Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

One of the first stops worth making on a dam tour near Sapporo is Toyama Dam. Managed by Hokkaido Electric Power, this power-generation-only dam stands out for its rare structure: the dam body bends sharply at About 60 degrees, an unusual design even on a national scale.

With a height of 30 meters, Toyama Dam is a gravity concrete dam. Viewed from the outside, the dramatic bend in its structure is clearly visible. Among the many straight-lined dams found throughout Japan, this distinctive curve immediately catches the eye and invites closer inspection. The gates that cover the crest—unique to power-generation dams—add another layer of character that sets it apart.

Surrounded by more well-known dams such as Jozankei Dam and Hoheikyo Dam, Toyama Dam tends to fly under the radar. Yet that is precisely part of its appeal. For those who take time to observe its structure and details, it offers a deeper appreciation of dam design and engineering. When visiting nearby dams, this lesser-known gem is well worth adding to your route.

Hoheikyo Dam, a 102.5-meter-high arch concrete dam, was built for flood control and hydroelectric power along the Toyohira River. Standing before its sweeping curved structure, you can truly appreciate the impressive scale and engineering marvel of this dam.

The area around the dam lake is one of the most scenic spots near Sapporo. In autumn, the entire valley is transformed into a vibrant tapestry of red and gold foliage, creating a breathtaking view as the colorful mountains frame the massive dam. Spring brings fresh greenery, while summer offers a striking contrast between the deep green forest and the vivid blue lake. Each season reveals a different side of this spectacular landscape.

Blending seamlessly with the grandeur of nature, the arch dam makes a commanding presence. It’s a perfect destination for anyone exploring Sapporo’s nearby dams, where natural beauty and human ingenuity come together in harmony.

For a delicious break during your dam-hopping adventure, stop by Hakkenzan Kitchen & Marche, located next to Hakkenzan Winery. This cozy restaurant showcases the best of local ingredients, offering a comforting spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

Be sure to try the limited-edition Jozankei Dam Curry and Hoheikyo Dam Curry, two specialty dishes named after the region’s iconic dams. These fun, satisfying meals are perfect for commemorating your dam tour and making your travel memories even more special.

At Hakkenzan Kitchen, the focus is on “delicious, wholesome, and locally sourced” cuisine. Fresh vegetables and fruits from Hakkenzan, eggs from Narita Poultry Farm, and carefully raised Furukawa Pork from the area all contribute to the rich flavors. The adjoining Marche also offers local wine, processed goods, and fresh produce, making it a delightful stop on your journey.

Completed in 1989, Jozankei Dam serves as an essential water source for the city of Sapporo. Known as the city’s “second major reservoir” after Hoheikyo Dam, the dam created Sapporo Lake, whose striking deep blue waters have become a beloved scenic spot. From the observation area, the lake mirrors the sky and surrounding mountains, offering a serene and expansive view that changes with the seasons.

A defining feature of Jozankei Dam is its arch concrete structure. The curved dam efficiently transfers water pressure to the surrounding bedrock, reducing concrete usage compared to a gravity dam, though strong bedrock is essential. Only two other arch dams remain in Hokkaido—Hoheikyo Dam and Oku-Niikappu Dam—making Jozankei Dam a rare and remarkable engineering achievement shaped by natural conditions and advanced technology.

Adjacent to the dam, the Jozankei Dam Museum offers educational displays, including dioramas recreating the dam’s construction and exhibits on the surrounding natural environment. Visiting the museum after seeing the massive structure helps deepen understanding of the dam’s vital role.

Combining breathtaking scenery with impressive engineering, Jozankei Dam is an ideal destination for those wanting a thoughtful, leisurely end to a dam-focused tour near Sapporo.

Rising 73.9 meters high, Asari Dam sits in the mountains connecting Sapporo and Otaru, offering a panorama of diverse landscapes. From the dam crest, visitors can enjoy Otarunai Lake with its calm waters, and the sweeping curves of the Asari Sky Loop climbing the mountains. Looking further, the sparkling sea peeks out beyond the mountains, creating a truly unforgettable view.

The lake’s shoreline has been developed as a scenic park, perfect for strolling and taking in the natural beauty. On-site, the Asari Dam Memorial Hall shares the dam’s history and functions, giving visitors an enriching learning experience alongside sightseeing. Nearby sports facilities, including tennis courts, make the area a welcoming space for the local community.

Asari Dam is also a prime autumn destination, when the lakeside and surrounding mountains glow with vibrant colors. Just downstream lies Asari Bridge, a looping structure that allows visitors to circle the dam and ascend for panoramic views. Here, you can enjoy the rare combination of lake, mountains, and sea in a single breathtaking location—an experience unique to Asari Dam.

