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.
