Kasegawa Dam, Gravity dam in Saga Prefecture, Japan
Kasegawa Dam is a gravity dam constructed across the Kase River, forming a large body of water that serves multiple functions. The structure stores water for supply to nearby communities while also managing flood control and irrigation for agricultural areas downstream.
Construction of the dam began in 1973 and took decades to complete, finishing in 2011. This long timeframe reflects the engineering challenges involved in creating such a large-scale water management project for the region.
The area around the dam supports local farming communities who depend on its water for rice and vegetable crops. You can see how the water system shapes the daily work and landscape of the surrounding villages.
Visitors can take guided tours to explore the interior of the dam and view technical displays about its operation. It helps to check access details in advance, as tours are offered on specific days and may have group size limits.
This was one of the longest construction projects of its kind in Japan, demonstrating the scale and complexity of modern water infrastructure. The associated community facility alongside the dam reveals how such projects directly support local populations.
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