Tsuburo Dam is located in the Kawaraya area of Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Built across the Tsuburo River, part of the Kinokawa River system, it is a gravity-type concrete dam designed primarily to supply agricultural and domestic water. Today, it plays an important role in supporting the water needs of the Nara Basin.
The reservoir created by the dam, known as Lake Tsuburo, is surrounded by forested hills and offers beautiful scenery throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, fishing, lakeside walks, and views of seasonal flowers and autumn foliage. The lake is also an important reminder of the extensive water development projects that helped transform agriculture and daily life in Nara Prefecture.
Historically, securing sufficient water was a major challenge in the Nara Basin, where large rivers were scarce. Even when other regions enjoyed good harvests, drought frequently caused poor agricultural yields in Nara. Wakayama Prefecture, despite having abundant water at certain times, also faced shortages because much of its rainfall was concentrated in the summer, creating a risk of drought during other periods.
Both prefectures therefore had strong reasons to seek a more reliable water supply. Finding a way to distribute water across regional boundaries became a major public issue, particularly as agriculture and local communities increasingly needed stable access to irrigation water.
From 1947 onward, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the predecessor of today’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, promoted national irrigation and agricultural water projects. In the Kinokawa River basin, plans emerged to divert water from the Yoshino River system to the Nara Basin. The project became known as the Yoshino River Water Diversion Project.
However, negotiations with Wakayama Prefecture over water rights proved difficult. Disagreements continued for years and repeatedly developed into disputes over the allocation of water. The project required a compromise that would address the needs of both prefectures while establishing a more dependable supply for agricultural communities.
Eventually, an agreement was reached that incorporated a plan to supplement the Kinokawa River with water from the Kumano River via Sarutani Dam, which had been planned by the Ministry of Construction, the predecessor of today’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This arrangement helped make water diversion to Nara Prefecture possible.
In 1949, the broader Totsukawa–Kinokawa Comprehensive Development Project was formulated. The plan included the construction of Tsuburo Dam alongside Ōsako Dam and Yamada Dam, forming part of a coordinated system designed to improve water management across the region.
Construction of Tsuburo Dam began in 1954. Creating the reservoir required the relocation of 72 households. Residents faced the difficult decision to leave their homes, but many accepted the move in recognition of the project’s importance to the future water supply of the region.
Some of the displaced residents settled in Sōryō-chō, in Nara City, where a new community called Tsuburo-chō was established. The story of these relocations forms an important part of the dam’s history, reflecting the human impact of large-scale infrastructure development.
Tsuburo Dam was completed in 1962, and water deliveries to the Nara Basin began. The dam stands 54.3 meters high and was built primarily for water utilization rather than flood control. Its principal role is to store and supply water for agricultural irrigation and daily use.
Water from Tsuburo Dam is conveyed downstream through the Shimobuchi diversion weir before being distributed to agricultural and other users in northern Nara Prefecture. The service area includes 11 cities, among them Nara, Yamatokōriyama, Ikoma, Tenri, Sakurai, and Uda, as well as 15 towns and villages in the districts of Ikoma, Kitakatsuragi, and Takaichi.
Additional infrastructure has strengthened the regional water network. Ōsako Dam was completed in 1973, and Ōtaki Dam was added in 2009, helping improve the stability of water supplies. Water from the Yodo River system is also conveyed to northern Nara Prefecture from Murō Dam, further diversifying the region’s water resources.
Lake Tsuburo was created when Tsuburo Dam was built. It is one of the notable large bodies of water in Nara Prefecture outside the Kii Mountain region and is now a popular destination for enjoying the outdoors.
Wooded hills surround the lake, and the changing seasons give the landscape a different character throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, while autumn adds vivid colors to the surrounding mountains. The calm water and natural setting make the lake an appealing place for a relaxing day trip.
Sightseeing boat cruises generally operate from March 15 through the end of November, allowing visitors to appreciate the lake from the water. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are especially attractive during a cruise, when the changing colors of the shoreline can be enjoyed from a different perspective.
In 1972, the lake and its surroundings became part of Yoshino River Tsuburo Prefectural Natural Park. Nature trails and viewpoints provide opportunities to explore the landscape on foot and enjoy the area’s scenery at a slower pace.
Three pedestrian suspension bridges cross parts of the lake and its inlets, offering views of the water and wooded shoreline.
Hirao Suspension Bridge: Approximately 149 meters long, this bridge provides an elevated view of the lake’s surrounding landscape.
Irino Suspension Bridge: Approximately 85 meters long, it offers another scenic crossing for visitors exploring the lakeside area.
Yamaguchi Suspension Bridge: Approximately 76 meters long. This bridge has been reported as closed to pedestrian traffic, so visitors should confirm its current status before planning a walk.
The area around Lake Tsuburo also has cultural and historical points of interest. Nearby attractions include hot spring facilities and Yoshino Yamaguchi Shrine, which historical records indicate received the court rank of Shōgoi-no-ge in 859. Ryūmon Falls, traditionally associated with a visit by the celebrated haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, offers another reason to explore the surrounding countryside.
Lake Tsuburo is well known among anglers in the Kansai region and has a particularly strong reputation for herabuna fishing, a popular style of Japanese freshwater fishing for crucian carp. The lake’s irregular shoreline creates numerous sheltered areas that provide suitable habitats for fish.
In addition to herabuna, anglers may catch carp and largemouth bass. The variety of fishing opportunities attracts enthusiasts throughout the year, especially on weekends. The lake has also hosted fishing-related events, including a largemouth bass festival held in 2005.
Fishing is prohibited near the dam structure itself. Visitors should observe posted restrictions, follow local fishing regulations, and respect the surrounding environment. Conditions and access rules may change, so checking local guidance before fishing is recommended.
From Yamato-Kamiichi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Yumori Onsen Suginoyu and get off at Tsuburoko-guchi bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately eight minutes. From the stop, the dam is about a 40-minute walk, covering roughly 2.8 kilometers.
Because the final approach is a considerable walk, visitors should allow enough time and check the bus timetable in advance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Visitors can also reach the area by car using the surrounding national and prefectural roads.
From Wakayama City or Hashimoto: Follow National Route 169 toward Kawakami Village, then turn onto Nara Prefectural Route 258 at the Tsuburoko Iriguchi intersection.
From Iga or Uda: Follow National Route 370 south, turn right at the Sanchaya intersection, and continue onto Nara Prefectural Route 28.
Roads around the dam are generally narrow and often only wide enough for one vehicle. On weekdays, large trucks traveling to and from nearby quarries may also use these roads. Drivers should proceed carefully, watch for oncoming traffic, and allow extra time for the journey.
Tsuburo Dam and Lake Tsuburo offer more than attractive lakeside scenery. The dam represents a major chapter in the history of water management in Nara Prefecture, helping secure the water needed by farms and communities across the Nara Basin. The reservoir has also created a landscape where visitors can enjoy boat cruises, fishing, suspension bridges, and seasonal natural beauty.
Whether you are interested in infrastructure and regional history or simply looking for a peaceful outdoor destination near Yoshino, Lake Tsuburo is a rewarding place to explore. Before visiting, check current transport schedules, boat operations, bridge access, and fishing restrictions to make the most of your trip.