Naganuma Dam

Overview

Naganuma Dam in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, is a prefecturally run multipurpose dam built by harnessing Lake Naganuma, a natural lake in the Kitakami River system. This earthen dam stands 15.3 meters high, with a total storage capacity of about 31.8 million cubic meters and a reservoir surface of roughly 6.1 square kilometers, said to be the largest earthen dam in Japan in both storage volume and water area. Its main purpose is flood control on the lower Hasama River, but it also serves a recreational role, supporting rowing events held on Lake Naganuma. That makes it a rare case, the only recreation-purpose dam in eastern Japan. It was completed in May 2014.

Highlights

• ●An earthen dam using natural Lake Naganuma, largest in Japan in storage and water area
• ●A scale of 15.3 meters high with about 31.8 million cubic meters of storage
• ●The only multipurpose dam in eastern Japan with a recreational purpose
• ●A rowing venue that has hosted the Asian Rowing Championships

History

Naganuma Dam was one of several dams planned after typhoons in 1947 and 1948 caused extensive flooding in the Kitakami River valley. Preliminary construction began in 1975, but completion was greatly delayed by strong opposition from local residents facing relocation and by environmental concerns over submerging and altering the natural Lake Naganuma. After many years it was finally completed in May 2014. As one of the largest projects ever to turn a natural lake into a dam, it was realized in a way that balances flood control, regional water use, and a venue for boat racing.

Map

38.7097, 141.1494 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head by car from central Tome to the shore of Lake Naganuma
2. 2Take in the dam and vast reservoir from the lakeside to sense its scale
3. 3Stroll around the rowing course and enjoy the waterside views and waterfowl
4. 4Stop by farmland and local spots around Tome before heading home

Did you know?

💡 Naganuma Dam has the rare distinction of being the only recreation-purpose dam in eastern Japan. In October 1999 Lake Naganuma hosted the 8th Asian Rowing Championships, which also served as the Asian qualifier for the Sydney Olympics the following year, and it has long been known as a stage for boat racing. Since December 2014, under a naming-rights agreement, the nickname Pacific Consultants Naganuma Dam has been used preferentially.

Nearby spots