With the autumn foliage season upon us, I made my way to Takase Valley.
Nagano Prefecture was devastated by Typhoon Hagibis in 2019, and after volunteering and other activities, I was mentally and physically exhausted and in search of a sense of freedom.
Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy, but the contrast between the decorative beauty of nature and the massive, man-made structure was striking.
When I went to the office to get my dam card, I found an exhibition room displaying the dam's structure and history. Apparently, with advance reservations, you can also tour the inside of the dam with a guided tour by a staff member. And it's free! (Sorry, I regret not gathering enough information beforehand.)
The temperature can drop dramatically with even the slightest gust of wind, so you might need some warm clothing soon.
When I approached from the Azumino area, it towered right in front of me (lol).
The dam cards were neatly placed in the empty exhibition hall.
Admission to the exhibition hall is free. There are plenty of explanatory panels, giving a good understanding of the history of flood control and forestry management along the Takase River, as well as how the water is used. Without this dam, I don't think I would have moved to Azumino because I would have been afraid of the raging river.
It seems that you can also tour the dam's inspection passage if you make a reservation.
It's a quiet place. The museum is quite interesting, so it might be good for dam lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, admission to the Omachi Dam area is completely free. Visitors can access the dam site, observation park, and the information center without any entrance fees. Dam cards are also distributed free of charge at the Omachi Dam Information Center.
Yes, interior tours are available Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., excluding national holidays and year-end holidays. The tours take visitors through the inspection gallery, which maintains comfortable temperatures year-round, and lead to viewing points where you can see the dam structure from below and observe water discharges up close. Reservations may be required, so it's recommended to contact the Omachi Dam Management Office at 0261-22-4511 before visiting.
The distinctive emerald green color comes from fine sulfur particles flowing from the upper reaches of the Takase Valley that mix with the water. This natural phenomenon gives Lake Ryujin its striking appearance, which becomes particularly vivid against the surrounding autumn foliage during peak season from mid-October to early November.
From Tokyo or other major cities, take the train to either JR Shinano-Omachi Station via Matsumoto (approximately one hour from Matsumoto on the Oito Line) or use express buses from Nagano Station, which take about one hour and 10 minutes. From Shinano-Omachi Station, the dam is most easily reached by private car, taxi, or local bus. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes from the station.
The dam is part of the scenic Takase Valley, which includes two other dams (Nanakura Dam and Takase Dam) along the Takase River. Nearby Kuzu Hot Springs offers bathing with views of the Northern Alps and has a 300-year history. The area serves as a gateway to the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and Kurobe Dam. The region offers hiking trails, autumn foliage viewing, and access to the 3,000-meter peaks of the Hida Mountains.
