What is the best season to visit Odo Dam Park for cherry blossoms?

The ideal time to visit Odo Dam Park for cherry blossom viewing is in spring, typically late March to early April. During this period, approximately three thousand Yoshino cherry trees bloom around the dam lake, creating spectacular pink landscapes. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on weather conditions each year, so checking local bloom forecasts before your trip is recommended.

Is there an admission fee to enter Odo Dam Park?

No, entry to Odo Dam Park is free. Visitors can access the park area and enjoy the natural surroundings, cherry blossoms, and views of the dam without any admission charge, making it an accessible destination for exploring the Niyodo River region.

What activities can I do at Odo Dam Park?

Odo Dam Park offers various outdoor activities year-round. During summer, camping is popular on the dam lake square, with opportunities for water skiing and fishing in the natural environment. The area also hosts annual events including the Niyodogawa-cho Sagiriko Festival held in August, when the dam is illuminated at night. Additionally, dam tours are available for visitors interested in learning about the infrastructure and engineering of Shikoku's second largest dam.

How do I get to Odo Dam Park from Kochi City?

Odo Dam Park is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kochi City via National Road 33. The most convenient access method is by private vehicle, as public transportation to this remote area is limited. If you're planning to visit other attractions along the Niyodo River, a rental car provides the flexibility to explore multiple locations at your own pace.

What makes the Niyodo River special at Odo Dam?

The Niyodo River consistently ranks as the purest river in Japan and was awarded number one in water quality nationwide in 2019. The river is famous for its distinctive "Niyodo blue" color, which creates stunning visual contrasts with the surrounding landscape. The dam's 201-hectare lake impounds 66 million cubic meters of water, providing scenic views of this crystal-clear waterway surrounded by mountains and forests throughout the year.

Kochi

Odo Dam Park, Niyodogawa

3.9 (93)ParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 11, 2026

Odo Dam Park sits along the main stream of the Niyodo River, famous for its "Niyodo blue" color, in Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture. Construction of the gravity dam started in 1966 and was completed in 1986. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood control, water supply and power production, with a catchment area of 688.9 square kilometers. When full, the dam impounds about 201 hectares of land and can store 66 million cubic meters of water, making it the second largest dam in Shikoku.

The park surrounding the dam lake has become a significant natural attraction, particularly noted for its seasonal beauty. In spring, approximately three thousand Yoshino cherry trees bloom around the dam lake, drawing considerable numbers of visitors. Additional cherry viewing opportunities exist with weeping cherry and gourd-shaped cherry trees located about twenty minutes by car from the dam. The pristine water quality of the Niyodo River has earned national recognition, with the river consistently ranking among Japan's cleanest waterways.

Visitors to Odo Dam Park can engage in various outdoor activities throughout the year. Camping on the dam lake square is popular during summer months, with opportunities for water skiing and fishing in the natural surroundings. The area hosts several annual events including the Niyodogawa Oyako Fureai Bus Tour for families, the Niyodogawa-cho Sagiriko Festival, and the Niyodogawa-cho Kuishinbo Marathon. During the Sagiriko Festival held in August, the dam is illuminated, creating a distinctive evening spectacle. Dam tours are available for groups and individual visitors interested in infrastructure tourism.

The park is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kochi City via National Road 33. Access by private vehicle is the most convenient option, as public transportation to the area is limited. Visitors should note that the remote location makes driving the preferred mode of transport for reaching both the dam and nearby attractions in the Niyodo River basin. Entry to the park area is free, making it an accessible destination for those exploring the Niyodo River region.

Phone

+81 889-32-2771

Overview

Address

3869 Takase, Niyodogawa, Agawa District, Kochi 781-1802, Japan

Places & attractions near Odo Dam Park, Niyodogawa

Roadside Station Sukumo

Shimanto River Sightseeing Houseboat "Yakatabune Shimanto"

Ashizuri Port

Places & attractions near Odo Dam Park, Niyodogawa

Roadside Station Sukumo

Shimanto River Sightseeing Houseboat "Yakatabune Shimanto"

Ashizuri Port

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Ok, it was raining and very quiet.

Alex Chan

Apr 25, 2026

Located in Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, Odo Dam Park is a park developed around the Odo Dam, the largest dam on the Niyodo River. It covers an area of 13 hectares around the dam and extends 10 km along the lakeside road. In spring, approximately 3,000 cherry trees bloom, making it one of the prefecture's leading cherry blossom viewing spots. Highlights include the scenery around the dam lake, "Chagiri Lake," a lodging facility and restaurant overlooking the dam, athletic facilities and playgrounds for children, and tours of the dam itself (reservations required). Area ⦿ The park covers approximately 13 hectares around the dam and extends approximately 10 km along the lakeside road. Highlights ⦿ From this park, you can see the Odo Dam directly below, and if you're lucky, you might even see the dam's discharge from directly above! ⦿ Akiba no Yado and Restaurant: Located on a hill, this restaurant and lodging facility offers excellent views. ⦿ Athletic facilities and playground equipment: There are athletic facilities and playground equipment for children to enjoy near "Akiba no Yado". ⦿ Tour of the Odo Dam: Groups can tour the inside of the dam and the control room, with staff providing guidance. (Reservations required) ⦿ Relocated traditional house: A traditional house has been relocated to the park, allowing visitors to experience life in the past. ⦿ Nearby tourist spots: There is good access to tourist spots around the Niyodo River, such as the entrance to Iwaya Gorge, Sawado area, and Washizu Falls. There is also free parking and restrooms available.

After struggling to find lunch, it was already evening, so I decided to eat some rice balls I bought at a convenience store in this park. This high-altitude park acts as an observation deck, with a stunning view of the dam and the blue mountains. It just made the rice balls taste twice as good. There was also a large hawk in the park, and it seems to target bento boxes, so you should be a little careful. It was a cool-looking hawk, though. It was a great memory.

You can even drive on the top of Odo Dam, the second largest dam after Sameura Dam. It stores water from the Niyodo River and is an important part of Kochi. The views from the park near the dam are spectacular! You can enjoy the mountain scenery throughout the seasons, and it's a great park to drop by anytime!

Visited on March 31, 2024. The cherry blossoms are almost in full bloom. It takes about 10 minutes to drive across the Dam Bridge and enjoy the cherry blossoms along the river. The parking lot is incredibly large, but there weren't many people there, making it a hidden gem. Some people even set up camping chairs and enjoyed a leisurely cherry blossom viewing, so I'll keep that in mind next year! Lol