Kawauchi Dam is located in Fukuurayama, Kawauchi Town, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. The dam was constructed on the upper reaches of the Kawauchi River, a Class B river in the Kawauchi River system. It is widely known as the northernmost dam on Honshu, Japan’s main island.
The dam plays an important role in flood control and securing a stable water supply for the surrounding region. At the same time, the reservoir created by the dam, known as Lake Kawauchi, has developed into a scenic destination where visitors can enjoy the peaceful natural environment of the Shimokita Peninsula.
The Kawauchi River flows through the southwestern part of the Shimokita Peninsula. Its headwaters are located at Mount Nuidoshi, which rises to 625 meters above sea level.
The river flows through the Nohira settlement area created in connection with the dam, receiving water from tributaries such as the Yabitsu River and Nakagawa River. Farther downstream, it joins the Yuno River before eventually flowing into Mutsu Bay.
The Kawauchi River basin receives more than 2,000 millimeters of precipitation annually and has a cool climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 6.8°C. These natural conditions contribute to the area’s abundant water resources and lush landscapes.
Lake Kawauchi was created when Kawauchi Dam was completed. In 2005, it was selected as one of the 100 Best Dam Lakes in Japan by the Dam Reservoir Environmental Improvement Center.
As the northernmost artificial lake on Honshu, Lake Kawauchi offers a distinctive northern landscape. A fountain installed on the lake creates a refreshing sight and adds an attractive feature to the calm waters.
Facilities around the lake include Michi-no-Eki Kawauchi Lake, the Lakeside Park, and the Nohira Kogen Exchange Center and Lake House. These facilities serve as convenient bases for sightseeing, resting, enjoying local food, and learning about the surrounding area.
Every July, a nature education event known as the “Forest and Lake Gathering” is held around the Nohira Kogen Campground. The event provides opportunities to learn about and experience the forests, lakes, and natural environment of the region.
In October, visitors can also enjoy the Kawauchi Kogen Festival & Beko Festival. Local specialties, traditional culture, and community activities come together during this seasonal event, creating an opportunity for visitors to interact with local residents.
Downstream from the dam, the Kawauchi River Gorge Walking Trail extends for approximately 4.4 kilometers. The trail follows the river through a scenic natural landscape and is a popular place for walking and enjoying the forests and gorge.
At the end of the trail is Fureai Onsen Kawauchi, a local hot spring facility. Visitors can relax in the hot springs after a walk through the gorge, combining outdoor activity with traditional Japanese bathing culture.
The combination of a peaceful forest walk, beautiful river scenery, and a relaxing hot spring makes this area an attractive destination for travelers who want to experience the quieter side of northern Japan.
Michi-no-Eki Kawauchi Lake is located along Aomori Prefectural Route 253, the Chogo-Kawauchi Line. Its alternative name is the Nohira Kogen Exchange Center.
The facility stands beside Lake Kawauchi and features a lodge-style building constructed using locally produced hiba cypress wood. Inside, visitors can find a shop selling regional specialties as well as a casual dining and rest area.
Mountain Stream Soba and Highland Zaru Soba are soba dishes served with local mountain vegetables and fish from the surrounding streams. They offer a simple way to taste ingredients associated with the area’s forests and rivers.
Deep-Fried Yamame features fresh yamame, or Japanese landlocked salmon, raised in the clear waters of the Kawauchi area. The dish highlights the region’s connection with its mountain streams.
Keiran is a traditional local dish made with glutinous rice from the Kawauchi area. It is available from approximately April through November and provides an opportunity to experience a regional specialty that is less familiar outside northern Japan.
Dam Curry is a local specialty featuring generously prepared scallops from Mutsu Bay. The dish is designed around the theme of the nearby dam and provides a fun way to enjoy local seafood.
Black Soybean Soft Serve is a popular dessert made using locally produced black soybeans. Its distinctive flavor makes it a favorite choice for a snack after sightseeing around the lake.
These dishes share a common characteristic: they make use of ingredients from the local mountains, rivers, and sea. For visitors, trying the food at Michi-no-Eki Kawauchi Lake is a simple way to experience the regional character of Kawauchi.
The Kawauchi River has historically been prone to flooding, causing repeated damage to communities along the river. Particularly severe floods occurred during heavy rainfall in 1966 and Typhoon No. 7 in 1968. Flooding continued to be a recurring problem in subsequent years.
These circumstances led to the development of a plan to construct Kawauchi Dam. The project was intended to improve flood control and stabilize the local water supply.
The construction of the dam required the relocation of all 36 households in the Nohira district. In 1981, a ceremony marking the departure of the residents from their former community was held.
A monument known as the Ryukon no Hi, or “Monument to the Souls,” was established to commemorate the event. It remains a symbol of the memories of the people who left their hometown and of the history of the community that once existed there.
1971: Preliminary investigations began.
1973: Detailed project investigations were carried out.
1975: Construction officially began.
1980: Agreements concerning land compensation were reached, and construction of replacement roads began.
1986: Replacement roads were completed, and construction of the main dam structure began.
1988: Concrete placement for the dam body began.
1990: Concrete placement was completed.
1992: Trial reservoir filling began.
May 9, 1993: The dam was officially completed after approximately 20 years of planning and construction.
Kawauchi Dam and Lake Kawauchi demonstrate how infrastructure and the natural environment can become closely connected. The dam was built primarily for practical purposes such as flood control and water management, but the resulting lake has also become an important recreational and tourism destination.
Visitors can enjoy the peaceful waters of Lake Kawauchi, explore the surrounding forests and river gorge, sample local dishes at Michi-no-Eki Kawauchi Lake, and relax in a nearby hot spring.
At the same time, the landscape carries the history of the communities that once occupied the area. The relocation of the Nohira residents and the long construction process are important parts of the story behind today’s lake.
For travelers exploring Mutsu City and the Shimokita Peninsula, Kawauchi Dam and Lake Kawauchi offer a chance to experience a quieter side of northern Aomori, where scenic lakes, forests, local food, hot springs, and community history come together in one destination.