Hoheikyo Dam

Overview

Hoheikyo Dam is a 102-meter-high arch dam on the Toyohira River, about 35 km southwest of central Sapporo near Jozankei. Its signature feature is a fan-shaped water discharge that uses no electricity — the water pressure alone creates a spectacular display visible from a viewing platform. The surrounding canyon is one of Hokkaido's top autumn foliage spots.

Highlights

• Fan-Shaped Water Discharge: An 80-meter-wide arc of water powered solely by hydraulic pressure, running June–October.
• Autumn Foliage Canyon: The dam lake and gorge are ablaze with red and yellow maples in mid-October.
• Dam Museum: A small free exhibition explaining the dam's construction and the Toyohira River watershed.

History

Completed in 1972, Hoheikyo Dam provides flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power for Sapporo. The fan-shaped discharge was engineered as an energy-free pressure-release mechanism that has become a tourist attraction in its own right, drawing 100,000+ visitors annually.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit between June and October when the water discharge operates (seasonal schedule posted at the gate).
• Tip 2: Combine with Jozankei Onsen (15 minutes away) for a full-day nature excursion.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.