Kazunogawa Dam, Gravity dam in Otsuki, Japan.
Kazunogawa Dam is a concrete gravity dam located in the mountainous Yamanashi Prefecture near Otsuki. It holds back water to create Lake Matsuhime, serving as the lower reservoir in a pumped-storage power generation system.
Construction started in 1991 and finished in 1999, representing an important addition to Japan's hydroelectric infrastructure. The pumped-storage design allowed engineers to store power and release it efficiently when needed.
Local residents integrated the dam and its reservoir into their community activities, establishing it as a central element of the Otsuki region's identity.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when light highlights the structure nicely. Access is typically from Otsuki town, and visitors should be prepared for elevation changes and steep pathways around the site.
The facility operates a pumped-storage system that moves water between two reservoirs, allowing it to store energy like a battery. This approach is particularly valuable in Japan where space is limited and flexible power supply is essential.
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