Naruko Dam was the first arch construction dam in the Tohoku region. It is also famous as being the first dam in the country to have been built solely by Japanese engineers. With a height of 95m and width of 215m it is an imposing sight, and the beauty of the emerald green waters of the dam’s waters is breath-taking.

The best seasons to visit are late spring when the mountains are at their greenest, or in autumn for the autumnal leaves. In the late spring season of fresh greenery, around the Golden Week holidays in early May, visitors can enjoy the sight of water being released from the dam and koi carp streamers fluttering merrily in the wind. When autumn comes the mountains around the dam transform into a sea of burner umber colours and there are days when the dam is illuminated.

Close by is the Arao-kohan Park Campsite that has camping facilities and sports grounds to keep even the most active person busy.

A thematic journey in the Tohoku region:Riverside