Aokura Dam
A monumental rockfill dam showcasing pumped-storage power generation amidst serene, untouched nature with a stunning emerald reservoir.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant wind and soothing green
Aokura Dam
Best Time
Pleasant wind and soothing green
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental rockfill dam showcasing pumped-storage power generation amidst serene, untouched nature with a stunning emerald reservoir.
"The dam's enormous size and the mechanism of pumped-storage power generation are truly impressive."
🚗 Scenic Driving Route
Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature!
💧 Dam Card at Onsen
Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir!
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 83 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Impressive Rockfill Dam
Main dam structure
Marvel at the sheer scale of this 98m-high rockfill dam, a testament to engineering prowess.
Pumped-Storage Hydro Power
Dam observation areas
Witness the fascinating mechanism of pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation up close.
Emerald Green Reservoir
Dam reservoir
Be soothed by the tranquil beauty of the emerald green water, reflecting the surrounding nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dam Card Quest
Scenic Driving Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Driving Route
Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature!
💧 Dam Card at Onsen
Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir!
📱 No Cell Signal
Be aware of limited cell phone signal on the road to the dam. Download maps beforehand.
🅿️ Limited Parking
Parking is scarce, often just roadside strips. Plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Driving Route
Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature!
💧 Dam Card at Onsen
Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir!
📱 No Cell Signal
Be aware of limited cell phone signal on the road to the dam. Download maps beforehand.
🅿️ Limited Parking
Parking is scarce, often just roadside strips. Plan accordingly.
☀️ Summer Coolness
Even in summer, the dam area offers a cool and refreshing escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale of the 98m-high rockfill dam and the fascinating pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation system. The emerald green reservoir and surrounding untouched nature are frequently praised for their beauty and tranquility, making it a pleasant stop, especially on clear days. However, the lack of facilities like parking and restrooms, along with limited cell service on access roads, are common drawbacks.
"You can get a dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, below the dam. The view on a clear day is very pleasant. A road leads directly from here to the Tataragi Dam below, making it a great driving course. You can often see motorcyclists here."
一般人
"Kurokawa Dam in Asago City is the upper dam of Kansai Electric Power's Okutataragi Power Station.
It was foggy and visibility was poor due to the rainy season, but the dam's enormous size overwhelmed the viewer.
The dam's greatest feature is that you can see the mechanism of pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation up close.
It pumps up water from the downstream dam using surplus electricity at night and generates electricity to meet daytime electricity demand, almost like a natural battery.
The 98m-high rockfill dam is very impressive.
You'll be amazed at its scale.
The dam is surrounded by untouched nature, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
It's also recommended as a driving course, and it's a good idea to combine it with other tourist spots such as the Takeda Castle ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine. It's the perfect place for those who want to refresh themselves in the great outdoors and visit a slightly unique place."
CHINATSU
"The dam can be reached in about 20 minutes from the neighboring Tataragi Dam, if you go through a life-threatening road outside of cell phone signal area. There is no parking lot, only a wide space like a roadside strip. You can get a dam card at the hot spring at the foot of the dam. Looking at the photo taken from above, you will notice that the topography of Kurokawa Dam and Tataragi Dam is almost the same. You can see the topography on which the dam was built."
鬼瓦権蔵
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aokura Dam is accessible by car, forming part of a scenic driving route. It's about 20 minutes from Tataragi Dam, though the road can be challenging and may lack cell signal.
Yes, many visitors recommend it as a great driving course, especially when combined with nearby attractions like Tataragi Dam.
The road can be 'life-threatening' according to some, with no cell phone signal. Drive with caution and be prepared.
Yes, Aokura Dam is often visited in conjunction with other local attractions like the Takeda Castle ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine, making for a comprehensive day trip.
Information on public transportation is limited, and the remote location suggests that driving is the most practical way to access the dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required to visit the Aokura Dam area itself. Access is generally free.
The dam area is typically accessible during daylight hours. However, specific opening or closing times are not usually posted, as it's an outdoor natural attraction.
You can obtain a dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, which is located below Aokura Dam.
While the dam structure itself might have restricted access points, the surrounding viewing areas are generally open to the public.
Based on visitor feedback, there is no entrance fee to access the Aokura Dam viewing areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can admire the impressive 98m-high rockfill dam, learn about pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation, and enjoy the beautiful, untouched nature surrounding the emerald green reservoir.
The dam's scale and the scenic reservoir offer good photographic opportunities, especially on clear days when the water is a vibrant emerald green.
Unfortunately, restrooms are not available at the dam itself, and visitors have noted a lack of facilities.
Mornings in summer are recommended for pleasant winds and soothing green scenery. Clear days offer the best views.
While there are no designated picnic areas, the scenic surroundings might offer spots for a quiet picnic, provided you pack out all your trash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly at the dam are non-existent. It's advisable to plan your meals before or after your visit, perhaps in nearby towns.
No, there are no facilities for purchasing food or drinks at the dam. Bring your own supplies if needed.
Consider dining in nearby towns or at Kurokawa Onsen, where you can also get your dam card.
There are no cafes or food services available at the Aokura Dam site.
Local cuisine in the surrounding regions typically includes regional Japanese dishes. Researching restaurants in Asago City or nearby towns is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The main dam structure, the emerald green reservoir, and the surrounding natural landscape offer excellent vantage points for photography.
Yes, visitors can get close enough to observe and photograph the mechanisms of the pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation.
Clear days provide the best visibility and vibrant colors for photos. Morning light can also be very appealing.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage, but it's always best to check local advisories or regulations before flying drones in such areas.
A wide-angle lens would be useful for capturing the scale of the dam and the landscape. A telephoto lens could be used for details of the power generation equipment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit