Overview
Hokuzan Dam is a concrete gravity dam built at the uppermost reach of the Kase River, a Class A river in Saga City, Saga Prefecture. Standing 59.3 meters high with a crest length of 180 meters, it was built to supply irrigation water and generate electricity, and its reservoir spreads across roughly 200 hectares when full.
Highlights
- ●A concrete gravity dam standing 59.3 meters high with a 180-meter crest
- ●Lake Hokuzan, a reservoir spanning about 200 hectares at full capacity
- ●Its location at the uppermost stretch of the Kase River
- ●Dual function supplying both irrigation water and hydroelectric power
History
Construction began in 1950 and was completed in 1956. The dam's catchment area covers 54.6 square kilometers, and its reservoir can hold about 22.25 million cubic meters of water, making it a key water source for agriculture on the Saga Plain.
Access
The dam sits upstream along the Kase River, reached by heading from central Saga City into the surrounding hills. The reservoir, known as Lake Hokuzan, is developed with camping grounds and parks, so a car is the most practical way to visit.
Best season
Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage frame the lake beautifully, while the cool waterside setting also makes it a pleasant summer retreat.
Map
33.4339, 130.2372 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Walk the paths around the dam body to take in the structure up close
- 2Enjoy the scenery along the shores of Lake Hokuzan
- 3Drive up from central Saga City along the Kase River
- 4Stop at the leisure facilities built around the reservoir
Did you know?
💡 The dam serves the dual purpose of irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, and its structure is about 5 meters wide.
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