Overview
Asahi Dam is an 87.0-meter-high concrete gravity dam built on the Hida River, part of the Kiso River water system, in the city of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Managed by Chubu Electric Power, it is a dedicated power-generation dam whose massive embankment resists water pressure through the sheer weight of its concrete. Built as the first step of a consistent development plan for the Hida River basin, it was the river's first large-scale dam power station and the pioneer that ushered in the era of full-scale high dams here. The artificial lake it forms is called the Asahi Reservoir, a highland waterside spread at roughly 846 meters above sea level that greets travelers with the clear air of Hida.
Highlights
- ●The weighty 87.0-meter concrete gravity dam embankment
- ●The historic presence of the Hida River's first high dam
- ●The Asahi Reservoir waterside at roughly 846 meters elevation
- ●The basin-wide scheme of sharing water with Akigami Dam
History
Construction began in 1946, planned amid the postwar demand to support reconstruction with electricity. Asahi Dam was positioned as the opening move of the consistent Hida River basin development plan and, as the first high dam on the river, cleared the way for the series of power dams that followed. A distinctive feature is the way it shares stored water with Akigami Dam on the Akigami River, built at the same time: by drawing on the two reservoirs in a coordinated way, the downstream hydroelectric stations on the Hida River can maintain and even strengthen their output even during droughts.
Access
The dam lies in Takayama City at roughly 36.08 degrees north and 137.41 degrees east, in mountainous terrain around 846 meters above sea level. It is reached by mountain roads along the Hida River, and with limited public transport, arriving by car is convenient. Because of its elevation, snow and ice are likely in winter, so prepare for the season and check road information. As the accessible areas and whether visitors may enter can change with the season, please confirm the details through official sources.
Best season
Sitting at 846 meters, the site stays relatively cool even in summer, and the seasons from fresh greenery to autumn color feel especially beautiful. In fall the surrounding mountains turn color and, together with the surface of the Asahi Reservoir, create a calm highland vista. Winter brings deep snow, so check snowfall conditions carefully before visiting.
Map
36.0764, 137.4122 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Follow the mountain road along the Hida River to reach Asahi Dam
- 2View the concrete gravity embankment up close to sense its scale
- 3Photograph the reservoir surface against the mountains of Hida
- 4Reflect on the basin's development history, including the water-sharing with Akigami Dam, before moving on
Did you know?
💡 The artificial lake behind Asahi Dam has no special nickname and is simply called the Asahi Reservoir. Though it was the pioneering first high dam on the Hida River, its two-as-one concept of juggling water together with Akigami Dam has long supported the region's power supply.
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