Yagisawa Dam and Lake Oku-Tone
A monumental concrete arch dam and its serene lake, offering impressive engineering and natural beauty, especially in autumn.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Yagisawa Dam and Lake Oku-Tone
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental concrete arch dam and its serene lake, offering impressive engineering and natural beauty, especially in autumn.
"This dam was even larger and more impressive than Naramata. It looked like a concrete monster."
🚗 Gate Access Times
The dam gate opens at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM depending on the season. Always check the official website for current hours!
🎣 Popular for Fishing
Boat fishing is very popular on Lake Oku-Tone. Trailers line up early, so arrive before 6 AM if you plan to fish.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 61 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yagisawa Dam's Grand Arch
Top of the dam
Marvel at this impressive concrete arch dam, a vital part of the Tone River system. Its sheer scale is breathtaking.
Lake Oku-Tone's Serenity
Lakefront
Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Oku-Tone, especially stunning on clear autumn days with vibrant foliage.
Power Generation Facilities
Below the dam
Witness the impressive power generation equipment, a testament to the dam's significant electricity output.
Construction Memorial
Near the dam
Pay respects at the memorial honoring the 27 lives lost during the dam's construction, a poignant reminder of its history.
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Planning Your Visit
Dam Access & Hours
Dam Cards & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Gate Access Times
The dam gate opens at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM depending on the season. Always check the official website for current hours!
🎣 Popular for Fishing
Boat fishing is very popular on Lake Oku-Tone. Trailers line up early, so arrive before 6 AM if you plan to fish.
📜 Grab a Dam Card
Dam cards are available at the Yagisawa Dam Management Office. A great souvenir for dam enthusiasts!
🍂 Autumn Foliage
The lake is beautiful on a clear autumn day. Foliage can be late, so check local reports for peak viewing times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Gate Access Times
The dam gate opens at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM depending on the season. Always check the official website for current hours!
🎣 Popular for Fishing
Boat fishing is very popular on Lake Oku-Tone. Trailers line up early, so arrive before 6 AM if you plan to fish.
📜 Grab a Dam Card
Dam cards are available at the Yagisawa Dam Management Office. A great souvenir for dam enthusiasts!
🍂 Autumn Foliage
The lake is beautiful on a clear autumn day. Foliage can be late, so check local reports for peak viewing times.
❄️ Spring Snow
Even in spring, snow can linger in the mountains. Enjoy the natural snow tunnels along the road to the dam.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale and engineering of the Yagisawa Dam, often describing it as a 'concrete monster' and a vital water resource. The scenic beauty of Lake Oku-Tone, especially during autumn, is a significant draw. However, access can be restricted by gate times, and downstream views are prohibited, which some find limiting.
"Dam Tour: Gunma - Yagisawa Dam (202410M)
This concrete arch dam, 131.0 meters high and 352.0 meters long, is a multipurpose dam built on the Tone River, part of the Tone River system, for flood control, river maintenance, irrigation, water supply, and power generation. The power generation facilities can be seen below the beautifully curved arch dam. Water releases are only held as part of inspection events. Access to the downstream side is also prohibited, so the entire dam can only be viewed from the top. The lake is beautiful on a clear autumn day. The autumn leaves were late this year, and even at this time of year, they were barely tinted.
Access to the dam requires a dedicated road, controlled by a gate. Opening times vary depending on the season, so please note. (See the dam website.) Boat fishing seems to be popular on Lake Okutone, where boats are loaded, as trailers lined up in front of the gate. The gate opened at 6:00 AM sharp.
Dam cards are available at the Yagisawa Dam Management Office."
TTT III
"This dam is located at the innermost of the Okutone Three Lakes.
The dam is accessed via the road from the management office.
The gate opens at 8:00 AM."
南の楽園2
"Visited April 28, 2022, around 7:30 AM
I don't know the exact figures, but this dam was even larger and more impressive than Naramata. It looked like a concrete monster. The sound of the power generation equipment was quite loud, suggesting the large amount of electricity it generated.
