Nishiyama Dam, Gravity dam in Hayakawa, Japan
Nishiyama Dam is a concrete gravity dam that stretches 112 meters across a river valley and rises about 41 meters above the streambed. It holds back water to form a lake while channeling flow downstream for power generation and farm irrigation.
The dam was completed in 1954 as part of Japan's ambitious post-war reconstruction and infrastructure growth. This period saw major projects built across the country to support economic recovery and rural development.
The structure has shaped water management practices in the region for generations, supporting farming communities that depend on its flow for crops. It represents how engineering and rural life developed side by side in this mountain valley.
The dam grounds are accessible to visitors, with viewpoints and paths offering good views of the structure and the lake behind it. Visiting during dry conditions gives the best access to all areas and the clearest views.
The dam sits in a mountain valley where water spreads back into a lake covering about 24 hectares, completely reshaping the landscape. This created lake has become a local attraction where people can walk the shoreline and take in views of the surrounding peaks.
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