overview
Located on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Alps, this is one of Japan's leading arch concrete dams. It is known for its majestic 186m-high appearance and the tourist water releases that take place from spring to autumn. The scenery created by the surrounding mountains and the lake surface is photogenic, and it has become an internationally renowned tourist destination.
Highlights
- A spectacular water release for tourists and a dynamic embankment
- The azure water surface of Lake Kurobe and the surrounding mountain scenery
- Panoramic views from the observation deck and walking trails
access
On the Tateyama side, you can take a cable car or highland bus from Tateyama Station, and on the Nagano side, you can take a trolley bus from Ogizawa Station. There are many transfers, so be sure to check the timetable before planning.
Estimated stay
The basic tour takes 2 to 4 hours, but if you add in some walking around the area and taking photos, half a day to a full day would be appropriate.
Nearby spots
- Tateyama (Tateyama Town)
- Kurobedaira (Tateyama Town)
- Ogizawa (Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture)
Points to note
It tends to get crowded during the tourist season, and as it is a mountainous area, be aware of sudden changes in weather and temperature. Transportation is seasonal, so be sure to check in advance.
