Urayama Dam, Gravity dam in Chichibu, Japan
Urayama Dam is a concrete gravity structure rising from the valley floor and creating a vast reservoir for water management. Its form slopes along the natural terrain, blending into the surrounding landscape of the Chichibu region.
The structure was completed in 1998 as one of Japan's highest gravity dam projects. Its construction marked an important milestone in the country's approach to water management and engineering.
The dam serves as an educational center where visitors learn about water resource management through exhibitions and guided tours in the internal gallery.
You can walk from Urayamaguchi Station or take a bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station to reach the site. Clear weather offers the best views across the reservoir and surrounding hills from the top.
Inside there is an elevator system and gallery showing the engineering mechanics of the structure. Over 500 steps lead visitors through different vantage points along the dam's interior.
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