Hōnen'ike Dam, Multiple-arch dam in Kanonji, Japan

Hōnen'ike Dam is a multiple-arch dam with six curved buttresses, standing 32.3 meters high and 158.4 meters long in the Sanuki Mountains. Its downstream face retains the original stone masonry, while the upstream side was reinforced with concrete during repairs. Water flows over four curved sections as pale streaks against the weathered grey concrete, and a thin metal railing runs along the upper left edge.

Construction began in 1926 and finished in 1930, marking an important step in Japan's development of water infrastructure. The project showed the nation's commitment to bringing advanced water technology to rural areas.

This structure holds recognition as an Important Cultural Property in Japan, attracting visitors interested in historical engineering achievements. The design reflects a turning point in how the country approached water management and shaped the landscape.

The dam sits in hilly terrain and is accessible by car, with good views from above the structure. Dry weather makes for the safest and most comfortable visit, as paths around the construction are easier to walk.

The dam is one of only two multiple-arch dams in Japan, the other being the double-arch Ōkura Dam in Sendai. Its downstream face keeps the original stone masonry from 1930, while the upstream side was reinforced with concrete during repairs begun in 1988 and finished in 1994.