About Kurobe Dam
Kurobe Dam is one part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and is one of the most popular sights along that route to visit. It is the tallest dam in Japan at 186 meters, and is also known as one of the most hazardous constructions.
In the rapidly growing post-war economy of Japan, it became clear early on that there was not enough electricity for the Kansai area. In order to generate more electricity and to push through a drought, a dam was commissioned to be built at the Kurobe River in 1956. Constructions were not easy and in the process, 171 lives were lost.
Nowadays, Kurobe Dam is no longer a hazardous construction site but a well-visited attraction and supplier of energy. Famous for among others being part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and for its massive water discharge, visitors come during the warmer seasons to walk across the dam or to go up, to some of the control centers where the dam can be seen from above.
If you visit between July and October, the gates of the dam that hold the water at bay are opened and the water discharge that can be seen is enormous. You can walk across the dam and see the water discharge while standing right above the water gates.
If you want to see more of the dam and its surroundings, you can take get aboard the highest altitude tour boats in Japan. From early June to November, these sightseeing boats take you past the dam and further up the river so you get the full picture of the whole area.
Tours to and from Kurobe Dam
General Information about transportation from Ogizawa to Kurobe Dam
Bus Hours:
Mid-April to early Nov.・6:30 – 17:00
November・8:30 – 16:00
Price to see Kurobe Dam:
Free
Transportation fee from Ogizawa to Kurobe Dam
Per adult (13+)・¥2,570
Per Child (6-12)・¥1,290
Address:
Ashikuraji, Tateyama, Nakaniikawa District, 930-1406 Toyama Prefecture
Travel Tips
How to get to Kurobe Dam
Option 1 Tokyo → Nagano → Ogizawa → Kurobe Dam:
1. From Tokyo Station to Nagano (1.5 hours):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa and get off at Nagano.
2. From Nagano to Ogizawa (1.5 hours)
Transfer at Nagano Station to the express bus bound for Ogizawa and get off at Ogizawa. Private service also available.
3. From Ogizawa to Kurobe Dam (30 minutes):
At Ogizawa, purchase a Alpine Routeticket and get on the trolley bus to Kurobe Dam.
Option 2 Tokyo → Toyama → Tateyama → Murodo → Kurobe:
1. From Tokyo Station to Toyama Station (2.15 hours):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa and get off at Toyama Station.
2. From Toyama to Tateyama Station (1 hour):
Take the train of the Tateyama Line from Toyama to Tateyama Station. Upon arrival at Tateyama Station, transfer to the cablecar heading for Bijodaira.
3. From Bijodaira to Murodo (1 hour):
From Bijodaira there is an express bus bound for Murodo.
4. From Murodo to Kurobe (2 hours):
At Murodo, get on the trolleybus to Kaikanbo, the ropeway to Kurobedaira, and the cablecar to Kurobe Dam.
