Let's head to Lake Okutadami, Japan's largest power-generating lake!
Fresh Greenery and Lake Okutadami
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Uonuma City, located in southern Niigata Prefecture, is a town rich in nature at the foot of the Echigo Sanzan mountain range. Winter snow and spring meltwater irrigate the land, helping to cultivate delicious Uonuma koshihikari rice. Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, outdoor experiences in summer, golden rice fields and autumn leaves in autumn, and blankets of snow in winter. Every season offers stunning scenery that will make you want to take a photo. After your trip, take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. The flavors unique to a snowy country, such as freshly cooked koshihikari rice and wild vegetable dishes, will satisfy your soul. It's about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Why not take a leisurely trip to experience the warmth of nature and people?
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Japan's largest man-made lake boasts a water storage capacity of 600 million cubic meters. The Okutadami Silver Line, built to transport materials during dam construction, features 18 km of tunnels out of its total 22 km length. The seemingly endless tunnels feel like slipping into another world. It's also a recommended cool and refreshing spot in summer. (Walking inside the tunnels is not permitted.)
Fresh greenery
The fresh green of the mountains contrasts beautifully with the remaining snow, creating a scene reminiscent of a fjord. The view from a sightseeing boat, feeling the refreshing spring breeze, is truly special.
autumn leaves
One of Niigata's premier autumn foliage spots, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Autumn Foliage Destinations. Featuring a primeval beech forest and numerous broadleaf trees, visitors can encounter a variety of autumn colors—red, purple, vermilion, and yellow—depending on the season. Sightseeing boats operate on the lake, offering a recommended way to enjoy the vividly colored foliage reflected on the water's surface.
| More Information | Oku and Oku Pleasure Boat |
| address | Imokawa Otori, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture |
| parking | ⚪︎ |
| toilet | ⚪︎ |
| season | Fresh greenery: late May to early June Autumn leaves: mid-October to early November |
| Related Sites | Lake Okutadami / Lake Okutadami Pleasure Boat |
| remarks | The best time to see the autumn leaves varies depending on weather conditions. |
Okutadami Electric Power Museum
Lake Okutadami, one of Japan's largest man-made lakes constructed during the nation's high-growth era, still boasts the Okutadami Dam—Japan's largest hydroelectric power plant. Discover how the dam was built over half a century ago and how it generates electricity through state-of-the-art AR experiences and hands-on power generation demonstrations! Located within walking distance from the Lake Okutadami sightseeing boat pier and parking lot, be sure to visit when you come to Lake Okutadami!
| More Information | Oku Electric Power Tadami |
| address | 1317-3 Otori, Imokawa, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture |
| parking | ⚪︎ To Lake Okutadami Parking Lot |
| toilet | ⚪︎ |
| Opening hours | 9:00-16:50 |
| Closed days | Irregular holidays/Closed during winter (early November to mid-May) |
| Admission fee | free |
Spring and fall are the best seasons! Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Okutadami on a lake cruise!
How was it? The season of fresh greenery with lingering snow on the mountains. The season of autumn leaves when the entire mountain turns yellow, orange, and red. Both offer breathtaking views. Plus, stopping by the Okutadami Power Museum deepens your understanding of Lake Okutadami's history and the dam! Please come see the spectacular scenery of Okutadami!
The Uonuma City Tourism Association also shares tourism and gourmet information on its official website. Please visit our official homepage!
Uonuma City, located in southern Niigata Prefecture, is a town rich in nature at the foot of the Echigo Sanzan mountain range. Winter snow and spring meltwater irrigate the land, helping to cultivate delicious Uonuma koshihikari rice. Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, outdoor experiences in summer, golden rice fields and autumn leaves in autumn, and blankets of snow in winter. Every season offers stunning scenery that will make you want to take a photo. After your trip, take a relaxing dip in a hot spring. The flavors unique to a snowy country, such as freshly cooked koshihikari rice and wild vegetable dishes, will satisfy your soul. It's about two hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Why not take a leisurely trip to experience the warmth of nature and people?
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