Osaki, Miyagi

Naruko Dam

Japan’s first arch dam built solely by Japanese hands

Construction of the Naruko Dam began in 1952, and it was the first dam in Japan to be built solely by Japanese people without bringing in any engineers from abroad.
Then, on April 5, 1957, the first dam built solely by Japanese finally took shape.
Previously, the Eai River, which snakes across the Osaki Plain, was prone to frequent flooding, causing great damage. However, the completion of the Naruko Dam, a multi-purpose dam that performs flood control, irrigation, and power generation, ushered in a new era without floods, not only for Naruko but also for the areas downstream.
In addition to flood control, the water is used for hydroelectric power generation and to supply the Osaki Plain with the water essential for agriculture.
In 2016, it was recognized as a piece of Civil Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.

Screen discharge
during Golden Week
Every year during the Golden Week holidays, Naruko Dam releases water from the overflow section at the crest of the dam.
In the spring, the dam’s reservoir fills up with snowmelt water and spills out from the overflow section at the top of the dam, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle.
The water flowing down from a height of 94.5 meters resembles a bamboo screen, and its sheer power is well worth seeing!
View of Lake Arao
Fed by the Arao river, which originates on Mt. Arao, and several tributaries, Lake Arao is an artificial lake formed by the Naruko Dam.
The contrast between the reservoir and the surrounding lush forest creates a unique vista that never fails to delight visitors.
Releasing water from the discharge valve
During the Golden Week screen discharge ceremony, you can also watch a special release of water from the discharge valve.

Naruko Dam
Facility information

Name Naruko Dam
Location Osaki, Miyagi
Purpose Multiple (flood control, irrigation, power generation, etc.)
Size Height: 94.5 m; Effective water storage volume: 35 million m²
Date construction started 1952
Date completed October 12, 1957
Date operation started October 12, 1957
Management Naruko Dam and Reservoir Management Office, Tohoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Wait!
There’s so much more!

Rice from the Osaki Koudo Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

https://osakikoudo.jp/

The Osaki region of Miyagi Prefecture, where the Naruko Dam is located, has traditionally developed water management systems such as canals and reservoirs in order to overcome floods and droughts caused by topographical factors and the cold and wet “Yamase” wind. In recognition of this ingenious water management system, the area was named as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2017.
Be sure to try “Sasamusubi”, the rice grown in the fertile soil of the Osaki Koudo.

Naruko Dam Aged Sake

http://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/naruko/press/R2/pdf/20041301.pdf

As part of their efforts to revitalize the local community amid the recent upsurge in interest in dams, Osaki City and the Naruko Dam and Reservoir Management Office have started an experiment to preserve sake brewed in the city for long periods of time.
Long-aged sake has enjoyed growing popularity in the last few years, but long-term aging requires an environment with a stable temperature throughout the year. Therefore, we are conducting tests inside the dam and in the drainage tunnel of the old road, which offer the perfect conditions for storage.

Guide to the area and sightseeing

The area around Naruko Dam has many must-see sightseeing spots.
Don’t miss the hot springs, leisure attractions, and historical sites nearby.

  • Naruko Hot Springs
    Tourism Division of Miyagi Prefecture

    Naruko Onsen is a famous hot spring that has a long association with the legend of Yoshitsune. Each inn and hotel has its own hot spring source, providing various types of water and therapeutic benefits.
    From modern hot spring hotels to lodges for hot spring therapy, you can choose the accommodation that best suits your lifestyle. The area has also been designated as a national hot spring resort by the Ministry of the Environment.

    Contact

    Naruko Onsenkyo Tourism Asssociation
    Address: 2-1 Narukoonsenyumoto, Osaki, Miyagi
    TEL: 0229-83-3441
    http://www.naruko.gr.jp/
  • Onikoube Hell Valley
    Naruko Dam and Reservoir Management Office

    Hot springs spout out of the ground at more than a dozen places along both banks of the Fukiagezawa River, and steam drifts through the air.
    There is a walking trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
    Near Murasakijigoku, or “purple hell,” you can make delicious boiled eggs in less than ten minutes by placing them in the hot water.

    Contact

    Regional Development Division, Naruko General Branch Office
    Address: 16 Narukoonsenonikobe, Osaki, Miyagi
    TEL: 0229-82-2111
    https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1561.html
  • Autumn Colors of Narukokyo Gorge
    Tourism Division of Miyagi Prefecture

    The natural beauty of Narukokyo Gorge is said to be one of the finest landscapes in Tohoku.
    The gorge is an amazing 100 meters deep and autumn leaves cover the entire walls.
    The view from the viewing platform and the walking trail is also spectacular, attracting many visitors from all over the country.

    Contact

    Naruko Onsenkyo Tourism Asssociation
    Address: Narukoonsen, Osaki, Miyagi
    TEL: 0229-83-3441
    http://www.naruko.gr.jp/onsenkyo/leisure/
  • Japan Kokeshi Museum
    Japan Kokeshi Museum

    Located in Naruko Park on a hill, this kokeshi doll museum features displays of kokeshi dolls, demonstrations, and on-site sales.
    About 5,000 traditional kokeshi dolls are on display, including dolls belonging to His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu, the Fukazawa Collection, and kokeshi dolls from various regions. Doll-painting workshops are also available.

    Contact

Access

Contact

Naruko Dam and Reservoir Management Office, Tohoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Address: 2-8 Narukonseniwabuchi, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6806
TEL: 0229-82-2341　FAX: 0229-83-3855
http://www.thr.mlit.go.jp/naruko/index.html
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