Overview
The Ōi Dam is a dam built on the middle reaches of the main Kiso River, on the border between Ena and Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture. Operated by Kansai Electric Power Company for hydroelectric power generation, it was completed in 1924.
Highlights
- ●The first dam ever built on the Kiso River system, and Japan's first full-scale hydroelectric dam
- ●Stands 53.4 meters tall, making it the second-largest gravity dam in Japan, after the Taishakugawa Dam in Hiroshima Prefecture
- ●Supplies water to the Ōi Power Station and the New Ōi Power Station, which together generate up to 84,000 kilowatts
- ●The New Ōi Dam was built just downstream in 1983
History
Completed in 1924, the Ōi Dam was the first dam built anywhere on the Kiso River system and marked the beginning of full-scale hydroelectric dam construction in Japan. At 53.4 meters tall, it ranks as the second-largest gravity dam in the country, after the Taishakugawa Dam in Hiroshima Prefecture. In 1983, the New Ōi Dam was built just downstream, and together the two dams now produce up to 84,000 kilowatts of electricity.
Access
The dam is located on the middle reaches of the main Kiso River, on the border between Ena and Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture.
Best season
The dam's scenery can be enjoyed year-round, though the surrounding mountains are especially striking during the autumn foliage and fresh greenery seasons.
Map
35.4814, 137.3964 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1View the dam body of the Ōi Dam spanning the middle Kiso River
- 2See the dam from the Ena side, reflecting on its history in hydroelectric power
- 3Explore the surrounding area together with the New Ōi Dam built downstream
- 4Consider the power transmission system linking the Ōi and New Ōi power stations
Did you know?
💡 At 53.4 meters tall, the Ōi Dam is the second-largest gravity dam in Japan, after the Taishakugawa Dam in Hiroshima Prefecture.
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