Why is Hakusui Dam called "Japan's most beautiful dam"?

Hakusui Dam earned its reputation due to its elegant design featuring curved and stepped spillways that create a beautiful water curtain resembling white lace or silk fabric. The center functions like a wide water slide, producing a stunning white water curtain that showcases the natural beauty of flowing water. The structure's majestic, almost European castle-like appearance, combined with its graceful water flow patterns, has led many researchers to call it Japan's most beautiful dam. The white, foamy appearance of the cascading water is what gives the dam its name—Hakusui means "white water."

Can I visit both sides of the dam during one trip?

Visiting both banks requires careful planning. You cannot cross the dam itself, and traveling by car between the two sides takes a significant amount of time. The left bank offers views looking up at the water cascading down and is approximately a 3-minute walk from its parking lot. The right bank provides an elevated overview of the dam and requires about a 1-kilometer walk from its parking area. The road between the two sides has sections where it's difficult for cars to pass, so visitors should decide in advance which perspective they prefer or allocate extra time to see both.

When is the best time to visit Hakusui Dam?

The most popular time to visit is autumn, when seasonal foliage colors the surrounding hillsides in shades of red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the white cascading water. However, each season offers distinct appeal—spring brings cherry blossoms, summer provides lush greenery, and winter adds snow to the landscape. Water visibility depends on seasonal water levels and reservoir conditions, so it's advisable to check current conditions before visiting. During periods of low water levels, you may not be able to see water flowing over the dam.

Is there an admission fee and what facilities are available?

The site is completely free to enter. Both the left and right banks have parking lots with restroom facilities available for visitors. The left bank parking area features very clean restrooms, with the women's restroom reportedly equipped with sound devices. Walking paths and observation points around the dam allow visitors to fully appreciate the structure and surrounding natural environment. The peaceful setting features the soothing sight and sound of flowing water.

How do I get to Hakusui Dam without a car?

The dam is approximately 30 minutes by car from central Taketa and cannot be reached by public transportation. Private transportation is essential for visiting this site. Visitors should plan for a mountain road drive, with some sections featuring narrow passages. The dam's remote mountain location makes it inaccessible via buses or trains, so renting a car or arranging private transport is necessary for reaching this Important Cultural Property.

Oita

Hakusui Dam, Taketa

4.3 (505)Tourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

Hakusui Dam, located on the upper reaches of the Ono River in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, stands as one of Japan's most aesthetically striking hydraulic structures. Commonly referred to as "Japan's most beautiful dam," it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1999 as a representation of the country's agricultural modernization. Construction began in 1934 under the direction of civil engineer Yasuo Ono and was completed in 1938, addressing long-standing irrigation challenges faced by farmers in the region.

The dam measures 14 meters high and just under 90 meters wide, making it considerably smaller than typical hydroelectric dams. It is a stone masonry-based gravity dam built specifically for agricultural water usage. The structure's distinctive design features stepped and curved spillways at each end, engineered to control water velocity and prevent erosion of the fragile volcanic ground characteristic of the Aso mountain area. As water flows over the center of the structure, it appears white—hence the name Hakusui, meaning "white water".

Visitors experience the dam's cascading waters from two distinct vantage points. The left bank offers views from below, where the stepped spillway creates a mesmerizing curtain-like effect of white foam descending the structure. The right bank provides an elevated perspective overlooking the surrounding landscape. Visitors cannot cross the dam itself, and traveling by car between the two sides requires significant time, so advance planning is recommended. The seasonal changes enhance the visual appeal, with the dam's water surface reflecting spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow.

The dam is approximately 30 minutes by car from central Taketa and cannot be reached by public transportation. Free parking lots with restroom facilities are available on both sides. From the left bank parking area, the dam is approximately a 3-minute walk, while the right bank requires about a 1-kilometer walk. The site is free to enter. Water flow visibility depends on water levels and seasonal conditions, so checking current conditions before visiting is advisable.