boat/vehicle
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