Overview
Toyooka Dam is an 81-meter-tall gravity concrete dam built on the Haino River, a tributary of the Dodo River in the Shinano River system, in Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture. This multipurpose dam handles flood control, unspecified water use, and municipal water supply for the surrounding area. The reservoir it created is named Shoryu-ko (Rising Dragon Lake), and its quiet expanse of water tucked into the hills leaves a lasting impression.
Highlights
- ●The crest of an 81-meter gravity concrete dam
- ●The calm surface of the reservoir Shoryu-ko
- ●A multipurpose role of flood control, water use, and supply
- ●Quiet natural scenery spread across the hills of Suzaka
History
Planning dates back to 1978, and after construction the dam was completed in 1994. A relatively compact gravity dam on the Haino, a tributary of the Dodo, it has long served to protect central Suzaka from flooding while supplying water for daily life. For the origin of its name and details of dam management, official information is the reliable source.
Access
The dam sits on the mountain side of Suzaka, near latitude 36.62 and longitude 138.38. The basic route follows the Dodo River from central Suzaka up into the hills, and visiting by car is the practical choice. Since part of the way runs along mountain roads, please check road conditions and parking availability with official sources beforehand.
Best season
Early summer's fresh greenery and autumn's foliage show Shoryu-ko, the reservoir cradled in the hills, at its finest. On clear days the contrast between the water seen from the dam crest and the surrounding ridgelines is a pleasure. Winter brings likely snow and icy roads, so anyone visiting should confirm gear and road information in advance.
Map
36.6208, 138.3780 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head up the mountain side along the Dodo River from central Suzaka
- 2Visit the crest of Toyooka Dam for a view over Shoryu-ko
- 3Walk the lakeshore and nearby mountain paths to enjoy the air
- 4Return to Suzaka to enjoy the town's sights and food
Did you know?
💡 The reservoir's name, Shoryu-ko or Rising Dragon Lake, carries an auspicious ring, as if the water winding through the hills were likened to a dragon. The 81-meter gravity concrete dam is a sturdy structure that resists water pressure through its own sheer weight, quietly popular among fans of civil engineering.
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