The construction project required the excavation of the Kanden Tunnel, which famously encountered a zone of high-pressure water and crushed rock that halted progress for seven months.
The dam’s arch shape was chosen specifically to withstand the extreme water pressure while utilizing less concrete than a gravity dam.
Lake Kurobe, created by the dam, has a surface area of approximately 1.78 square kilometers.
The dam serves as a critical reservoir for the Kurobe No. 4 Hydropower Station, which is situated deep underground inside the mountain.
During the discharge season, the atomized spray from the spillway frequently creates rainbows visible from the observation decks.
Kurobe Dam was completed in 1963 after seven years of intensive construction involving over 10 million workers.
Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest dam, standing at 186 meters high, located within the Hida Mountains. It functions as a hydroelectric power plant operated by Kansai Electric Power Co. The dam features a massive arch design that holds back Lake Kurobe, an artificial reservoir created by the construction project. Between late June and mid-October, the dam performs a massive water discharge that releases over 10 tons of water per second. Visitors can traverse the top of the dam via a pedestrian walkway offering views of the surrounding Northern Alps. The site is a core component of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Construction of the dam required the excavation of a massive tunnel through the mountains, which was notoriously difficult due to a fractured fault line. The facility provides critical electricity to the Kansai region.
The New Observation Plaza, which offers a bird's-eye view of the dam's curved face and the water discharge.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the observation areas involve significant stair climbing.
Bring a light waterproof jacket, as the spray from the dam discharge can be heavy and gusty.
Check the weather in the Alpine region before traveling, as heavy fog can obscure the mountain views.
Avoid visiting in peak summer weekends if you dislike large crowds, as the transit system becomes highly congested.
The site is closed to visitors during the winter months, typically from early December until mid-April, due to heavy snowfall.
Stay within marked pedestrian zones; do not climb on railings near the dam edge.
