Overview
Hijiori Dam is a dam in Ōkura Village, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture, built on a tributary of the Dōzan River in the Mogami River system. Standing in a quiet mountain valley right beside the celebrated Hijiori Onsen, it makes a striking sight. Registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, this historic engineering structure is a hidden highlight worth a stop while visiting the hot spring.
Highlights
- ●A historic dam registered as a Tangible Cultural Property
- ●An engineering heritage completed in March 1952, soon after the war
- ●A quiet setting in a mountain valley of the Dōzan River tributary
- ●A location right beside the celebrated Hijiori Onsen
History
Completed in March 1952, this historic dam was constructed on a tributary of the Dōzan River within the Mogami River system. Recognized for its value as an engineering heritage built in the years soon after the war, it is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Having watched over the region for more than half a century, its form conveys the construction techniques and the spirit of its era to this day.
Access
The dam lies in the mountainous part of Ōkura Village, Mogami District, in northeastern Yamagata Prefecture. As it sits right beside the hot-spring town of Hijiori Onsen, it is convenient to visit alongside a trip to the springs. Since the approach follows mountain roads, it is reassuring to check weather, road conditions, and which areas can be viewed through official sources beforehand.
Best season
Early summer, when the surrounding mountains are clothed in fresh green, and autumn, when foliage colors the valley, are especially beautiful. Visiting together with Hijiori Onsen lets you fully savor the mountain-village scenery of each season. Because the area is heavy snow country in winter, plan any snow-season visit only after thoroughly confirming road conditions and whether passage is possible.
Map
38.6047, 140.1653 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Set out from the Hijiori Onsen hot-spring town toward the dam
- 2Take a good look at the dam, a Tangible Cultural Property
- 3Stroll through the surrounding valley and mountain-village scenery
- 4Return to Hijiori Onsen and enjoy the mood of the healing spa
Did you know?
💡 Hijiori Dam is designated a Tangible Cultural Property, valued not only for its practical function as a dam but also for its historical and cultural significance. Nearby lies Hijiori Onsen, long known as a healing hot-spring retreat, and the pairing of the atmospheric spa town with a historic dam is a travel charm unique to this area.
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