Kurobe Dam
An Engineering Marvel Carved Through the Heart of the Northern Alps
Kurobe Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1963 to generate hydroelectric power for Japan's postwar industrial expansion. The project is considered one of the most challenging engineering feats in Japanese history, requiring workers to tunnel through the Northern Alps in extremely harsh conditions. The dam stands 186 meters tall and stretches 492 meters across, forming Lake Kurobe behind it.
Construction claimed 171 lives due to harsh weather, rock falls, and the infamous 'shattered rock zone' - an underground water-filled cavern that took seven months to penetrate. The story of the dam's construction became legendary in Japan, inspiring books, films, and documentaries. The project cost 51.3 billion yen (equivalent to over $5 billion today) and involved innovative engineering techniques that advanced Japanese civil engineering.
Today, Kurobe Dam generates 335,000 kilowatts of electricity and has become a major tourist attraction as part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. From late June through mid-October, the dam releases water daily, creating a spectacular discharge with rainbows forming in the mist. The observation platforms offer views of the dam, the emerald-green reservoir, and the surrounding 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Alps.
Key Highlights
- Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters (492 meters wide)
- Built 1956-1963 as one of Japan's greatest engineering challenges
- Daily water discharge (June-October) releases 10-15 tons per second
- Lake Kurobe's distinctive emerald color from mineral content
- Part of the scenic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
- Construction story featured in films and documentaries
Access Information
Location
Ashikuraji, Tateyama-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama 930-1406, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Shinano-Omachi Station (JR Oito Line) - Nagano side
- • Toyama Station (JR Hokuriku Main Line) - Toyama side
Opening Hours
Mid-April to late November (closed in winter) | Observation areas: typically 8:00-17:00 | Water discharge: late June to mid-October, 6:00-17:30
Admission Fee
Access via Alpine Route transportation: ¥9,000-14,000 depending on route | Dam observation free once accessed
How to Get There
From Nagano (via Shinano-Omachi)
Bus to Ogizawa, then trolley bus through mountain tunnel
1.5 hours
From Toyama (via Tateyama)
Cable car, bus, ropeway combination through Alpine Route
2.5 hours
From Tokyo
Shinkansen to Nagano, then local train and Alpine Route
4-5 hours total
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Water Discharge Season
The spectacular water discharge occurs from late June through mid-October, typically 6:00-17:30 daily. Early morning and afternoon offer the best chances for rainbows to form in the mist.
Alpine Route Planning
Most visitors experience Kurobe Dam as part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which crosses the Northern Alps. Plan a full day for the route. One-way passage is recommended - enter from Toyama side, exit at Nagano side.
Seasonal Access
The dam and Alpine Route are completely closed mid-November through mid-April due to snow. Peak seasons (July-August, October) can be crowded. June and September offer good weather with fewer crowds.
Best Photo Spots
The dam observation terrace offers frontal views of the discharge. For side views with mountains, use the dam embankment walkway. The new viewpoint reached by stairs offers the most dramatic perspective looking down at the discharge.
Dress for Altitude
At 1,470 meters elevation, temperatures are significantly cooler than lowlands. Even in summer, bring a jacket. Mist from water discharge can make observation areas wet and slippery.
Dining Options
The Kurobe Dam Rest House serves the famous 'Dam Curry' - rice shaped like the dam with curry sauce representing water discharge. Basic Japanese food and snacks are available but at elevated alpine prices.
Lake Cruise Option
From June to early November, you can take a pleasure boat (Garbe) across Lake Kurobe for views of the dam from water level. The 30-minute cruise offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
Construction History Exhibit
The dam station area includes exhibits about the dam's construction history, showing the challenges faced and techniques used. Understanding this history makes visiting the dam more meaningful.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Kurobe Dam?
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at the dam itself. This includes walking across the dam embankment, visiting observation platforms, and viewing the water discharge. If you're taking the Alpine Route in one direction, allow 5-7 hours total for the entire journey.
What's the best time to see the water discharge?
Early morning (8-10am) and mid-afternoon (2-4pm) offer the best chances for rainbows to form in the mist when sunlight hits at the right angle. The discharge operates 6:00-17:30 daily from late June through mid-October, weather permitting.
Is Kurobe Dam worth the expensive Alpine Route ticket?
Absolutely. The dam is spectacular, but experiencing the entire Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route justifies the cost. You'll see snow walls, alpine scenery, and multiple engineering marvels. Consider it a complete mountain experience rather than just a dam visit.
Can I visit Kurobe Dam without doing the full Alpine Route?
