Kurobe Dam: Magnificent nature and a miraculous structure that supported Kansai’s electric power│Toyama Japan

2023年8月18日2023年11月21日

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Japan is dotted with many beautiful landscapes, but among them, Kurobe Dam deserves special mention.

Construction began in 1956 and took seven years to complete, symbolizing the fusion of nature, technology and energy.

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Characteristics and Overview of Kurobe Dam

Specifications of Kurobe Dam

Dam style: Combined dam (concrete arch dam + concrete gravity dam)
Embankment height: 186.0m
Embankment crest length: 492.0m
embankment volume: 1,582,000m³
Total storage capacity: 199,285,000㎥
Effective storage capacity: 148,843,000㎥

Harmony with nature

The Kurobe Valley, where Kurobe Dam is located, is a beautiful region sandwiched between the Tateyama and Ushiro Tateyama mountains of the Northern Alps.

This spectacular natural setting gives the landscape around the dam its own charm.

When constructing the dam, efforts were made to protect this natural environment, and efforts are being made to protect the local ecosystem.

Dam construction and technology

Kurobe Dam is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Kurobe City in Toyama Prefecture, and about 20 kilometers west of Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture.

This strategic location influenced the choice of dam construction in terms of energy supply.

There were many technical challenges in the construction of the dam, such as difficult topography and severe weather conditions, but it is worthy of praise for overcoming them and completing the project.

Energy supply and impact on society

Built by Kansai Electric Power and supplied from the Kurobe Dam, it played an important role in resolving the power shortage in the Kansai region.

Kurobe Dam is also known to have covered 80% of Kyoto Prefecture’s electricity demand and 20% of Osaka Prefecture’s electricity demand, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and the development of industry.

As a result, the stability and development of the social infrastructure in the Kansai region were realized.

Kurobe Dam tourist information

Today, Kurobe Dam is visited by many people as a tourist spot due to its magnificent scenery and the beauty of its architecture.

There are also tourist facilities such as an observatory overlooking Kurobe Dam, external stairs and a rest house, and events such as the “Sightseeing Water Discharge” where you can enjoy a powerful spectacle.

Please see the official website for details.

Around the dam, there is also a promenade along the lakeside where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season.

Information about Kurobe Dam

Info	Kurobe Dam ■Location 　Ashikuraji Temple, Tateyama-cho, 　Nakashinkawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture ■Business hours 　7:30～17:00 ■Parking lot 　Free parking: 230 spaces 　Paid parking lot: 350 spaces ■Inquiries 　Tel:0261-22-0804 ■Website 　www.kurobe-dam.com
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