Overview
Kagura Dam is a compact gravity dam in the northern mountains of Akita Prefecture, standing 20 meters high with a crest length of 70 meters. Completed in 1957, it was built primarily for flood control, protecting downstream areas from surging water. With a catchment area of about 25.1 square kilometers, it forms a modest reservoir of roughly 14 hectares when full. There are no flashy tourist facilities here; instead, the quiet embankment and its small mountain lake appeal to travelers who enjoy civil-engineering heritage and peaceful, uncrowded scenery.
Highlights
- ●A small, approachable embankment 20 m high and 70 m long
- ●A quiet mountain reservoir spreading about 14 hectares at full pool
- ●A structure that conveys the postwar flood-control era of 1957
- ●The stillness of an uncommercialized, seldom-visited mountain valley
History
Finished in 1957, Kagura Dam belongs to the generation of postwar flood-control works constructed during Japan's recovery era. At 20 meters, it is modest compared with modern mega-dams, but it was designed to reliably regulate floods with the technology of its time. Decades later, its structure has settled into the surrounding greenery, almost blending into the mountainside. For detailed construction history and the managing authority, please refer to official sources.
Access
The dam lies in the northern uplands of Akita Prefecture, near 40.33°N, 140.76°E. Reaching it means driving mountain roads from the nearest town, and public transport is impractical. A rental car or private vehicle is the realistic option, ideally in a season when the roads are clear. Check exact routes and parking availability with official information before you go.
Best season
The fresh greenery of May to June and the autumn foliage from mid-October to early November are the most rewarding times to visit. Summer offers cool mountain air, but winter snowfall often closes the access roads, so caution is essential. Always confirm road conditions before setting out.
Map
40.3297, 140.7619 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Drive the mountain road by car and arrive at Kagura Dam, taking in the whole embankment
- 2Look out over the reservoir from near the crest and photograph the interplay of hills and water
- 3Pause to enjoy the surrounding greenery or autumn colors and the deep quiet
- 4On the way back, consider pairing it with nearby Sunakozawa Dam in the same northern district
Did you know?
💡 At full capacity the reservoir holds about 857,000 cubic meters of water. That sounds large on its own, yet it is only about a tenth of the volume stored by nearby Sunakozawa Dam, completed decades later—a difference that speaks to the two dams' distinct roles. Kagura is a fine reminder that even among gravity dams, scale varies widely.
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