Overview
Sunakozawa Dam is an imposing gravity dam in the northern mountains of Akita Prefecture, standing 78.5 meters high with a crest length of 185 meters. Beyond flood control, it also supplies municipal water, making it a multipurpose dam that supports the region in both daily life and disaster prevention. Though its catchment area is only about 17 square kilometers, it forms a broad reservoir of roughly 44 hectares at full pool and stores about 8.65 million cubic meters of water. The great embankment rising in the rugged hills is perfect for travelers who want a truly striking dam landscape.
Highlights
- ●A commanding embankment 78.5 m high and 185 m long
- ●A grand reservoir spreading about 44 hectares at full pool
- ●The functional beauty of a multipurpose dam for flood control and water supply
- ●A quarter-century construction story, begun in 1985 and finished in 2010
History
Construction began in 1985 and, after a long build period, was completed in 2010. This quarter-century-long project steadily advanced with the twin aims of flood control and water use. If nearby Kagura Dam, completed in 1957, is a small elder, Sunakozawa is a newer and far larger generation of dam. It is fascinating to compare two structures from different eras within the same northern mountains.
Access
The dam sits in the northern uplands of Akita Prefecture, near 40.38°N, 140.77°E. It is close to Kagura Dam, so by car you can tour both in one trip. Public transport is impractical, making a private vehicle essential. Because the route involves mountain driving, choose a season when roads are stable and confirm the exact path via official information.
Best season
The fresh green of early summer and the foliage from mid-October to early November, when the slopes turn red and gold, are the peak times. The colors of the hills reflected in the wide reservoir are especially beautiful and a treat for photographers. Winter snow and ice make access difficult, so a snow-free season is the safer choice.
Map
40.3761, 140.7686 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Drive into the northern mountains and look up at Sunakozawa Dam's massive embankment
- 2From near the crest, survey the vast reservoir and enjoy the panorama of hills and water
- 3Linger while photographing the seasonal colors, from fresh green to autumn foliage
- 4Head on to nearby Kagura Dam and finish by comparing two dams of very different scale
Did you know?
💡 The reservoir holds about 8.65 million cubic meters—roughly ten times the capacity of nearby Kagura Dam (about 857,000 cubic meters). Their heights differ sharply too, 20 versus 78.5 meters, a striking reminder of how much role and scale can vary among gravity dams. Unlike Kagura, which handles flood control alone, Sunakozawa is multipurpose, also supplying municipal water.
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