Overview
Hiju Dam is an irrigation rock-fill dam on the Hiju River, part of the Yakkan River system, in the Hiju area of Kusu Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture. Standing 48 meters high, it uses the sturdy rock-fill construction method of piling up stone and earth, and it supplies a steady flow of water to surrounding farmland. The dam is recognized for its three radial gates, and it sits as a quiet waterside spot amid the mountains. While it is not a heavily developed tourist site, it offers a chance to appreciate the scenery of water that sustains agriculture and the calm of the natural setting.
Highlights
- ●The sturdy 48-meter rock-fill embankment of the dam
- ●Distinctive discharge equipment with three radial gates
- ●The quiet surface of the reservoir spread among the mountains
- ●Nishishiiya Falls just downstream, one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls
History
Work on the dam began in 1964, and it was completed in 1969, giving it a fairly long history. It was built to irrigate the rice fields and farmland spread across the Kusu basin and its surroundings, and it has long supported agriculture in an area where water use was once difficult. As a rock-fill dam, its embankment of piled stone and earth has a natural texture quite different from a concrete dam. The three radial gates are equipment used to adjust the volume of released water as needed, playing an important role in managing water for farming.
Access
The dam lies in the mountainous Hiju area of Kusu Town, near latitude 33.35 north and longitude 131.24 east in Oita Prefecture. Reaching it involves driving up mountain roads from central Kusu Town, and because direct access by public transport is limited, traveling by car such as a rental vehicle is convenient once on site. Some sections of road are narrow, so drive with care, and check current road conditions and whether visits are permitted through official Kusu Town information beforehand.
Best season
The fresh green of spring into early summer and the colored foliage of autumn are the best seasons to enjoy this mountain waterside. The surroundings are rich in nature, and the changing face of the hills through the seasons harmonizes with the still surface of the reservoir. In winter the mountain roads may freeze or be covered with snow, so be sure to check the weather and road surface conditions before you go.
Map
33.3547, 131.2489 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Drive into the mountains from central Kusu Town
- 2View the dam embankment and its radial gates
- 3Take in the scenery of the quiet reservoir and nature
- 4Continue downstream to admire the famous Nishishiiya Falls
Did you know?
💡 Just downstream of the dam is Nishishiiya Falls, a renowned cascade chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Being able to enjoy the sight of this waterfall together with a visit to the dam is a special charm of the Hiju Dam area. The fact that an irrigation dam stands side by side with such a natural landmark makes this place a slightly unusual destination for a trip.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!