Hakusui Tameike Embankment (Hakusui Dam)

Overview

The Hakusui Tameike Embankment is a beautiful gravity-style concrete and stone embankment located on the upper reaches of the Ono River in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. On May 13, 1999, it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan as the Hakusui Tameike Embankment Water Control Facility. It's commonly called the Hakusui Dam, but according to Japan's River Act, a dam must be at least 15m high. The Hakusui Tameike Embankment, with a height of 13.9m, is not officially classified as a dam. Construction of the Hakusui Tameike Embankment, designed to alleviate water shortages in the Fujioiro waterway supplying Taketa City and the Ogata district of Bungooono City, began in April 1934 and was completed in March 1938. It's an overflow-type gravity concrete dam with a stone facing. The embankment's ends feature unique water channels adapted to the terrain; the right bank has a curved spillway, while the left bank has a stepped spillway. When the water flow is strong, the water from these side channels mitigates the force of the central flow. Because Taketa City's surroundings consist of volcanically unstable ground from the Aso mountain area, these curved and side channels were incorporated to prevent foundation damage from the impact of the falling water. The beauty of the water flowing over the embankment's stepped spillway and the water channels is highly praised, with some researchers calling it Japan's most beautiful dam. Images of this embankment have also been used in commercials for Nikkaido, a mugi shochu (barley shochu) from Oita Prefecture. The Hakusui Tameike Embankment offers convenient amenities like a parking lot and restrooms, making it easy to visit. There are also walking paths and observation points around the dam, allowing visitors to enjoy the abundant natural surroundings.