Hoheikyo Dam, Hydroelectric power station and arch dam in Minami-ku Hokkaido, Japan
Hoheikyo is an arch dam and hydroelectric power station in Minami-ku on Hokkaido, rising 102.5 meters above the Toyohira River. The concrete structure regulates water flow through mountainous terrain while generating electricity to supply nearby communities.
The structure was completed in 1972, marking a significant step forward in Japan's hydroelectric technology and water management practices. Its completion contributed to modernizing energy supply across the Hokkaido region.
The structure sits within Shikotsu Toya National Park, where locals and visitors gather during autumn months to watch the changing colors of maple trees around Jozan Lake. This seasonal display has made the location a valued stopping point along hiking routes through the mountain region.
Access to the site is by electric bus or a 2-kilometer walking path, as vehicles are not allowed in this environmental protection zone. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the route crosses uneven terrain.
From June to October, scheduled water releases occur between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, causing water to cascade down the concrete face. These controlled waterfalls attract photographers who want to capture the contrast between flowing water and geometric surfaces.
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