Hatogaya Dam, Gravity dam in Shirakawa, Japan
Hatogaya Dam is a concrete gravity structure crossing the Shō River, equipped with six tainter gates that manage water flow throughout the seasons. The reservoir holds water for power generation and sits within a chain of dams serving the surrounding mountain communities.
Construction finished in 1954 as part of Japan's post-war push to develop hydroelectric power in remote mountain regions. The project reflected broader efforts to modernize water management across the Gifu Prefecture.
The dam integrates with the broader Shirakawa region, where traditional gasshō-zukuri architecture and mountain village customs remain preserved through generations.
The facility sits in a mountainous area accessible via Shirakawa's existing road network, though the roads wind through narrow valleys. Winter weather brings heavy snow, so warm clothing and careful driving are necessary if you plan to visit during that season.
The dam is the eighth in a sequence of nine structures along the Shō River, a rare concentration of hydroelectric facilities in a single river valley. This arrangement allowed the river's water to be used efficiently for power generation across multiple locations.
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