Kurobe Dam, Hydroelectric dam in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
The Kurobe Dam is a 186 m high variable-radius arch dam on the Kurobe River in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture. Its crest walkway runs 492 m between two wing dams that form the abutments, and the concrete face carries vertical seams and water staining. Two white jets pour from outlets high on the face, with metal stairs and piping on the lower left.
Kansai Electric Power began the dam in July 1956 after drought-driven blackouts; the 5.4 km Kanden Tunnel under Mount Akazawa was bored to bring supplies, taking seven months to cross a fracture zone. First concrete was placed in September 1959, and the dam was finished on 5 June 1963 at a cost of 51.3 billion yen, with 171 workers killed.
The construction story inspired a novel and a film titled The Sands of Kurobe, documenting the engineering achievement. Visitors encounter exhibits and information panels that recall the challenges and determination of the workers who completed the project.
Visitors reach the site through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, using cable cars, electric buses, and walkways across the structure. The observation platform offers views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains, with the best visibility from early summer through autumn.
The facility discharges 10 tons of water per second during the summer months, creating natural rainbows in the surrounding mist. Photographers and visitors often wait for late morning hours when sunlight illuminates the finest water droplets and the colors appear most clearly.
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