Aokura Dam - Image 1
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Aokura Dam

4
·83 reviews·Asago, Japan

A monumental rockfill dam showcasing pumped-storage power generation amidst serene, untouched nature with a stunning emerald reservoir.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant wind and soothing green

CrowdLow
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Aokura Dam - Image 1

Aokura Dam

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant wind and soothing green

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental rockfill dam showcasing pumped-storage power generation amidst serene, untouched nature with a stunning emerald reservoir.

4
(83 reviews)

"The dam's enormous size and the mechanism of pumped-storage power generation are truly impressive."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scenic Driving Route

Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature!

💧 Dam Card at Onsen

Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Rockfill Dam

Impressive Rockfill Dam

Main dam structure

Marvel at the sheer scale of this 98m-high rockfill dam, a testament to engineering prowess.

Pumped-Storage Hydro Power

Pumped-Storage Hydro Power

Dam observation areas

Witness the fascinating mechanism of pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation up close.

Emerald Green Reservoir

Emerald Green Reservoir

Dam reservoir

Be soothed by the tranquil beauty of the emerald green water, reflecting the surrounding nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Dam Card Quest

Seek out the dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below Aokura Dam. This unique souvenir is a must-have for collectors and a great memento of your visit. Don't miss this chance to add a special piece to your collection!

Scenic Driving Route

Aokura Dam is part of a fantastic driving course, easily accessible from Tataragi Dam. Enjoy the winding roads and stunning natural beauty, perfect for a refreshing outdoor escape.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant wind and soothing green
Crowd
Low
When
Clear days
Why
Pleasant views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Scenic Driving Route

Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature! Reddit

💧 Dam Card at Onsen

Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir! Reddit

📱 No Cell Signal

Be aware of limited cell phone signal on the road to the dam. Download maps beforehand. Reddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

Parking is scarce, often just roadside strips. Plan accordingly. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Driving Route

Combine Aokura Dam with Tataragi Dam for a breathtaking drive. Enjoy the untouched nature! Reddit

💧 Dam Card at Onsen

Grab your dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, located below the dam. A unique souvenir! Reddit

📱 No Cell Signal

Be aware of limited cell phone signal on the road to the dam. Download maps beforehand. Reddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

Parking is scarce, often just roadside strips. Plan accordingly. Reddit

☀️ Summer Coolness

Even in summer, the dam area offers a cool and refreshing escape. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(83 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale of the 98m-high rockfill dam and the fascinating pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation system. The emerald green reservoir and surrounding untouched nature are frequently praised for their beauty and tranquility, making it a pleasant stop, especially on clear days. However, the lack of facilities like parking and restrooms, along with limited cell service on access roads, are common drawbacks.

"You can get a dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, below the dam. The view on a clear day is very pleasant. A road leads directly from here to the Tataragi Dam below, making it a great driving course. You can often see motorcyclists here."

一般人

"Kurokawa Dam in Asago City is the upper dam of Kansai Electric Power's Okutataragi Power Station.
It was foggy and visibility was poor due to the rainy season, but the dam's enormous size overwhelmed the viewer.
The dam's greatest feature is that you can see the mechanism of pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation up close.
It pumps up water from the downstream dam using surplus electricity at night and generates electricity to meet daytime electricity demand, almost like a natural battery.
The 98m-high rockfill dam is very impressive.
You'll be amazed at its scale.
The dam is surrounded by untouched nature, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
It's also recommended as a driving course, and it's a good idea to combine it with other tourist spots such as the Takeda Castle ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine. It's the perfect place for those who want to refresh themselves in the great outdoors and visit a slightly unique place."

CHINATSU

"The dam can be reached in about 20 minutes from the neighboring Tataragi Dam, if you go through a life-threatening road outside of cell phone signal area. There is no parking lot, only a wide space like a roadside strip. You can get a dam card at the hot spring at the foot of the dam. Looking at the photo taken from above, you will notice that the topography of Kurokawa Dam and Tataragi Dam is almost the same. You can see the topography on which the dam was built."

