Naruko Dam

This concrete gravity-arch dam built in 1957 is about seven minutes by taxi from JR Naruko-Onsen Station. It's on the Eai River, part of the Kitakami River's water basin, and is managed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Naruko Onsen and its village are downstream, and the close proximity of the station makes it easy to get to. Its reservoir, Arao Lake, is part of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park and in 2016 was recognized as a Japan Society of Civil Engineers Public Works Heritage site. Photographers and dam enthusiasts visit in droves for the three-day period over the Golden Week holiday when accumulated snowmelt water is released in what they call the Sudare Discharge.

Spot details

Address: Miyagi Pref. Osakishi Narukonsen Iwabuchi In the ground Map
Area: Northern Area
Phone: 0229822341
Hours: [Administration aisle (Mid-Apr.-Early Dec.)] 8:00-17:00
[Exhibition room] 8:30-17:00
Closed: New Year's Holiday(12/29-1/3)
Fees: Free
Parking Lot: Available (observation plaza 70 spaces, exhibition room 5 spaces)
Credit Card: Not available