
Arimine Dam
An impressive 140m high S-shaped curved dam offering serene lake views, best experienced during autumn foliage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors

Arimine Dam
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An impressive 140m high S-shaped curved dam offering serene lake views, best experienced during autumn foliage.
"The distinctive S-shaped curved dam is the defining feature, with spectacular scenery during autumn."

🚗 Drive with Caution
The Arimine Forest Road can be narrow with blind corners. Drive carefully, especially from the Gifu side. :car:
🍁 Autumn Foliage Magic
Visit in autumn for breathtaking scenery; the foliage is highly recommended by visitors. :maple_leaf:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
S-Shaped Curved Dam
Main dam structure
Admire the unique, eye-catching S-shaped curve of this impressive 140m high power generating dam.
Lake Arimine
Reservoir behind the dam
Find tranquility by the vast, serene lake, offering peaceful moments and scenic views, especially when clouds part.
Arimine Forest Road
Access road to the dam
Experience a scenic drive through the forest, with potential for stunning autumn foliage views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Arimine Dam
Best Viewing & Dam Cards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The Arimine Forest Road can be narrow with blind corners. Drive carefully, especially from the Gifu side. :car:
🍁 Autumn Foliage Magic
Visit in autumn for breathtaking scenery; the foliage is highly recommended by visitors. :maple_leaf:
🃏 Grab a Dam Card
Collect a unique dam card from the Arimine Visitor Center as a special memento. :ticket:
☁️ Check the Weather
Cloudy days might obscure views of distant mountains like Mt. Yakushi. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The Arimine Forest Road can be narrow with blind corners. Drive carefully, especially from the Gifu side. :car:
🍁 Autumn Foliage Magic
Visit in autumn for breathtaking scenery; the foliage is highly recommended by visitors. :maple_leaf:
🃏 Grab a Dam Card
Collect a unique dam card from the Arimine Visitor Center as a special memento. :ticket:
☁️ Check the Weather
Cloudy days might obscure views of distant mountains like Mt. Yakushi. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arimine Dam is appreciated for its unique S-shaped design and the serene beauty of Lake Arimine, especially during the spectacular autumn foliage season. While the dam is an impressive engineering feat, some visitors note a lack of ideal viewpoints and suggest the surrounding area could be better maintained. The Arimine Forest Road offers a scenic, albeit challenging, drive to reach the site.
"Amazing toyama"
ken Shuusahh
"Completed in 1960, this 140m high power generating dam is the boss of Kansai Electric Power Company, while Kurobe Dam is the boss of Hokuriku Electric Power Company. Its distinctive S-shaped curved dam is the defining feature. It can only be visited when the Arimine Forest Road (toll road) is open, but the scenery is spectacular during the autumn foliage season. Every summer, a tour is held to coincide with the opening day of the Arimine Forest Culture Village, "Let's Play in Arimine." Dam cards are available at the Arimine Visitor Center."
堰斎4予備垢
"It was cloudy so I couldn't see Mt. Yakushi, but I was soothed by the vast dam lake.
It's rare to see a tunnel with a gate, and the man at the toll booth was very kind and nice😊The road seems to be crumbling in places, but it's wide enough and generally beautiful.
I can imagine it would be wonderful in the autumn leaves season.
The tunnel on the Toyama side was pitch black and scary..."
apiko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arimine Dam is accessible via the Arimine Forest Road, a toll road. It's recommended to check the road's opening status as it's seasonal. The road can be narrow and winding, particularly from the Gifu side, so drive with caution.
No, the Arimine Forest Road is not open year-round. It typically opens seasonally, and visitors should verify its operating status before planning their trip.
The road can be narrow with many blind corners, especially when approaching from the Gifu side. While generally wide enough, some sections may appear to be crumbling.
Yes, the Arimine Forest Road is a toll road. The exact fee can be confirmed at the toll booth.
Yes, Arimine Dam is located a little over two hours from Toyama City by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a specific admission ticket for the dam itself, but there is a toll for the Arimine Forest Road. Dam cards are available for purchase at the Arimine Visitor Center.
