A complete guide to Kurobe Dam that even beginners can enjoy!

introduction

Overview and History of Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam is the largest arch dam in Japan, located in Toyama Prefecture, and was completed in 1963. With a total length of 492 meters and a height of 186 meters, the dam was built to generate electricity using the water of the Kurobe River. Construction took seven years and there were many difficulties along the way, but it is now known as a tourist attraction.

Why is Kurobe Dam a popular tourist destination?

Kurobe Dam attracts many tourists with its grand scale and beautiful scenery. The spectacular water release scene that takes place in the summer is especially worth seeing. The natural environment around the dam is also attractive, and you can enjoy the scenery in every season, so it’s worth visiting all year round.

1. Access to Kurobe Dam

How to get to Kurobe Dam from Tokyo

Kurobe Dam is very convenient to access, with many transport options available from Tokyo.

How to use trains and buses

To get to Kurobe Dam from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen, limited express train, or bus. First, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, then take an express bus to Omachi Onsenkyo. From Omachi Onsenkyo, you can take the Alpine Route sightseeing bus or cable car to Kurobe Dam. This route is also recommended for sightseeing, as you can enjoy the scenery.

Access by car

If you want more freedom of movement, we recommend accessing the dam by car. It takes about 4.5 hours to get from Tokyo to Kurobe Dam using the Kan’etsu Expressway and the Joshinetsu Expressway. There is a parking lot near Ogizawa Station, and from there you can take the Alpine Route to Kurobe Dam.

How to combine your visit with other nearby tourist attractions

After visiting Kurobe Dam, you can also enjoy the surrounding tourist spots, such as the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Murododaira, and Tateyama hot springs. By visiting these spots together, you can experience Toyama’s nature and culture on a deeper level.

2. Highlights of Kurobe Dam

The power of the water spraying scene

The biggest attraction of Kurobe Dam is the water release scene that takes place in the summer. The spectacle of 10 tons of water being released with great force every second is overwhelming, and many tourists visit just to see this moment. The water release takes place from late June to mid-October, and during this period, rainbows can sometimes be seen around the dam.

Spectacular views from the observation deck

Kurobe Dam has several observation decks, from which the views are spectacular. In particular, the observation deck at the top of the dam offers a panoramic view of Lake Kurobe and the surrounding mountains. On sunny days, the contrast between the blue sky and the lake is beautiful, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Kurobe Lake Cruise

Another way to enjoy Kurobe Dam is a Kurobe Lake cruise. You can board a sightseeing boat and enjoy the scenery of the dam and the surrounding area from the lake, and the view from the boat is also exceptional. Cruises operate from mid-April to the end of November, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of each season.

Tour inside the dam

Kurobe Dam also offers tours of the inside of the dam. It is a valuable experience to learn about the construction process and functions of the huge structure while walking inside. The cool tours are especially popular during the hot summer months.

3. How to enjoy Kurobe Dam

Kurobe Dam sightseeing route introduction

When visiting Kurobe Dam, it is best to plan your sightseeing route in advance to make your trip more efficient. The recommended route is to first take the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus from Ogizawa Station to the dam, then enjoy the observation deck and sightseeing boat after touring the dam. Finally, by combining this with a tour of the inside of the dam, you can enjoy the entire Kurobe Dam.

Photo spots and tips

There are many photo spots at Kurobe Dam. In addition to the water discharge scene and the view from the observation deck, the dam itself and the surrounding natural scenery are also attractive. A tip for taking photos is to take beautiful photos in the soft light of early morning or evening. Also, if you take a photo when a rainbow appears, you can take a fantastical photo.

How to enjoy each season

Kurobe Dam shows different beauty throughout the year.

Fresh greenery of spring

In spring, new leaves sprout and the surrounding mountains are enveloped in a vibrant green. The cherry blossoms around Lake Kurobe are also a highlight.

Summer water discharge season

Summer is the water-spraying season, and you can enjoy the dynamic water-spraying spectacle. The cool scenery will help you forget the heat.

Autumn leaves

In autumn, the area around the dam is painted red and yellow with autumn leaves, and the scenery around Lake Kurobe is particularly spectacular.

Winter snow scene

In winter, the dam is covered in snow and the silence of the area is a sight to behold. There are few visitors, but you can enjoy the tranquility of the area.

4. Recommended spots around Kurobe Dam

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan’s leading mountain sightseeing routes, dotted with many scenic spots, including Kurobe Dam. In particular, you can enjoy the scenery of each season, such as the Snow Otani Walk in spring, the fresh greenery of summer, and the autumn leaves of autumn. Traveling on a variety of vehicles, such as cable cars, trolley buses, and ropeways, is also a fun experience.

Murododaira and Mt. Tateyama

Murododaira is part of the Tateyama mountain range, located at an altitude of 2,450 meters, and is known as the base for climbing Mt. Tateyama. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Tateyama and hiking and trekking. In addition, you can fully enjoy the charm of nature, with alpine plants blooming in the summer and beautiful autumn leaves in the fall.

Hot Springs in Toyama

Toyama Prefecture is also famous for its hot springs, so we recommend combining your visit to Kurobe Dam with a visit to a hot spring. Unazuki Onsen and Tateyama Onsen are particularly great for relaxing in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. At the hot spring inns, you can also enjoy cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, so it’s a good idea to plan a two-day trip.

Local gourmet food and places to eat

Don’t miss out on Toyama’s local cuisine. In particular, you can enjoy the fresh seafood from Toyama Bay and the mountain produce around the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Recommended gourmet spots include sushi restaurants and seafood bowl restaurants around Toyama Station, as well as Tateyama’s specialty, firefly squid dishes. Enjoying delicious food in between sightseeing will make your trip even more memorable.

5. Practical Information

Opening hours and admission fees

Kurobe Dam’s opening hours vary depending on the season, but it is generally open from 6am to 5pm from mid-April to the end of November. There is no admission fee, but there is an additional fee for using the Alpine Route transportation. Check the official website for details.

Barrier-free Information

Kurobe Dam is becoming increasingly barrier-free, with wheelchair-accessible routes in place. In particular, barrier-free ramps have been installed on the observation deck and promenade, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind. Wheelchair rental services are also available, so it’s convenient to check in advance.

Souvenir shops and recommended items

There are many souvenir shops around Kurobe Dam. They sell miniatures of the dam, local specialties, and original goods. We especially recommend the drinks and sweets made with water from Kurobe Dam. Be sure to buy one as a memento of your visit.

Nearby accommodation

There are various accommodations around Kurobe Dam. You can choose from mountain huts along the Alpine Route, resort hotels, hot spring inns, and more, depending on your travel style. In particular, the accommodations in Tateyama Onsen and Unazuki Onsen are ideal for relaxing in a quiet environment surrounded by nature. It’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

summary

The appeal of Kurobe Dam lies in its grand scale and beautiful natural scenery. Use this article to plan your visit to Kurobe Dam and have a wonderful time. We have provided detailed information on access, highlights, and ways to enjoy the site so that even beginners can enjoy it, so we hope you will make use of it. You can also enjoy the attractions of Toyama to the fullest by visiting the tourist spots around Kurobe Dam. Your next trip to Toyama is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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