Nagai Dam

[Yamagata Prefecture] Enjoy summer at the dam lake! Nagai Dam Lake in Nagai City is full of charm

There are two dams in Nagai city, Yamagata prefecture. They play important roles such as generating electricity (power plants) which is essential for the daily lives of the residents, and controlling floods caused by heavy rain

The dam lake is a treasure trove of nature, and visitors can enjoy picking wild vegetables and fishing nearby

Nagai City is famous as a city of water, and we will introduce you to its parent dam, the Nagai Dam "Hyakuakiko," and the Kijiyama Dam located upstream


Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Nagai Hyakushu (Nagai Dam) with a guide!

Nagai Dam
Nagai Dam

In Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, there is the Tsu Dam Lake upstream of the Nogawa River, a tributary of the Mogami River

One of these, near the Mibuchi Valley, is Nagai Hyakushu Lake (Nagai Dam), which is a popular spot where you can enjoy summer leisure activities such as amphibious buses, boats, and canoes

This is a relatively new dam lake, completed in 2011, and is one of the largest dams in the Tohoku region

Nagai Dam was built by submerging the Sugano Dam on the Okitama River, making it larger and increasing the amount of water stored. The lake that was created by the Nagai Dam is Lake Nagai Hyakuaki

With spectacular views of the four seasons and water sports to enjoy, it seems that there is no end to the number of people visiting from inside and outside the prefecture on holidays


Water Bus

This very unusual amphibious vehicle is popular with tourists, who cheer when the bus suddenly enters the lake, splashing water as it travels on land

River Port Nagai <Information>

  • Name: Roadside Station Kawanominato Nagai
  • Address: 2-50 Higashimachi, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Business hours: 9:00-17:30
  • Fee
    • Adults: 3,500 yen
    • Children: 2,000 yen (ages 3 to elementary school)
    • Children under 2: Free (no seat)
  • Website: Amphibious Bus to Nagai Hyakushu Lake 2023
  • Event period: June 9, 2023 (Mon) - August 6, 2023 (Sun)
  • Phone number: 0238-88-1831

Google Map


Pedestrian bicycle experience

The water bicycles that can be experienced at Lake Hyakushu are apparently popular. You can pedal around the majestic lake yourself, and an instructor will be on hand so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind

You may work up a slight sweat while pedaling, but the cool breeze blowing across the lake will feel pleasant

Spending time in nature seems to make all your daily fatigue disappear in an instant


You can also bring your own canoe!

There is also a canoeing experience, which is an essential part of water leisure activities. Unlike a river, you can leisurely move along the calm waters, which will make you forget the passage of time and feel relaxed


The mystical Mibuchi Valley, a popular power spot

If you go upstream from Lake Hyakushu, you will find Mibuchi Valley, a gorge with sheer cliffs over 50 meters high stretching for over 200 meters. This gorge has a mystical atmosphere and can only be reached by boat

The area is also very popular as a power spot

Boat tours are also available for a limited time, and reservations are required, but it seems that they are difficult to get

Nogawa Manabikan <Information>

  • Name: Nogawa Manabikan Nature Experience Base
  • Address: 2743-4 Hirayama, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture
  • Business hours: 8:30-17:15
  • Price: 12,000 yen for up to 6 people, 20,000 yen for up to 10 people 
  • How to apply: Nagai Hyakushu Lake Boat Touring Official Website
  • Event period: May to mid-November
  • Phone number: 0238-87-0605

Google Map


Kijiyama Dam (Nogawa Valley), located upstream, is also a must-see spot!

This prefectural dam was constructed in 1960 on the upper reaches of the Okitama Nogawa River for the purposes of flood control, power generation, and agricultural water use. It is small, with a dam body measuring 46m high and 168.2m long, but it is a rare hollow gravity concrete dam, and is one of only two such dams in the prefecture, the other being Zao Dam

It is also popular among dam enthusiasts, and is known for distributing "dam cards," although only on weekdays

The dam lake, filled with cool, refreshing water, offers a spectacular view of Mount Shukube, known as the Matterhorn of Tohoku, and the lake water is channeled to the Nogawa No. 2 Power Station to generate electricity


The beauty of each season is overwhelming

The beauty of the autumn leaves around the dam lake is truly breathtaking. The area is untouched by plantations of cedar trees and other trees, leaving it in its natural state, and is also known for its beautiful virgin beech forest

Speaking of beautiful autumn leaves, the new green leaves are also a sight to behold

Furthermore, the untouched mountains around the dam lake are a treasure trove of wild vegetables, and are bustling with many visitors from late May to June

It is also well known as a very popular area for mountain stream fishing

Kijiyama Dam<Information>

Google Map


summary

There are dam lakes all over Japan, but it is rare for one city to have two dams

The dam lakes in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, are located upstream of the Nogawa River. There are two dam lakes: Kijiyama Dam, which can be seen with the mountain known as the Matterhorn of Tohoku (Mount Iwabe) in the background, and Nagai Dam, which is located a little downstream

The reservoir lake of Nagai Dam is called Nagai Hyakuaki Lake and is popular as a place to enjoy summer leisure activities

Furthermore, there is the Mibuchi Valley, a tributary of the Nogawa River that is known as a power spot and is known for its mystical scenery, and there are many other attractions

It might be a good idea to go there in the summer to cool off


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