Japan is Nippon 日本語
Kurobe Dam releasing a huge spray of water from its curved concrete wall beside a turquoise lake
Photo: foooomio, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Toyama · landmark

Kurobe Dam

黒部ダム

Japan's tallest dam, 186 m high, in the Northern Alps. From summer to autumn, over 10 tonnes of water a second fall into the valley like mist.

Kurobe Gorge and forested mountains seen from Kurobe Dam in Toyama Prefecture
Photo: Ippukucho, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The curved crest of Kurobe Dam with snow-capped Northern Alps peaks in spring
Photo: lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A giant dam built deep in the mountains over seven years

Kurobe Dam is an arch dam on the upper Kurobe River in the town of Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture. At 186 m it is the tallest dam in Japan, and its crest is 492 m long.

Construction began in 1956 and was completed in 1963. Working deep in rugged mountains was dangerous, and 171 people died in accidents during the build. Water from the dam is sent to the Kurobe River No. 4 Power Station downstream, which supplies electricity to the Kansai region.

The struggle to build it was portrayed in the 1968 film Kurobe no Taiyo ("The Sun of Kurobe").

The sightseeing water release and viewpoints

Every year from 26 June to 15 October there is a "sightseeing water release". You can watch more than 10 tonnes of water a second spread out like mist as it falls to the valley floor. On a fine day, a rainbow may appear in the spray.

Climb 220 steps from Kurobe Dam Station to reach the Dam Observation Platform at 1,508 m above sea level. You can also view the dam from many angles at the Water Release Viewing Stage, which puts you close to the release, at the New Observation Square and its Rainbow Terrace, and by walking along the 492 m top of the dam (the crest).

A dam on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Kurobe Dam lies partway along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a mountain sightseeing route linking Toyama and Nagano prefectures. You reach the dam by changing between the route's various vehicles.

From the Nagano side, an electric bus from Ogizawa Station reaches Kurobe Dam Station in about 16 minutes. From the Toyama side, it takes about three and a half hours by cable car, highland bus and other connections.

You can only visit Kurobe Dam from April to November, while the Alpine Route is open. Operating times vary by season, so check the official website.

Tips

  • The sightseeing release can be cancelled because of the weather and other factors, and the hours it runs vary through the season. If the release is what you are coming for, go by 15 October and check the times on the official website before you set out.
  • The observation platform is reached by 220 steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
  • It is much colder up in the mountains than on the plains, and the weather changes easily. Even in summer, bring an extra layer to be safe.
  • If you are continuing through the Alpine Route to the Toyama side, the last departure from Murodo towards Toyama leaves fairly early in the evening, so check the timetable on the official website when planning.

Sources

Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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