【Kamichi Town】Searching for Kamichigawa Dam, I Ended Up at Kamichigawa Second Dam – And Found Little to Impress.

"Dam touring? It's deeper than you think."

Such was the slightly unexpected journey I took in Kamiichi Town, Toyama Prefecture, a journey that made me want to shout that sentiment from the rooftops. Today, I'm excited to share a wonderfully relatable dam exploration journey I stumbled upon in a YouTube video.

The video's title: 【上市町】上市川ダムの行き方がわからずいきなり上市川第二ダムへ行ったけど、特に取れ高は無かったという感想です。#shorts

While it's an amusingly honest sentiment, isn't that precisely the essence of travel, the real fun of an unplanned adventure? This time, we'll delve deeper into Kamiichi River Second Dam, as revealed in the video, and uncover the hidden charms of Kamiichi Town.

Aiming for Kamiichi River Dam, Ending Up at Kamiichi River Second Dam! How Mishaps Are the Spice of Travel

When visiting dams, it's actually quite common for dam enthusiasts to find themselves thinking, "Huh? This isn't quite right..." even when following their navigation. The video's creator, too, couldn't find the road to the original Kamiichi River Dam and ended up at Kamiichi River Second Dam instead.

These unexpected detours are truly the spice of travel. When things don't go according to plan, you often stumble upon unforgettable sights or make new discoveries. For instance, getting lost might lead you to a breathtaking viewpoint you'd never have found otherwise, or spark engaging interactions with locals – unexpected 'bonuses' from your journey.

Kamiichi Town is home to two similarly named dams: Kamiichi River Dam and Kamiichi River Second Dam. Among dam aficionados, they're sometimes affectionately called the 'Main House' and the 'Branch House.' First, let's pinpoint the location of Kamiichi River Second Dam, which appeared in the video.

Kamiichi River Dam is located even further inland, and the journey there promises an adventure that will pique your explorer's spirit. Next time you visit Kamiichi Town, why not plan a 'revenge trip' to Kamiichi River Dam?

The Unexpected Charm of Kamiichi River Second Dam: Why It's Enjoyable Even Without a "Big Haul"

While the video candidly stated "there wasn't much to see," what exactly was the creator's benchmark for "a good haul"? Perhaps the majestic scenery or overwhelming scale they envisioned simply didn't materialize. However, Kamiichi River Second Dam, though not flashy, definitely possesses a charm that can be savored slowly.

Kamiichi River Second Dam is a power generation dam managed by Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

• Type: Gravity Concrete Dam
• Height: 29.5m
• Crest Length: 104.2m
• Completed: 1953 (Showa 28)

Though a relatively small dam, standing under 30 meters tall, its completion in Showa 28 (1953) gives it a historical presence that is truly captivating. Nestled amidst lush greenery and standing in quiet solitude, its form is reminiscent of a traditional landscape painting.

While it might lack the grandeur of a major tourist dam, what's truly noteworthy here is the dam's 'functional beauty' and its 'history.' It has quietly supported the region's power supply for many years, and its robust structure, while blending with nature, still exudes a strong, undeniable presence.

Behind the "not much to see" sentiment, perhaps there was a luxurious way of spending time: escaping the urban hustle and simply contemplating the dam in tranquility. The true joy of dam touring lies not only in their overwhelming scale but also in appreciating the stories they hold and their harmony with the surrounding nature.

Kamiichi River Second Dam is precisely such a place, where you can quietly appreciate a "dam in the landscape." It might just be the perfect spot for those seeking a moment of peace and tranquility.

🌐 Related Link: Dam Net - Kamiichi River Second Dam

More Than Just Dams in Kamiichi Town! Explore Hidden Gems Rich in Nature and History

Even if you felt "there wasn't much to see" at Kamiichi River Second Dam, Kamiichi Town boasts many other charming attractions beyond its dams. Since you've made the trip all the way to Kamiichi Town, be sure to visit the surrounding tourist spots and immerse yourself in its rich nature and culture.

1. Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple

An ancient temple with a rich history, believed to have been founded during the Tenpyo era (729–749). It boasts numerous attractions, including the "Fudo Myoo Cliff-carved Buddha," a National Important Cultural Property, and a three-story pagoda. Especially in summer, its "somen nagashi" (flowing noodles) is famous, drawing many visitors. This serene mountain temple is also a spiritual power spot, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.

2. Kamiichi River's Thousand Cherry Trees

In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom magnificently along both banks of the Kamiichi River, creating a stunning tunnel of blossoms. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll among the cherry blossoms or for enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing). If you're heading towards Kamiichi River Dam in spring, these beautiful cherry trees will surely add vibrant color to your journey.

3. Views of Mount Tsurugi

Kamiichi Town offers close-up views of Mount Tsurugi, part of the Tateyama Mountain Range in the Northern Alps. The majestic sight of Mount Tsurugi, especially when seen from the town center, is truly breathtaking. While touring the dams or strolling through town, be sure to capture its beautiful silhouette in your photos.

4. Alps Health Land (Kamiichi Town Health & Cultural Facility Alps)

If you're looking to soothe your travel fatigue, we recommend Alps Health Land, a popular hot spring facility cherished by locals. Relax in its various baths and saunas, and perhaps reflect on your travel memories.

Kamiichi Town is a charming destination where rich nature, history, and a tranquil pace of life converge. Embrace any dam-touring mishaps as opportunities for new discoveries, and take your time to thoroughly enjoy all that Kamiichi Town has to offer.

Summary

What this YouTube video revealed to us is the joy of spontaneous travel and the fact that even places that initially seem "unremarkable" can reveal their charm if you take the time to truly engage with them. Kamiichi River Second Dam, in its very existence, embodies history and offers beautiful landscapes harmonized with its natural surroundings.

Beyond dam touring, Kamiichi Town is brimming with captivating spots, including historic temples, stunning cherry blossom avenues, and magnificent mountain views, all ready to enchant visitors. For your next trip to Toyama, why not add Kamiichi Town to your itinerary?

Who knows, you might just discover your own "special treasure" there! I hope all our readers create wonderful memories in Kamiichi Town.

📍 Toyama Travel Guide (Kamiichi Town Area)

Here's some tourist information for the areas around the spots introduced in this article.

• 🎡 Things to Do in Toyama: Find activities on Rakuten Travel Experiences