Jōzankei Dam, Gravity dam in Minami-ku, Hokkaido, Japan
Jōzankei Dam is a concrete gravity structure that rises 118 meters high and spans 410 meters across the Otaru River. The reservoir behind it creates a large lake with blue-green waters that fill the valley.
Construction began in 1974 and the dam opened in 1989 after more than 15 years of work. It became a key infrastructure project for controlling water and generating power in the Hokkaido region.
The name comes from the nearby Jōzankei Gorge and was chosen at the community's request to honor the surrounding landscape and local identity.
A wooden boardwalk with about 460 steps leads visitors to a viewing platform at approximately 392 meters elevation. From there you can see the valley and the surrounding landscape below.
The water behind this structure provides electricity and flood protection for the entire region. The reservoir stores enough water to supply the area with power and safety year-round.
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