The dam itself is a functional power generating facility. Access to the area is generally dependent on the opening of the Arimine Forest Road. Specific visitor center hours should be checked locally.
Information regarding an entrance fee for the Arimine Visitor Center is not readily available, but it's the location where dam cards can be obtained.
Dam cards are available at the Arimine Visitor Center. It's best to visit during the visitor center's operating hours, which typically align with the Arimine Forest Road's open season.
Yes, every summer a tour is held to coincide with the opening day of the Arimine Forest Culture Village, known as 'Let's Play in Arimine.'
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the impressive 140m high, S-shaped curved dam. You can also enjoy the vast, serene Lake Arimine and the surrounding forest scenery, especially beautiful in autumn.
While it's a large dam, some visitors note there aren't many ideal spots to see the entire structure from a single vantage point.
The Arimine Visitor Center is where you can obtain dam cards and likely get more information about the dam and the surrounding area.
Some reviews suggest the area around the dam isn't as well-maintained as other tourist spots, leading to fewer visitors.
The tunnel on the Toyama side is described as pitch black and potentially scary by some visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capturing the unique S-shaped curve of the dam is a must. The expansive Lake Arimine offers serene landscape shots, and the surrounding forest is particularly photogenic during autumn.
Yes, the vastness of Lake Arimine and the forested surroundings provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially with the changing seasons.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of the dam and lake. However, be mindful of potential cloud cover obscuring distant mountain views.
Photography of the dam structure itself is generally permitted, but always be aware of any restricted areas or operational zones.
The distinctive S-shaped curve of the dam is a unique photographic element. The tunnel on the Toyama side, though potentially unnerving, could also be a subject for dramatic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the 'Let's Play in Arimine' summer event for a more engaging experience. Be mindful that the Arimine Forest Road can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving with children in the car. The dark tunnel on the Toyama side might be a bit scary for younger children, so be prepared.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan your trip to coincide with the autumn foliage season for the most scenic drive. While the dam is the primary destination, the journey through the forest is a key element. Be prepared for a toll and drive cautiously to fully enjoy the winding path.
📸 Photography Buffs
While the dam itself is impressive, some visitors note a lack of numerous perfect vantage points for a full overview. Experiment with different perspectives and consider the light conditions, especially during the golden hours, to capture the dam and its surroundings at their best. The dark tunnel on the Toyama side could also offer dramatic photographic potential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Arimine Dam
The dam impounds the vast Lake Arimine, a serene body of water that offers a peaceful contrast to the imposing concrete structure. While the dam's capacity is comparable to the more famous Kurobe Dam, Arimine Dam receives fewer visitors, contributing to its less commercialized and more tranquil atmosphere.
For those interested in the technical aspects, dam cards are available at the Arimine Visitor Center, a common practice for enthusiasts to collect memorabilia from significant dams.
Navigating the Arimine Forest Road
The road is known for being narrow in places, with numerous blind corners, particularly when approaching from the Gifu side. While it's generally wide enough for vehicles, some sections might appear worn. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed. The drive itself can be an adventure, with the potential for stunning views, especially during the autumn foliage season, which is highly recommended by those who have experienced it.
Despite being a toll road, the Arimine Forest Road is often not heavily trafficked, even during peak seasons like Obon holidays, contributing to a more peaceful drive. The tunnel on the Toyama side is noted for being particularly dark, which some travelers find unnerving.
Experiencing Arimine Dam's Natural Beauty
The autumn foliage season is frequently highlighted as the prime time to visit. The surrounding forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, making the drive along the Arimine Forest Road and the views from the dam area particularly spectacular. This seasonal beauty is a major draw for photographers and nature lovers alike.
While the immediate area around the dam might not be as meticulously maintained as some other tourist attractions, the natural setting provides a raw and authentic experience. The opportunity to visit during special summer tours, like 'Let's Play in Arimine,' also adds a unique dimension to experiencing the area's natural and cultural offerings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit