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Arimine Dam

4.3
·44 reviews·Toyama, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn foliage season

Spectacular fall colors

CrowdMedium
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祐延方面からの景色

Arimine Dam

Best Time

Autumn foliage season

Spectacular fall colors

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(44 reviews)

"The distinctive S-shaped curved dam is the defining feature, with spectacular scenery during autumn."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

S-Shaped Curved Dam

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

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

Arimine Forest Road

Access road to the dam

Experience a scenic drive through the forest, with potential for stunning autumn foliage views.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Arimine Dam

Arimine Dam is accessible via the Arimine Forest Road, a toll road that opens seasonally. Check its operating status before your visit, as it can be affected by weather. The road can be narrow and winding, especially from the Gifu side, so drive with caution. Reddit

Best Viewing & Dam Cards

While the dam itself is impressive, the surrounding scenery, especially during autumn foliage, is spectacular. Reddit Dam cards are available at the Arimine Visitor Center, a popular souvenir for dam enthusiasts. Reddit

Best Times

When
Autumn foliage season
Why
Spectacular fall colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer (during tour)
Why
Special events and access
Crowd
Medium

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. Reddit :car:

🍁 Autumn Foliage Magic

Visit in autumn for breathtaking scenery; the foliage is highly recommended by visitors. Reddit :maple_leaf:

🃏 Grab a Dam Card

Collect a unique dam card from the Arimine Visitor Center as a special memento. Reddit :ticket:

☁️ Check the Weather

Cloudy days might obscure views of distant mountains like Mt. Yakushi. Reddit :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. Reddit :car:

🍁 Autumn Foliage Magic

Visit in autumn for breathtaking scenery; the foliage is highly recommended by visitors. Reddit :maple_leaf:

🃏 Grab a Dam Card

Collect a unique dam card from the Arimine Visitor Center as a special memento. Reddit :ticket:

☁️ Check the Weather

Cloudy days might obscure views of distant mountains like Mt. Yakushi. Reddit :cloud:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(44 reviews)

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

Unique S-shaped dam
Serene Lake Arimine
Autumn foliage scenery

What People Dislike

Limited viewpoints
Maintenance could improve

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, the Arimine Forest Road is a toll road. The exact fee can be confirmed at the toll booth. Reddit

Yes, Arimine Dam is located a little over two hours from Toyama City by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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.' Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Arimine Visitor Center is where you can obtain dam cards and likely get more information about the dam and the surrounding area. Reddit

Some reviews suggest the area around the dam isn't as well-maintained as other tourist spots, leading to fewer visitors. Reddit

The tunnel on the Toyama side is described as pitch black and potentially scary by some visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, the vastness of Lake Arimine and the forested surroundings provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially with the changing seasons. Reddit

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. Reddit

Photography of the dam structure itself is generally permitted, but always be aware of any restricted areas or operational zones. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Arimine Dam can be an interesting stop for families, particularly for children fascinated by large structures. The unique S-shaped dam is visually striking. The Arimine Visitor Center offers dam cards, which can be a fun souvenir for kids. Reddit

Consider visiting during the 'Let's Play in Arimine' summer event for a more engaging experience. Reddit Be mindful that the Arimine Forest Road can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving with children in the car. Reddit The dark tunnel on the Toyama side might be a bit scary for younger children, so be prepared. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

The Arimine Forest Road itself is a significant part of the experience for road trip enthusiasts. The drive offers a sense of adventure with its narrow sections and blind corners, especially from the Gifu side. Reddit The seasonal opening of the road adds to its allure, making it a destination for those seeking less-traveled routes. Reddit

Plan your trip to coincide with the autumn foliage season for the most scenic drive. Reddit 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. Reddit

📸 Photography Buffs

Arimine Dam presents unique photographic opportunities, primarily centered around its distinctive S-shaped curved dam. Capturing this architectural marvel from various angles is a must. Reddit The expansive Lake Arimine provides a serene backdrop for landscape shots, and the surrounding forests are particularly stunning during the autumn months. Reddit

While the dam itself is impressive, some visitors note a lack of numerous perfect vantage points for a full overview. Reddit 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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Arimine Dam

Completed in 1960, Arimine Dam stands as a significant feat of engineering, standing 140 meters high. It's operated by Kansai Electric Power Company and is distinguished by its unique S-shaped curved dam design, a feature that sets it apart from many other dams. This impressive structure plays a crucial role in power generation for the region. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Arimine Forest Road

Access to Arimine Dam is primarily through the Arimine Forest Road, a toll road that offers a scenic, albeit sometimes challenging, journey. Visitors should always check the road's operating status before heading out, as it is subject to seasonal closures and weather conditions. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit The tunnel on the Toyama side is noted for being particularly dark, which some travelers find unnerving. Reddit

Experiencing Arimine Dam's Natural Beauty

Beyond its engineering significance, Arimine Dam is surrounded by natural beauty that draws visitors, especially during specific times of the year. The Lake Arimine itself is a focal point, offering a sense of calm and expansive views. Visitors have reported feeling soothed by the vastness of the lake, even on cloudy days where distant peaks like Mt. Yakushi might be obscured. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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