Apparently, 27 people lost their lives in the construction of this huge dam. The names of the 27 people and the prefectures they lived in are engraved on the back of the memorial. May they rest in peace. Perhaps the work was more dangerous and unreasonable in the past?
Many swallows flew around the dam, enjoying the arrival of spring.
The parking lot was spacious, but since it was just after the opening of the fishing season, it was full with people fishing from their own boats. I was the only one to see the dam, and after Naramata, I had the spectacular view all to myself. Is it worth getting up early?
There was still snow in places along the way. The natural snow tunnels seen in the mountain streams along the road were a sight to behold. Although the snowfall was lighter than usual, it is still a region with heavy snowfall.
Kanto's water tank was a sight to behold. People from outside the Kanto region, as well as those from other areas, should definitely visit."
佐藤雄太
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Yagisawa Dam is via a dedicated road controlled by a gate. The road can be scenic, with natural snow tunnels visible in spring. It's recommended to check the dam's official website for the most current access information and gate opening times. Parking is available but can fill up, especially during fishing season.
Opening times for the dam's access gate vary seasonally. The gate has been noted to open at 6:00 AM or 8:00 AM. It's crucial to consult the official Yagisawa Dam website for the most up-to-date operating hours before planning your visit.
Yes, there is a parking lot available. However, it can become full, particularly during the popular fishing season on Lake Oku-Tone, where trailers often line up. Arriving early is advisable if you plan to secure a spot.
While not explicitly stated, the mention of snow in spring suggests that winter access might be challenging or restricted due to heavy snowfall in the region. It's best to confirm winter road conditions and access with the dam management office.
The road to Yagisawa Dam is a dedicated route. Travelers have noted natural snow tunnels along the mountain streams during spring, indicating a scenic, mountainous drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission tickets for general viewing of Yagisawa Dam. Access is controlled by a gate with seasonal opening hours. The primary requirement is to adhere to the operational times and any posted regulations.
Entry to Yagisawa Dam and Lake Oku-Tone is generally free for sightseeing. There are no reported entrance fees for visitors.
Yes, dam cards are available at the Yagisawa Dam Management Office. Visitors have successfully obtained them without meeting anyone at the entrance.
Water releases are typically held as part of inspection events. One visitor reported witnessing a 'spring inspection discharge' which was very impressive. It's advisable to check the dam's schedule for any planned events.
No, access to the downstream side of Yagisawa Dam is prohibited. The entire dam can only be viewed from the top.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the impressive concrete arch of the Yagisawa Dam, view the power generation facilities below, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Oku-Tone. There's also a memorial for those who lost their lives during construction.
Yes, Yagisawa Dam offers great photographic opportunities. The grand scale of the arch dam, the serene lake, and the surrounding natural landscape, especially during autumn, provide stunning backdrops.
Lake Oku-Tone is a beautiful lake formed by the Yagisawa Dam. It's known for its scenic views, particularly during autumn when the leaves change color. It's also a popular spot for boat fishing.
Information on specific hiking trails is limited, but the drive to the dam itself passes through mountainous areas with natural beauty. Exploring the immediate vicinity around the dam and lake is recommended.
Yagisawa Dam is a multipurpose concrete arch dam built on the Tone River for flood control, irrigation, water supply, and power generation. Tragically, 27 lives were lost during its construction, and their names are engraved on a memorial.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, boat fishing is very popular on Lake Oku-Tone. Many trailers line up in front of the gate, indicating a strong local fishing community.
While boat fishing is popular, information on boat rentals is not explicitly provided. It's likely that visitors bring their own boats, as indicated by the trailers. It's advisable to inquire locally about rental options.
Besides fishing, visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the dam and the lake, especially during autumn. The dam itself is an impressive structure to observe.
Access to the inside of the dam is limited. While one visitor mentioned being able to see inside during a spring inspection discharge, general access is restricted to the top viewing areas.
The source of the Tone River is mentioned as a destination that seems difficult to reach, implying it's further upstream and potentially requires more strenuous effort than visiting Yagisawa Dam.
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