鬼瓦権蔵

What People Like

Impressive dam scale
Emerald green reservoir
Unique power generation insight

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Poor cell service
Scarce parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aokura Dam is accessible by car, forming part of a scenic driving route. It's about 20 minutes from Tataragi Dam, though the road can be challenging and may lack cell signal. Reddit

Yes, many visitors recommend it as a great driving course, especially when combined with nearby attractions like Tataragi Dam. Reddit

The road can be 'life-threatening' according to some, with no cell phone signal. Drive with caution and be prepared. Reddit

Yes, Aokura Dam is often visited in conjunction with other local attractions like the Takeda Castle ruins and Ikuno Silver Mine, making for a comprehensive day trip. Reddit

Information on public transportation is limited, and the remote location suggests that driving is the most practical way to access the dam. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees or tickets required to visit the Aokura Dam area itself. Access is generally free. Reddit

The dam area is typically accessible during daylight hours. However, specific opening or closing times are not usually posted, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. Reddit

You can obtain a dam card at Kurokawa Onsen, which is located below Aokura Dam. Reddit

While the dam structure itself might have restricted access points, the surrounding viewing areas are generally open to the public. Reddit

Based on visitor feedback, there is no entrance fee to access the Aokura Dam viewing areas. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the impressive 98m-high rockfill dam, learn about pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation, and enjoy the beautiful, untouched nature surrounding the emerald green reservoir. Reddit

The dam's scale and the scenic reservoir offer good photographic opportunities, especially on clear days when the water is a vibrant emerald green. Reddit

Unfortunately, restrooms are not available at the dam itself, and visitors have noted a lack of facilities. Reddit

Mornings in summer are recommended for pleasant winds and soothing green scenery. Clear days offer the best views. Reddit

While there are no designated picnic areas, the scenic surroundings might offer spots for a quiet picnic, provided you pack out all your trash. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options directly at the dam are non-existent. It's advisable to plan your meals before or after your visit, perhaps in nearby towns. Reddit

No, there are no facilities for purchasing food or drinks at the dam. Bring your own supplies if needed. Reddit

Consider dining in nearby towns or at Kurokawa Onsen, where you can also get your dam card. Reddit

There are no cafes or food services available at the Aokura Dam site. Reddit

Local cuisine in the surrounding regions typically includes regional Japanese dishes. Researching restaurants in Asago City or nearby towns is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main dam structure, the emerald green reservoir, and the surrounding natural landscape offer excellent vantage points for photography. Reddit

Yes, visitors can get close enough to observe and photograph the mechanisms of the pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation. Reddit

Clear days provide the best visibility and vibrant colors for photos. Morning light can also be very appealing. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage, but it's always best to check local advisories or regulations before flying drones in such areas. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be useful for capturing the scale of the dam and the landscape. A telephoto lens could be used for details of the power generation equipment. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Aokura Dam offers a unique educational opportunity for families interested in engineering and nature. While there are no specific playgrounds, the sheer scale of the dam and the concept of pumped-storage power generation can be fascinating for older children. The drive to the dam can also be an adventure, but parents should be mindful of the winding roads and limited cell service. Reddit

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are scarce. The natural beauty provides a great backdrop for a family outing, encouraging an appreciation for both nature and human ingenuity. Visiting the dam can be a memorable experience, sparking curiosity about how power is generated and stored. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a good drive, Aokura Dam is a gem. It's part of a recommended driving course, often linked with Tataragi Dam, offering stunning natural scenery. Motorcyclists frequently visit, drawn by the winding roads and picturesque views. Reddit

Be prepared for limited cell signal and potentially challenging road conditions on some stretches. The lack of amenities means you'll need to be self-sufficient, but the reward is an immersive experience in a less-traveled, beautiful natural setting. It's an excellent stop for a scenic break on a longer road trip. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Pumped-Storage Hydro

Aokura Dam is a key component of a pumped-storage hydroelectric power system, a fascinating method of energy storage. During periods of low electricity demand, typically at night, surplus electricity is used to pump water from a lower reservoir (like Tataragi Dam) to an upper reservoir. This stored water acts as potential energy.

When electricity demand is high during the day, the water is released from the upper reservoir, flowing through turbines to generate electricity. This process makes dams like Aokura Dam function almost like a giant, natural battery, helping to stabilize the power grid and meet peak energy needs. Visitors can often see the impressive machinery involved in this process up close. Reddit

This system is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, which can have intermittent output. By storing excess energy, pumped-storage facilities ensure a reliable power supply, even when solar or wind power generation fluctuates. The scale of these operations is truly remarkable and a testament to modern engineering. Reddit

The Scenic Driving Experience

The roads surrounding Aokura Dam are celebrated for their scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for drivers and motorcyclists. The route often connects Aokura Dam with the neighboring Tataragi Dam, offering continuous vistas of untouched nature. Visitors describe the scenery as beautiful, with the emerald green water of the reservoir adding a striking contrast to the lush surroundings. Reddit

While the drive is rewarding, it's important to be prepared. Some sections of the road are noted for being challenging and may lack reliable cell phone service. It's recommended to download offline maps and ensure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on this journey. The peaceful atmosphere and the changing beauty with the seasons make it an ideal spot for those seeking a refreshing escape into the great outdoors. Reddit

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