Nestled among lush mountains, Asarigawa Hot Spring has long been cherished as Otaru’s hidden retreat. Its convenient access from both Sapporo and central Otaru makes it an ideal base for sightseeing.

After a day of exploring dams and hiking, soaking in the hot spring’s soothing waters while surrounded by seasonal scenery is the perfect way to unwind. The serene atmosphere, loved by locals and travelers alike, ensures a peaceful and restorative evening.

With nature and relaxation side by side, Asarigawa Hot Spring is the perfect final stop for a dam-focused tour near Sapporo, allowing you to refresh both body and mind before continuing your Hokkaido adventures.

Located near Sapporo, Tobetsu Dam is a multipurpose dam whose reservoir is named Tobetsu Owl Lake. Originally planned as a gravity concrete dam, it was redesigned as a trapezoidal CSG dam—rare in Hokkaido—for both economic and environmental reasons. Its softly curved, trapezoidal form harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Standing 52 meters tall, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control, river flow regulation, and the supply of irrigation and drinking water. By maintaining a stable water level, it safeguards farmland and urban areas downstream, supporting the lives of residents in Tobetsu and neighboring communities.

Surrounded by mountains and rivers, Tobetsu Owl Lake exudes a tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful spot for reflection. With its innovative structure and seamless integration with nature, Tobetsu Dam stands out as a unique highlight in a dam tour near Sapporo, providing both technical interest and scenic beauty.

Set in the heart of Furano’s natural beauty, Cafe Rest Log Jam is a charming log house restaurant tucked into a quiet forest. Opening the door reveals a warm wooden interior, offering a relaxing respite during your travels.

The menu features 14 varieties of spaghetti and 6 rice dishes. A special highlight is the Kanayama Dam Curry, offered only occasionally and regarded as a “legendary” dish among dam enthusiasts. Because it’s served on limited days, it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

Log Jam takes pride in a complete dining experience, from the meal to the perfect cup of coffee. They use carefully selected raw beans, roasted in-house to highlight each variety’s character. Water from the western slope of Mount Furano is filtered and adjusted for optimal brewing. Freshly ground beans are brewed one cup at a time using a siphon, with two cups served in a flask.

The coffee is medium-dark roasted to pair perfectly with the meal, offering a clean taste with minimal acidity and no off-flavors thanks to careful hand-picking of beans. The result is a meal experience that balances rich flavors, a cozy ambiance, and a satisfying finish—making a visit to Log Jam as memorable as the dam tours themselves.

Located at the uppermost reaches of the Sorachi River, Kanayama Dam is a multipurpose facility for flood control and water supply. It is Hokkaido’s only hollow gravity concrete dam, featuring a unique internal cavity that combines massive presence with functional elegance. Even casual visitors will find it impressive.

The dam forms Lake Kanayama, covering about 920 hectares—the largest surface area for this type of dam in Japan. In summer, lakeside lavender fields bloom, creating a stunning mix of purple flowers, blue waters, and the dam—a favorite spot for photos.

Kanayama Dam is historically notable, having submerged 269 households, the largest in Hokkaido. Visiting helps you appreciate both the engineering and the local history.

The site also features Japan’s first floating intake tower, which moves with the water level to supply irrigation, showcasing advanced design.

Surrounded by Minami-Furano Nature Park, a right-bank observation deck offers views of Mt. Ashibetsu and Mt. Yubari. In summer, the area hosts camping, lake festivals, fireworks, and fishing, making it a lively destination for nature lovers.

Located upstream on the Yubari River, Yubari Shuparo Dam is a large-scale multipurpose gravity concrete dam constructed as part of a redevelopment project. With a height of 110.6 meters and a crest length of 390 meters, it forms one of Japan’s largest reservoirs. The water surface area spans about 1,400 hectares (second-largest in the country), and its total storage capacity ranks fourth nationwide.

During construction, engineers faced the challenge of working near the existing O-Yubari Dam. They used a sophisticated half-river closure method, gradually diverting the river to complete the project. The engineering ingenuity embedded in the structure is a highlight for visitors.

The name “Shuparo” comes from the Ainu language. “Yuparo” means “a place where mineral springs gush,” and adding “Shi,” meaning “true” or “origin,” creates “Shuparo,” referring to the main stream of the Yubari River. As the name suggests, the dam plays a vital role in supplying water resources to the region while being surrounded by rich natural scenery.

The sheer size of the dam and its expansive lake provide a sense of awe-inspiring scale. It’s a must-visit spot not only for dam enthusiasts but also for travelers seeking to experience Hokkaido’s vast and majestic natural landscapes.