Takase Dam

Takase Dam is a rock-fill dam in Ōmachi, Japan, rising 176 meters above the valley floor and holding back a reservoir with emerald green water. The water shifts through different shades depending on depth and light throughout the day.

Work started in 1971 and finished in 1979, using rocks extracted from the nearby Takase River. The project was built for hydroelectric power generation and water control in the northern Alps.

The structure takes its name from the Takase River and serves as a departure point for hikers heading into the backcountry of the Japanese Alps. Many mountaineers use this spot to access higher trails and peaks in the region.

A specialized taxi service from Nanakura Gate brings visitors here and operates between late April and early November with about 15 minutes of travel. Access is not possible outside these months because of snow and mountain weather conditions.

A zigzag path climbs from the base to the crest and lets visitors observe the construction technique from different angles. This trail shows how the individual rock masses were layered on top of each other.

Location: Ōmachi

Inception: 1979

Height: 176 m

Website: https://tepco.co.jp/rp/business/hydroelectric_power/mechanism/dam/list/takase.html

GPS coordinates: 36.47389,137.69028

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29