Okura Dam
Discover Japan's only double-arch concrete dam, a unique engineering marvel set against scenic mountain landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads are open for viewing
Okura Dam
Best Time
Roads are open for viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Japan's only double-arch concrete dam, a unique engineering marvel set against scenic mountain landscapes.
"It's the only dam of this rare type in Japan, and it is quite large, making it impressive to see up close. "
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Try the waterworks office nearby. Be cautious of traffic. 🚗
📸 Photo Spot Limitations
Limited good photo spots. The observation deck is best. :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 48 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Double-Arch Design
Main Dam Structure
Witness Japan's only double-arch concrete dam, a unique engineering marvel with two arches spreading from a central support.
Lake Okura Views
Dam Lake
Admire the serene artificial lake formed by the dam, offering picturesque scenery against the surrounding mountains.
Observation Deck Vantage Point
Center of Dam Top
Capture stunning panoramic views of the dam, the lake, and distant peaks like Mt. Mitake and Mt. Funagata.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Okura Dam's Unique Access
Best Viewing & Photo Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Try the waterworks office nearby. Be cautious of traffic. 🚗
📸 Photo Spot Limitations
Limited good photo spots. The observation deck is best. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Road Safety
Narrow roads with passing cars. Extra care needed, especially with kids. ⚠️
💧 Water Level Varies
Water levels can be low due to shortages. Check conditions before visiting. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Try the waterworks office nearby. Be cautious of traffic. 🚗
📸 Photo Spot Limitations
Limited good photo spots. The observation deck is best. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Road Safety
Narrow roads with passing cars. Extra care needed, especially with kids. ⚠️
💧 Water Level Varies
Water levels can be low due to shortages. Check conditions before visiting. :droplet:
🏞️ Scenic Surroundings
Enjoy the fresh green scenery and surrounding mountains. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Okura Dam is praised for its unique double-arch engineering, a rare sight in Japan, and the scenic views of Lake Okura and surrounding mountains. However, visitors note the limited photo opportunities, narrow and busy access roads with no dedicated parking, and variable water levels. It's considered a worthwhile stop for its architectural significance rather than an extended leisure destination.
"August 24, 2025
I stopped by on my way back from hiking!
It seems there's a water shortage, and the water level was quite low.
There's no parking, so it might be best to park at the nearby waterworks office and come and see for yourself.
The roads are narrow and cars pass by, so be careful if you're bringing children.
It's worth seeing, but it wasn't the kind of place where you could take your time."
Master Map
"It is basically a concrete arch, but to suit the unique shape of the gorge, a support pillar is placed in the middle, with two arches spreading out from there like wings.
Both the dam and the dam lake offer beautiful views, but it's unfortunate that there are not many good spots to take photos.
The best viewing point is the observation deck on the support pillar at the center of the dam's top, where you can see the water being released and Mount Mitake and Mount Funagata across the dam lake."
イワダイ
"[Sendai Environmental Development Okura Dam]
A dam constructed on the Okura River, in the Natori River system
Selected as a Civil Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers
This prefectural dam is managed by the Miyagi Prefecture Civil Engineering Department, River Division, and the Sendai Regional Dam General Office (Okura Dam Management Office). It was originally a designated multipurpose dam constructed by the Ministry of Construction's Tohoku Regional Construction Bureau (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Tohoku Regional Development Bureau).
It was built to control flooding on the Natori River and as a water reservoir for Sendai City, and the artificial lake formed by the dam is named Lake Okura.
The dam was originally planned as a concrete gravity dam with three gates.
However, because both banks were composed of solid bedrock, primarily andesite and dacite, an arch concrete dam was adopted, reducing the amount of concrete required.
However, the left bank of the dam site is a steep gorge, while the right bank is a gently sloping, wide valley, making it difficult to construct an arch dam using conventional methods.
To address this issue, an artificial support wall (called an abutment or thrust block) was constructed on the right bank at the boundary between the valley and the plain, and two arch dams were constructed side by side on both banks, using this as support.
This type of dam is called a double-arch concrete dam, and because it consists of multiple arch dams, it is classified as a multiple-arch dam.
There are only two multiple arch dams in Japan: Okura Dam and Toyonenike Dam (on the Hasada River), built in Kagawa Prefecture in 1930.
Toyonenike Dam is a five-arch dam, while Okura Dam is the only double-arch dam in Japan.
No multiple arch dams have been built in Japan since Okura Dam.
This is the only dam of this rare type in Japan.
It is quite large, making it impressive to see up close.
Recommended rating: ★★☆☆☆
November 2, 2019"
Hiroyuki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Okura Dam is accessible by car. The roads leading to the dam are narrow and can be busy, so drive with caution. There is no dedicated parking lot, and visitors often park at the nearby waterworks office and walk to the dam.
Public transport options to Okura Dam are limited. It is primarily accessible by private vehicle. Research local bus routes in the Natori River system area for potential connections, though direct access is unlikely.
The roads around Okura Dam are described as narrow, with cars passing each other. Be prepared for limited passing space and exercise caution, especially if you are not accustomed to driving on such roads.
No, there is no dedicated parking at Okura Dam. Visitors are advised to park at the nearby waterworks office and proceed to the dam on foot.
Yes, you can visit with children, but extra caution is advised due to the narrow roads and the height of the dam. Ensure children are supervised closely.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Okura Dam. It is a public infrastructure accessible to visitors.
Okura Dam does not have specific opening hours as it is an outdoor site. However, access via the dam road may be restricted during certain times, particularly on weekdays due to ongoing construction or traffic management.
Yes, Okura Dam is a known location for collecting dam cards, which are popular among dam enthusiasts. It's worth making the effort to visit if you are a collector.
Reports suggest that the road to Okura Dam may be reopened on Sundays, indicating potential weekend accessibility. However, weekday access might be limited due to road construction.
No, tickets are not required for Okura Dam as it is a free-access site.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Okura Dam is unique as it's Japan's only double-arch concrete dam. It features two arch dams side-by-side, supported by an artificial wall, a design adapted to the gorge's specific topography.
The best viewing point is the observation deck located on the support pillar at the center of the dam's top. From here, you can see water releases and the surrounding landscape.
While the dam and lake are scenic, dedicated photo spots are limited. The observation deck offers the most comprehensive views for photography.
Lake Okura is the artificial lake formed by the Okura Dam. It serves as a water reservoir for Sendai City and is part of the Natori River system.
Yes, it is possible to see water being released from the dam, which can create dramatic views. This is often a highlight for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Okura Dam. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks or dine in nearby towns before or after their visit.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors can find spots to enjoy a picnic, keeping in mind the need to be mindful of the environment and any safety regulations.
Dining options are limited directly at the dam. It's recommended to explore restaurants and cafes in nearby towns or cities before or after your visit to Okura Dam.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography. The observation deck provides the most comprehensive views, especially when water is being released.
The unique double-arch structure of the dam, the expansive Lake Okura, and the surrounding natural landscape, including distant mountains, are the primary photographic subjects.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned, but it's always advisable to be respectful of the site and any ongoing operations.
A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the scale of the dam and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant mountain views.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local aviation authorities or signage at the dam for any restrictions on drone operation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit