Arita Dam

Overview

Arita Dam is a gravity dam built on the Shirakawa River, a tributary of the Class 2 Arita River system, in the Shirakawa area of Arita, a town in Saga Prefecture's Nishi-Matsuura District. It was constructed to serve local flood control and water-supply needs.

Highlights

• ●A 27.5-meter-high, 108-meter-long gravity dam structure
• ●A quiet reservoir spanning about 18 hectares at full capacity
• ●Its role as a headwater facility on the Shirakawa River within the Arita River system
• ●Dual functions of flood control and municipal water supply

History

Construction began in 1958 and was completed in 1961. The dam stands 27.5 meters high with a crest length of 108 meters, and its catchment area covers about 2.2 square kilometers. When full, the reservoir spreads across roughly 18 hectares and holds about 1.88 million cubic meters of water.

Map

33.1983, 129.8952 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Drive from central Arita to the dam and view the structure up close
2. 2Stroll along the reservoir's edge and take in the reflection of the surrounding hills
3. 3Combine the visit with a tour of nearby Arita ware pottery kilns
4. 4Stop by Arita's shopping streets on the way back to sample local food and crafts

Did you know?

💡 In a town best known for Arita ware pottery, this modest dam has long served as a water source supporting both daily life and agriculture in the area. Its relatively compact scale reflects its character as a community-level flood-control and water-utility facility rather than a massive engineering landmark.

Nearby spots