Yes, you can access from Nagano side via Ogizawa Station using local bus and trolley bus, then return the same way. This is more affordable than the full route but you'll miss the Tateyama side's spectacular cable car and snow wall sections.
Should I start from Toyama side or Nagano side?
Most visitors prefer starting from Toyama (Tateyama Station) and ending in Nagano. This way you experience the dramatic snow walls and cable car first, then descend through the dam. It's also logistically easier for continuing to Tokyo or Nagano.
What should I wear for the dam visit?
Bring a waterproof jacket even in summer - the observation areas get wet from mist during water discharge. Temperatures at 1,470 meters elevation are 10-15°C cooler than lowlands. Layers are essential, even in July and August.
Is Kurobe Dam wheelchair accessible?
Partially accessible. The main observation terrace is reachable, but the embankment walk and stairs to the new viewpoint have steps. The trolley buses from Ogizawa are wheelchair-friendly. Alpine Route vehicles vary in accessibility - check ahead if needed.
Can I walk across the top of the dam?
Yes, the 492-meter dam crest walkway is open to visitors and is one of the highlights. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes one way and offers spectacular views of Lake Kurobe on one side and the valley on the other.
Are there restaurants and food at Kurobe Dam?
The Kurobe Dam Rest House serves meals including the famous Dam Curry, soft ice cream, and light snacks. Expect higher prices than normal due to the remote location. Many visitors bring snacks or eat before/after visiting the dam.
How much water is discharged and how loud is it?
The dam releases 10-15 tons of water per second from heights up to 186 meters. The roar is impressive and conversation is difficult near the base during peak discharge. It's a powerful sensory experience, especially when rainbows appear in the mist.
Is the Garbe boat cruise worth doing?
Yes, if weather permits and you have time. The 30-minute cruise offers unique water-level views of the dam and surrounding mountains. At ¥1,080, it's reasonably priced and provides excellent photo opportunities. Operates June to early November.
Can I visit Kurobe Dam in winter?
No, the dam and entire Alpine Route close from mid-November through mid-April due to heavy snow. The area receives meters of snowfall making access impossible. Plan your visit between late April and early November only.
When is Kurobe Dam least crowded?
June and September offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid late July through August (summer vacation), October (autumn colors), and especially late April (snow wall opening). Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Are there luggage storage facilities?
Coin lockers are available at Ogizawa Station and Tateyama Station on both ends of the Alpine Route. Large luggage cannot be easily carried on the various vehicles, so use lockers or arrange hotel luggage forwarding if doing the full route.
What are the best photo spots at the dam?
The dam observation terrace provides frontal discharge views. The embankment walkway offers side angles with mountains. The 220-step staircase to the new viewpoint gives dramatic elevated perspectives. For wide shots including Lake Kurobe, go to the west bank observation area.
Do I need to book Alpine Route tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended during peak seasons (late April, August, October) as the various cable cars and buses have limited capacity. You can book online through official websites. Off-peak times allow same-day purchase, but booking still ensures smoother travel.
Is Kurobe Dam suitable for children?
Yes, children generally love the powerful water discharge and the adventure of the mountain transport systems. However, young children may tire during the 3-5 hour journey. The embankment walk is safe with railings, but watch children near wet areas during discharge.
What's special about Lake Kurobe's emerald color?
The lake's distinctive emerald-green color comes from mineral content in the water, particularly microscopic rock particles. The color is most vivid on sunny days. The contrast between the turquoise water and surrounding alpine peaks creates stunning photography opportunities.
How long does the water discharge last each day?
The discharge operates continuously from 6:00-17:30 (11.5 hours daily) during the season. It's not an event that happens at specific times - once you arrive during these hours, you'll see it. The intensity can vary based on water management needs.
Can I visit the dam construction exhibits?
Yes, the Kurobe Dam station area includes free exhibits about the construction history, showing photos, equipment, and stories of the 171 workers who died building it. These exhibits add meaningful context and take about 20-30 minutes to explore thoroughly.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
Scenic trolley train journey through one of Japan's deepest gorges, offering spectacular mountain views and seasonal beauty from spring to autumn.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A spectacular mountain route crossing the Northern Japan Alps using cable cars, ropeways, and buses. Famous for its spring 'Snow Walls' reaching 20 meters high, the route offers stunning alpine scenery and engineering marvels.
Unazuki Onsen
Toyama's premier hot spring resort located at the gateway to Kurobe Gorge, offering alkaline waters, dramatic mountain scenery, and access to scenic railway adventures.