Overview
Origawa Dam is a gravity concrete dam built on the Ori River, a tributary of the Shonai (Toki) River system, straddling the cities of Mizunami and Ena in Gifu Prefecture. A directly managed dam under the Chubu Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, it stands 114 meters high. As a specified multipurpose dam handling flood control, river environment maintenance, and power generation, the reservoir it forms is named Lake Origawa. The imposing dam body and its view over the lake make it a striking spot among the mountains of the Tono region.
Highlights
- ●An imposing gravity concrete dam, 114 meters high with a crest length of 331.3 meters
- ●Views of Lake Origawa, the reservoir it created, and the mountains of the Tono region
- ●The scale of a specified multipurpose dam for flood control, environment, and power
- ●The powerful flow of water that can sometimes be seen during releases
History
Construction of Origawa Dam began in 1979 and was completed in 2003, after roughly a quarter of a century. With a dam height of 114.0 meters and a crest length of 331.3 meters, this large-scale dam was built to protect downstream areas from flooding while also serving multiple roles such as maintaining the river environment and generating power. Built over a long construction period, this vast structure remains an important facility supporting flood control and daily life in the region.
Access
The dam lies around the border of Mizunami and Ena cities in Gifu Prefecture. It is convenient to reach by car from the Mizunami or Ena interchanges on the Chuo Expressway, with the dam sitting at the end of winding mountain roads. Parking spaces are often provided nearby, but as the areas open for viewing and the status of facilities can change, we recommend confirming with the manager's official information before your visit. Access by public transport alone is somewhat inconvenient, so coming by car is the practical choice.
Best season
Early summer, with its fresh greenery, and autumn, when the mountains take on color, are especially beautiful. When water is released, you may feel the powerful flow up close and encounter a dramatic sight. In winter the air is clear, and the contrast between the lake surface and the dam body stands out. Its appearance changes greatly with the season and weather, so you can enjoy a different scene each time you visit.
Map
35.3286, 137.3028 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to Origawa Dam by car from the Mizunami or Ena interchange on the Chuo Expressway
- 2Look up at the dam base and body to feel the power of the 114-meter gravity dam
- 3From the dam's upper section or a viewpoint, gaze over Lake Origawa and the Tono mountains
- 4After your visit, continue your Tono journey to nearby spots in Mizunami and Ena
Did you know?
💡 At 114 meters, the dam body is tall enough to require looking up, and from its upper section and surroundings you can take in Lake Origawa and the mountain ranges of the Tono region. As a multipurpose dam combining flood control, environmental maintenance, and power generation, it is a civil-engineering landscape uniting flood management, water use, and nature that dam enthusiasts will not want to miss.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!