An Illustrated Japan / Niigata / Famous Views
Also written: 奥只見湖 · 奥多达米湖
One of Japan's largest artificial lakes. The panorama of fresh greenery in spring and autumn colors seen from a sightseeing boat is breathtaking, inviting you to enjoy pristine nature and a sense of remoteness.
Okutadami Lake is a massive reservoir with a total storage of 600 million cubic meters created by Okutadami Dam, a gravity concrete dam 157 meters high, 480 meters crest length, completed in 1960 after four years of construction harnessing the Tadami and Ono Rivers straddling Niigata and Fukushima. Although 5th tallest in Japan, its concrete volume ranks first among gravity dams, requiring heroic logistics along the 22-kilometer Okutadami Silver Line access road excavated with 19 tunnels through steep mountains, now a seasonal sightseeing route opened June to November. Nicknamed Ginzan Lake (Silver Mountain Lake) for lingering snow, the lake supplies hydro power peak capacity among Japan's largest, capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes. Cruising vessels run 40 minutes through flooded valleys showing fresh green and autumn color panoramas. Surrounding mountains exceed 1,500 meters, creating a remote wilderness feel. Fishing and camping are prohibited to protect water quality. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship.
